THE WALKING DEAD S11
NORMAN REEDUS ON THE WALKING DEAD’S FINAL RUN…
Why it’s the end of the zombie saga but not as we know it for Norman Reedus.
Zom-pocalypse phenom The Walking Dead is coming to a close though it won’t be the last we’ll see of fan favourite Daryl Dixon, who’s been with the show since its first season in 2010. Star Norman Reedus talks endings, new beginnings and tattoos in funny places…
How does it feel saying goodbye? NORMAN REEDUS:
It feels bittersweet. The Walking Dead has become a huge part of my life, so part of me is in denial; it doesn’t seem real. Another part of me is ready for the spin-off [a series with Daryl and Melissa McBride’s Carol has been greenlit]. I’m gearing up for the excitement of what that will be.
What can you tease about the spin-off series?
NR:
It will be different to The Walking Dead. Instead of focusing on a community that’s been built and a bad guy who wants to take over, it’s about the two of us seeing who’s left in the world. It’s Daryl and Carol on a motorbike. It’s a show of hope.
What’s the secret to The Walking
Dead’s longevity?
NR: Every season, we do so many interviews where we say, “This year is bigger and crazier than ever.” Or, “This year is sadder than ever.” The truth is, we’re never lying when we say those things. I think it’s a testament to the writers who keep coming up with new ways to surprise us.
How did Covid affect filming? NR:
Well, it was certainly different on set because we have a lot of new rules and regulations. We’re all part of a big team making a TV show out in the woods and everybody’s used to highfiving and hugging, but you can’t do that right now. You have to keep your distance. It’s a different world.
How does working on a violent, gory show make you feel?
NR:
I’m not insensitive to violence. I’m a very sensitive person. I cry watching movies on planes. I’m that guy. However, I can tell the difference between real human-to-human violence and something that’s fictional. I don’t go looking for trouble and I don’t like to have violence around me. But then I stab a bunch of people in the head all day on TV. I can tell the difference.
Do you feel the show has ever gone too far?
NR:
There was one moment during one of our earlier seasons where an eyeball popped out during a scene. I thought it was too violent. I remember sitting there with Andy [Andrew Lincoln] and we were crying our eyes out. When the rig came in with the eyeball out, we were like, “That’s not our show. What are we doing?” That’s the only moment on the show where I thought maybe we went a little too far.
Have you ever questioned scripts? NR:
You don’t want to repeat stuff, but sometimes it’s inevitable. There will be a line in a script and I’ll say, “I said that three seasons ago.” You just have to put a different take on it. We constantly evolve the story, keep it fresh. It’s moving all the time.
How aware are you of Daryl’s impact on audiences?
NR:
Do you know how many tattoos of my face I’ve seen on people? Thousands. I’ve literally seen thousands of my faces on people’s butts, heads, arms, even feet. My signature is tattooed on people, too. I mean, it just goes on and on. Daryl is everywhere! Adam Tanswell
THE WALKING DEAD S11 STARTS ON STAR ON DISNEY+ ON 23 AUGUST.