Lauren Cohan Reflects on Her Journey as Maggie in The Walking Dead Universe
Maggie’s Character Development and Grief
Lauren Cohan, known for her portrayal of Maggie Greene-Rhee in The Walking Dead universe, recently sat down to discuss her 12-year journey playing the character. She delved into Maggie’s grief after Glenn’s death, her chemistry with Steven Yeun, and the opportunity to showcase the morally gray side of Maggie in the spin-off series, The Walking Dead: Dead City. Cohan expressed her excitement about taking Maggie’s character to new depths and exploring the rich story of grief and trauma.
Throughout the interview, Cohan reflected on some of her favorite moments from her early days on The Walking Dead, particularly in seasons 2 and 3, where Maggie’s character was filled with raw emotions and faced numerous challenges. From running from the farm to performing a C-section on Lori, Maggie’s character experienced significant growth and resilience. Cohan also highlighted the importance of Maggie and Glenn’s relationship, which was widely beloved by fans for its unique romance amidst the apocalyptic setting.
The Spin-Off Series and New York City Setting
Cohan discussed the creation of the spin-off series, Dead City, and how conversations about a potential spin-off began even before the end of The Walking Dead. Initially, Cohan was set to return to the main series alongside Jeffrey Dean Morgan, but plans eventually shifted towards creating a spin-off centered on Maggie and Negan in a new location and storyline. Cohan expressed her enthusiasm for the new setting and the opportunity to explore Maggie’s character further.
The decision to set Dead City in New York City was based on the excitement of showcasing a location vastly different from the Georgia woods. Cohan mentioned that the absence of walkers in the city added to the tension and unease, as viewers anticipated their inevitable presence. Filming in New York City provided a fresh perspective for the characters, as they navigate unfamiliar territory and face new challenges.
Maggie and Negan’s Partnership and Morally Gray Dynamics
One of the most intriguing aspects of Dead City is the unlikely partnership between Maggie and Negan, given their history. Cohan highlighted the exploration of the morally gray side of Maggie through her interactions with Negan. Both characters have committed acts that resulted in the deaths of others, and Cohan found it fascinating to portray the complexities of their relationship. She emphasized the distinction between Maggie and Negan, acknowledging that while they may share certain traits, they are not the same.
Cohan delved into the internal struggle within Maggie as she grapples with the desire for revenge and the need to move forward. She acknowledged that Maggie’s trauma from Glenn’s death is a driving force behind her actions and decisions, and that it influences her interactions with Negan. The partnership between Maggie and Negan provides an opportunity for Cohan to explore Maggie’s growth and understanding of Negan’s perspective, while still grappling with her own pain.
Character Arc and Filming Experience
Cohan emphasized the different aspects of Maggie’s character arc, particularly the transformation from the “old Maggie” to the post-Glenn Maggie. She described the process of rediscovering who Maggie was before her current trauma and how that journey shapes her in Dead City. Cohan expressed the importance of acknowledging Maggie’s past actions and the impact they have had on her survival and perseverance.
Filming Dead City in a city setting, unlike the woods of Georgia in the original series, brought a sense of novelty and difference to the show. Cohan noted the various locations used, which added to the eerie and foreboding atmosphere. The new setting allowed for a fresh perspective on the characters and their struggles, with Maggie and Negan being out of their comfort zones.
Cohan concluded the interview by expressing her involvement in the creative process of Dead City and her excitement for the upcoming season. With a concise and focused story arc, Cohan felt that this new season would allow for deeper exploration of the characters and their experiences within the apocalypse.
Editorial: The Evolving World of The Walking Dead Universe
The Walking Dead universe has captivated audiences for over a decade with its gripping storytelling and complex characters. Lauren Cohan’s portrayal of Maggie has been an integral part of this universe, and her journey reflects the show’s commitment to character development and exploration of the human experience.
The spin-off series, Dead City, offers a fresh and exciting narrative for fans of The Walking Dead. By shifting the focus to Maggie and Negan, the creators have allowed for new layers of storytelling to emerge. The morally gray dynamics between Maggie and Negan present an opportunity to delve into the complexities of human nature and the ambiguous choices made in times of survival.
Furthermore, the shift in setting from the Georgia woods to New York City adds an intriguing element to the show. The contrast between the urban landscape and the absence of walkers creates a palpable tension and raises questions about the state of the world post-apocalypse. The city becomes a character itself, reflecting the unfamiliarity and danger that the protagonists face.
The evolving world of The Walking Dead universe highlights the resilience and adaptability of its characters. As viewers, we witness their growth and transformation, as well as the challenges they face along the way. The creative team behind the show continues to push boundaries and explore new avenues for storytelling, keeping audiences engaged and intrigued.
Advice: Embracing Character Development and Exploring New Horizons
The success of The Walking Dead universe lies in its ability to embrace character development and explore new narratives. As individuals, we can take inspiration from this approach in our own lives. Embracing growth and change, even in the face of adversity, can lead to personal transformation and new horizons.
Like Maggie, we can learn from past experiences and use them as stepping stones to propel ourselves forward. It is essential to acknowledge the impact of our actions and take responsibility for our growth. By embracing the complexities of our own lives and understanding the gray areas, we can develop empathy and compassion for others.
Additionally, stepping outside our comfort zones can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives. Just as Dead City explores new settings and challenges for its characters, we can seek out new experiences that push us beyond our limits. By embracing change and unfamiliarity, we can learn valuable lessons about our own resilience and adaptability.
In the end, The Walking Dead universe serves as a reminder that the human spirit is capable of overcoming unimaginable challenges. The characters’ journeys inspire us to embrace character development, explore new horizons, and find strength in the face of adversity.
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