Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan reflect on 'Walking Dead' journey as 'Dead City' approaches end

Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Lauren Cohan are preparing to say goodbye to The Walking Dead universe once again as The Walking Dead: Dead City heads towards its conclusion, with the longtime co-stars reflecting on more than a decade of shared history in the franchise.

Speaking to Variety, Morgan and Cohan looked back on their years playing Negan and Maggie, two characters whose relationship evolved from bitter enemies to uneasy allies. The actors discussed the emotional experience of revisiting their characters in Dead City, which has allowed them to explore a far more complex dynamic than audiences saw in the original series.

Cohan admitted that stepping back into Maggie's world has continued to challenge her as an actor, particularly as the character grapples with lingering trauma caused by Negan's murder of her husband Glenn. Meanwhile, Morgan said one of the most rewarding aspects of Dead City has been examining how Negan continues to wrestle with the consequences of his past actions.

The pair also reflected on the longevity of The Walking Dead franchise and the passionate fanbase that has supported it since the flagship series premiered in 2010. According to Morgan, the continued enthusiasm from viewers has been one of the biggest surprises of his career, especially given how many years have passed since Negan's first appearance.

Throughout Dead City, Maggie and Negan have been forced into increasingly uncomfortable situations as they navigate a post-apocalyptic Manhattan overrun with walkers and rival factions. Their uneasy partnership has become the emotional core of the spin-off, allowing the actors to move beyond the straightforward hero-versus-villain dynamic that defined much of their relationship on the original show.

Morgan and Cohan also spoke about the trust they have built as scene partners over the years. Having worked together since Negan's shocking debut in 2016, both actors said their off-screen friendship has helped them tackle some of the franchise's most emotionally demanding material.

While neither actor revealed specific details about the future of their characters, both acknowledged that the latest season carries a sense of finality. The possibility of bringing Maggie and Negan's story to a meaningful close has weighed heavily on the cast and creative team, particularly after years of development across multiple series.

The Walking Dead: Dead City debuted in 2023 as the first direct sequel to the original The Walking Dead, focusing on Maggie and Negan's reluctant alliance in New York City. The series quickly became one of AMC's most successful spin-offs and helped extend the franchise's life following the conclusion of the flagship show in 2022.

As the series approaches its final chapters, Morgan and Cohan made clear that regardless of what happens next, they remain grateful for the characters that have defined much of their careers and for the fans who have stayed invested in their story for more than a decade.

"It's been a hell of a ride," Morgan said, reflecting on a journey that began with one of television's most notorious villains and evolved into one of the franchise's most compelling relationships.