How Daryl Made It to The Walking Dead Given That He Wasn't in the Comics
Daryl is the only original character from the show who has evolved into its most indispensable survivor.
Daryl Dixon has ascended to become one of the most cherished characters on the show, even earning his own spin-off series, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, set to debut on September 10, 2023. But what led to the meteoric rise of a character that didn't even exist in the comics?
When The Walking Dead first graced our screens in 2010, the comic series by Robert Kirkman had already published 78 issues. Yet, none of these issues introduced the Dixon brothers, who were vividly portrayed by Michael Rooker and Norman Reedus respectively.
The creation of the Dixon brothers was a collaborative effort involving Kirkman, and other season one writers, including Frank Darabont.
Daryl's character was molded not just by the writers but also by Reedus' unique portrayal of the role. The actor's distinctive approach to the character inspired the writers to evolve Daryl's character in unforeseen ways as the series unfolded.
Intriguingly, Reedus initially auditioned for the role of Merle. While the casting directors were captivated by his performance, they didn't perceive him as the right fit for the character of Merle, a bigoted, redneck drug dealer.
Hence, Darabont decided to craft a new character, Daryl, specifically tailored for Reedus.
Fans speculated whether Daryl would also make an appearance in the comics. However, Kirkman cited some "logistical issues" that hindered characters from the TV show from being incorporated into the comics.
He also believed it would be inappropriate to integrate the collective work of others into the comic, and he didn't want the show to influence the comic, which was the original source material that gave birth to the show.
Daryl's character arc in the TV series demonstrated significant evolution. He transitions from a recluse to a pivotal leader, establishing deep connections with other characters like Carol and Beth Greene. His journey is particularly noteworthy considering his character's absence from the comic books.
It’s no surprise that he became one of the most adored characters of the show, and fans are eagerly anticipating Daryl’s adventures in France in the forthcoming spinoff, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.
Source: ComicBook.com