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Lauren Cohan to return for season 9 of 'The Walking Dead', but possibly in a reduced role

Cohan's character, Maggie, was the focus of season 8's ending and it looks like the actress will be reprising her role in the upcoming season

When Lauren Cohan's contract with AMC's post-apocalyptic horror series 'The Walking Dead' ended after the conclusion of season 8, many felt that the actress would walk away from the show and not turn back. Portraying the character of Maggie Greene, she had come to play an important role in the show, and fans were sad to see her departure.

However, Cohan put those rumors of her non-return to rest, telling EW: "I’m going back. There’s a lot more Maggie story to tell," and added a potential teaser for the upcoming season as well: "You know we’re not allowed to tell you anything, but it’s good."

A recent report by TVLine also confirms that Cohan will, in fact, be returning for the ninth season of the show. The question of her involvement had initially been brought up because of her upcoming starring-role in ABC's dramedy 'Whiskey Cavalier', which will begin shooting this summer and potentially restrict her from appearing in any other TV show. 

But Deadline states that because Cohan is slated to appear in only six of the first eight episodes of the upcoming season of 'The Walking Dead', the deal with ABC allows for the actress can shoot for the AMC show while on brief hiatuses from 'Whiskey Cavalier'. However, each such episode would still possibly require separate negotiations.

Her impending return will also mean that fans will not be left hanging over the ending of season 8 as well. Rick's and Michonne's decision to spare Negan's life and show him mercy did not sit well with Maggie, who lost her husband Glenn to the psychopath's viciousness in season 7. Season 9 will likely explore that angle further and see Cohan's character possibly take a new arc, separating from the group.

As for 'Whiskey Cavalier', Cohan will be playing the leading role of Francesca 'Frankie' Trowbridge (codename Fiery Tribune), a CIA operative who will have to work alongside Scott Foley's FBI agent Will Chase (code name Whiskey Cavalier). The show also features Ana Ortiz as Susan Sampson and Tyler James Williams as Edgar Standish and will premiere sometime in 2019.