Danai Gurira has opened up about Michonne’s 12-year character arc ahead of her return in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, while also detailing her new behind-the-scenes role on the show. Gurira has been portraying Michonne since The Walking Dead season 3, last taking up her katana when she left in search of a missing Rick Grimes in season 10. The upcoming spinoff will see the characters’ journey continue as they try and find their way back home.

Speaking with The Daily Show, Gurira reflected on Michonne’s 12-year character arc prior to The Ones Who Live‘s release.

Starting at 1:54, the actor talks about the transition from the main show to the spinoff, while also expanding on her role as a writer and executive producer for the series. Check out what Gurira had to say below:

Well it was actually really cool. Because from where you start, you get a role – what was that, like, 12 years ago? And it’s in this show that was massive at the time. And it was just like, I’m just hoping I can keep this katana in my hand and not drop it when they’re shooting. And then to go through this whole arc with the character and the journey she’s had, which has been tremendous and I’m very thankful for how she was written. And then to go into actually creating the spinoff that completes her story with the man who she loves – with Rick Grimes – that was a very cool arc.I mean, the interesting parts of it were, of course, executive producing is a lot of work. But then…there was an episode that I wrote, that I was showrunning. And [showrunner] Scott Gimple was like, ‘Don’t talk to me, talk to her. It’s all her.’ And there are times I’m in, like, this very intense episode, and then I noticed that the corpse in the scene doesn’t look dead enough. And I’m like, ‘Special effects, makeup, can you just help me with this a little bit?’ So I have to jump out of Michonne and make sure she looks good and three weeks dead, and then jump back into the role.

How Will Michonne’s Story Develop In The Ones Who Live?

Gurira wrote and acted as showrunner for episode 4 of the upcoming spinoff, while she also serves as an executive producer alongside her co-star, Andrew Lincoln. The series’ stars getting involved in the show’s production reveals how much of the series will bring to life their vision of how Rick and Michonne’s story should continue. Given how well-loved both characters are, the spinoff could prove to be the biggest story The Walking Dead has ever told.

When it comes to Michonne’s character, she will be seen trying to search for Rick, who is being held captive by the massive yet mysterious CRM. Reuniting her broken family will no doubt be a key motivator in her willingness to push on throughout the show. While it’s unclear when the pair will see each other again, the show being six episodes in length means it may not take much time for her to find him again.

With Gurira heavily involved in not only episode 4, but the series as a whole, The Ones Who Live promises a satisfying conclusion to Rick and Michonne’s story. Although the CRM is being set up as a formidable opponent, everything the pair have been through will only strengthen their resolve to get home. With the premiere just a few days away, it won’t be long until more information about the duo’s journey gets revealed.