The Walking Dead is a series that sparks a multitude of memories for many. As a TV show that paved the way for zombie media back when it first aired in 2010, it has made a name for itself as a renowned series. And one character in particular has stolen the hearts of many fans of the series: the crossbow-wielding Daryl Dixon.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is a series set to premiere on September 11th in Australia, starring the beloved Norman Reedus alongside Clémence Poésy (Harry Potter), Adam Nagaitis (Chernobyl), Anne Charrier, and Eriq Ebouaney. This spin-off series focuses on Daryl after he washes up on shore in France, which like America, is full of resourceful survivors… and walkers.
Photo Credit: YouTube
In its trailer, we catch glimpses of a zombie-infested Paris, with famous landmarks looking disheveled, much of the city a shell of its former self, and walkers lurking about. And Daryl seems to have found himself amidst a survivor conflict between new groups.
So, what’s the main plot behind the new series? Set in France, the show will focus on Daryl as he becomes entangled in the lives of the new people he meets, like Isabelle. Isabelle (played by Clémence Poésy) is a mysterious woman who is part of a religious resistance network known as the Union of Hope, all of whom are trying to regain faith that humanity can be restored. She joins the journey as Daryl navigates his way through the conflicts, trials, and horrors of Paris to get back home to America.
Photo Credit: Emmanuel Guimier/AMC
We also see in the trailer that the aforementioned resistance of ‘killer nuns’ are well-armed, and one can only assume they are rather resourceful if they have survived this long. Isabelle herself seems to have a mysterious history with Paris, which we’re sure will be explored throughout the series. Daryl, as shown in trailers, even agrees to escort a young boy named Laurent (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi) to a specified location under Isabelle’s request.
And with this new, uncharted territory comes interesting new zombie mutations. CBR reported that AMC released a 10-minute sneak peek on its website (unavailable to Aussie fans) which shows a new walker variant called ‘burners’. Beyond the horde of shambling bodies and gnashing teeth we’re used to, these new walkers are said to cause significant burns when they touch, bite, or when their blood splashes on humans. We’re excited to see how Daryl and his new companions navigate these new kinds of walkers, and if there are any other variants to be discovered along the way.
Photo Credit: Emmanuel Guimier/AMC
And who is Daryl without his close on-screen bestie Carol Peletier? When news of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon first came out, it was stated that actor Melissa McBride would reprise her role as Carol, with the show focusing on their bond. However, it was later reported to have been scrapped due to scheduling conflicts.
But don’t despair fellow Daryl and Carol fans – it now appears that Carol is said to make a brief appearance in the new series. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays Negan in the original Walking Dead series as well as Dead City, hinted at McBride appearing alongside Reedus in an Instagram caption, as reported by Collider.
It’s particularly exciting to see Daryl get his own show, because despite starting off as a side character who was supposed to be killed off in season one of The Walking Dead, he has become a much-loved titular face of the series. Fans of the show are excited to see what their favourite anti-hero will do when faced with new walkers and enemies.
If you’re like us and you’re excited to see how Daryl’s ‘holiday’ in Paris goes down, you can watch this new series via Stan on September 11 in Australia.
