Norman Reedus Previews the End of ‘daryl Dixon’: “we’re Wrapping up in a Perfect Way”

The End of an Era: Norman Reedus Discusses ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’

Amidst the 15-year journey through the zombie apocalypse, actor Norman Reedus is approaching the end of his role as Daryl Dixon. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Reedus delves into the final stretch of filming for “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,” detailing the organic process of writing and storytelling that characterizes the show.

The Final Season: A Perfect Wrap-Up?

“We’re on episode six of season four,” Reedus begins, emphasizing the progress they’ve made. “We’re getting really close.” This statement comes after a whirlwind trip home from filming in Spain, where the actor has been working non-stop for what he describes as an intense process. The character’s internal journey is at the heart of this final season, with episodes delving deeply into Daryl’s past and his present struggles.

Reedus reflects on a pivotal conversation between Daryl and Carol (Melissa McBride) in the third season finale, where Daryl expresses his need to run away whenever he feels comfortable. This moment, Reedus believes, “connects with me having played Daryl for 15 years now.” The actor admits that this series has become deeply intertwined with his life, stating, “This show has always coincided with my life a bit.”

Organic Storytelling and Character Development

The character of Daryl Dixon undergoes significant development in the upcoming episodes. Season four is marked by a journey that involves both the past and the future. Reedus explains, “There’s this moment in the season three finale where Daryl and Carol are chatting, and Daryl talks about feeling the need to run away every time he finds himself feeling at home.” This conversation sets the stage for Daryl’s internal struggle, which is a central theme of the final season.

Moreover, flashbacks to Daryl’s childhood are woven into the narrative, providing deeper insight into his backstory.

These episodes highlight the hardships Daryl faced in his youth and how they have shaped him as a character. Reedus notes that these moments offer crucial context: “There was never a soft point for him. So for him to even open up in this way with Carol and think about his life in this way marks huge progress since we first met him in the woods of Georgia.”

The Collaboration Behind ‘Daryl Dixon’

Behind the scenes, Reedus praises the collaborative process that defines “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.” He credits showrunner David Zabel for coming up with last-minute inserts and ensuring that every storyline is thoughtfully crafted. “We organically come up with ideas for storylines as we’re filming,” Reedus states, emphasizing the spontaneity of their creative process.

The actor also comments on a specific scene where Daryl and Carol make it abundantly clear they have never been intimate, acknowledging the care taken to maintain continuity within the show. “I just want to be sure…Daryl and Carol didn’t eat that last can of hot dogs yet, right?” Reedus quips, drawing laughter from his interviewer.

Conclusion

A Reflective End

As they approach the conclusion of this iteration of Daryl Dixon’s story, Reedus remains reflective. “There’s a David Bowie quote that goes something like, ‘What do you think your last words are going to be before you die?’ And he said they would be, ‘But, but, but!’ (Laughs.)” This sentiment encapsulates both the actor’s feelings and the journey of Daryl Dixon, who has come to terms with his past and is now facing an uncertain future.

With one more season left to go, “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” continues to captivate its audience. For Reedus, this final stretch holds both challenges and opportunities for character development, ensuring that the legacy of Daryl Dixon will endure long after his time on screen has come to an end.