“Twelve years is a grueling schedule,” Reedus told Fallon.

“She wanted to take some time off and she’s doing that.

She deserves it.”

The Walking Dead

Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride ride onto ‘The Walking Dead’ as Daryl and Carol.Jackson Lee Davis/AMC

Still, Reedus believes this isn’t the end of the Daryl-Carol story.

And I’m like, ‘Yeah, let’s go on a mission.'"

(Reedus is married to German actressDiane Kruger.)

“Attacking norm for crap he has NOTHING to do with?

Melissa made a call that was hers alone.

She wants/needs a break.

Respect that,“Morgan tweeted.

“Factors involved that are nobody’s business.

Norm, who’s given more than anyone to you all.

He emphasized that Reedus “had nothing to do with picking location.”

“That decision is all about story, ideas… MONEY.

That’s studio/online grid.

Not actors,” he wrote.

“We can say yes and do, or no, and not do… MAYBE.

If we’re lucky and don’t have contract yet.

Rarely does actor have that power.”

The now Daryl-centric spin-off series is being planned for a premiere in 2023.