This Fan-Favorite The Walking Dead Character Was Supposed to Be Gay or Racist

Daryl Dixon, played by Norman Reedus, has become one of the absolute favorites on The Walking Dead. He's been around since season one, and over time, he's totally won over the hearts of fans, becoming a real fan-favorite.

When we first met Daryl, he was a rough-around-the-edges survivalist with a crossbow on his shoulder. But did you know that the show's creators initially had a different vision for him?

In the early days, there were plans to make Daryl a controversial figure, with traits like racism and drug addiction. This would have put him in line with his brother Merle, who was known for his contentious behavior.

However, Norman Reedus, the actor who brings Daryl to life, had different ideas. He pushed back against this initial characterization, arguing that Daryl should be someone who grew up around these negative influences but was uncomfortable with them.

Luckily, this shift allowed Daryl to evolve into a character we respect and admire. But Reedus's influence didn't stop there.

Around 2010, there was chatter about making Daryl gay. This idea was sparked by a conversation between Reedus and writer Frank Darabont. The term "prison gay" was thrown around, referring to individuals who engage in same-sex relationships only in prison. Reedus was open to the idea, but it never came to fruition.

The show has since successfuly introduced a bunch of LGBTQ characters, like Tara and Aaron, and there was speculation that Jesus might be confirmed as gay.

Fans have even started shipping Jesus and Daryl together, creating fan art and fiction of the duo. However, Daryl never had a gay storyline.

Despite these initial controversial plans, Daryl has grown into a character who is direct, honest, and reliable. He's become a leader and a key figure in the group's survival.

His journey from a potentially divisive character to a fan favorite is a testament to the power of character development and the influence of an actor's interpretation.

Daryl is soon coming back in his own spinoff, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, set to release on September 10, 2023.

Sources: The Mirror, CNET