The Walking Dead: These Actors Almost Played Daryl Dixon Instead of Norman Reedus
It’s hard to image The Walking Dead without Daryl Dixon. And, it’s hard to image Daryl Dixon not portrayed by Norman Reedus. So let’s just get to it…
…No one else was ever even considered to play Daryl Dixon. The part was written for Reedus. Not a single actor ever came close to playing the crossbow-wielding zombie killer!
But the story of how Reedus arrived at the role of Daryl Dixon is fascinating!
When the pilot for The Walking Dead was written, the character of Daryl Dixon didn’t even exist. That was until Reedus came along.
Reedus read the script for the pilot of The Walking Dead before he was offered an opportunity to audition for any part. As he badly wanted the opportunity to be part of the show, he was finally brought in to audition for the part of Merle Dixon. As fans of the show know, this part was awarded to the veteran actor, Michael Rooker.
However, the show’s producers, and specifically the Showrunner, Frank Darabont, were enamored with his audition and knew that they wanted Reedus to be part of The Walking Dead. But, there wasn’t a part to plug Reedus into. All of the parts that Reedus could play were assigned to other actors. As well, every comic book character that Reedus could play in the early episodes were used.
Darabont decided that he would create a character just for Reedus. That’s where Daryl Dixon was born! Fans of the comics know that Daryl Dixon isn’t a comic book character and, ultimately, never even appeared in a single edition of the comics entire run, which ended last year when its creator, Robert Kirkman, ended the comic book series.
Daryl has gone on to be one of the longest running characters on The Walking Dead, along with Carol (Melissa McBride). Not only is he the longest running male character, but he’s also by far the most popular character on the show. Daryl Dixon merchandise outsells any other character, including Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) merchandise. The character even has his own call to arms from his fans, which is, “If Daryl dies, we riot!”
Additional confirmation of Daryl and Reedus’ popularity is reflected in the lines for fans to meet Reedus at conventions. At conventions, such as Walker Stalker Con, Reedus’ lines far exceeded any other actor and there are so many fans wanting to meet him that he could never meet them all.
Reedus is currently under contract through Season 11 of The Walking Dead, along with Melissa McBride. There are rumors that the show will end after Season 11 but it’s hard to believe that it will. Furthermore, it’s hard to image the show without Reedus and with the amount of money that AMC is allegedly paying Reedus, it would be hard to believe him passing up another contract on the show.
We’re headed towards the Season 10 finale of The Walking Dead on October 4th at 8 p.m. Eastern. The episode finds Daryl and the crew surrounded by Beta (Ryan Hurst) and the Whisperers. Reedus had previously said we should expect a Game of Thrones scale battle of epic proportions.
Can you image anyone else as Daryl Dixon? We can’t! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Norman brought a little bit of Norman into his character of Daryl. I always say stay true to yourself and he did. He is so deserving of all good things
I absolutely love TWD, from day one. Love love love Norman Reedus as Daryl. No body else could have played that part. He Is perfect as Daryl. I also like the fact that In real life he Is not a douch thinking people should bow down to him. He Is a true gentleman and respectful towards others. Great guy, father, friend, son, partner. He Is a true gem.. Thank u Norman for being u..
I can tell you this is ALL false just for the reason that they said the character Darryl Dixon was made for Norman Reedus after he tried out for Rick and didn’t get the part but they liked him and his acting so much that they all thought they should make a character just for him so…yeah…
Show needs to go on past 11. Norman makes the show. Love to watch TWD and I’ll be 70 Nov 25. Can I go on the show just once or even more? That would be Great for a old man like me! Give me who to ask to go on TWD Thank You
Love Daryl!!! He is the bomb!!!!!
I hope Melissa and Norman continue in the show, and that the TWD show continues as well. Maybe give us a season of calmness and good times.
Give us more time with TWD. It touches people.
Title: “These Actors Almost Played Daryl Dixon Instead of Norman Reedus’
Story: literally no one listed
I hope that Norman Reddus is on the show forever.as he is my favorite also as Andrew Lincoln is and Melissa Mcbride..why are you killing off the good ones..there are only two Characters that have been on since the 1st show..I have been a fan since day one and I just don’t get why you all are killing the best ones off.please keep Mr. Reddus and Ms.Melissa Mcbride on it..I have liked Mr. Reddus every since boonedock saints.what a great Actor..
Darryl doesn’t exist in the Walking Dead comics and Reedus originally went for the role of Merle mate.
He failed but they improvised and that’s where the his character comes into it.
Nobody else was lined up to play the role since without Reedus the character wouldn’t even exist.
Clickbait title sucks big time. Stop it.