For a character that was created purely for AMC’s adaptation, few survivors have resonated with The Walking Dead‘s impassioned fanbase quite like Daryl Dixon.
Norman Reedus’ gruff biker has been a loyal ally to Rick Grimes from the off, sticking with Andrew Lincoln’s leader through thick, thin, and a relentless horde of flesh-hungry Walkers. And much like his fellow fighters, throughout TWD season 7, Daryl was caught up in the war between Alexandria and Negan, who called upon his tight-knit Saviors to wreak havoc on all those who opposed him.
The Walking Dead season 8 will only scale things up even further, and we’ve learned that AMC’s juggernaut will zip along at breakneck speed when it returns in October. And though his future on the show is relatively secure (remember:Â if they kill Daryl, we riot), Norman Reedus told CNET (via Screen Rant) that he’s already envisioned Daryl’s final scene. Spoilers: it’s ripped straight from an old-school Western movie. Imagine Clint Eastwood’s gunslinger, only with a cute little wolf puppy.
As a bona fide fan-favorite, we can’t imagine The Walking Dead will kill Daryl anytime soon, even if there are those who believe bumping off major characters is part and parcel of what drives the show forward. Nevertheless, if and when that time comes, Reedus has an idea in mind.
I think you’d see a sunset. I would walk up over a hill and then a little wolf puppy would come out of the woods and follow me up. And people would just go, ‘Whatever happened to that guy?’
The Walking Dead will be back on our screens for its long-anticipated eighth season on October 22nd. Meanwhile, AMC’s companion series, Fear The Walking Dead, airs the second half of its third season in September, meaning zombie fans won’t be left chomping at the bit for new content this Halloween season.