Norman Reedus Proposes Glenn Callback for Walking Dead Season 11

Summary

Norman Reedus suggested a callback to Glenn Rhee in The Walking Dead season 11, highlighting his importance to Maggie and Daryl's bond. (148 characters)

Maggie and Daryl vulnerably discuss Glenn's death, emphasizing their strong bond and the profound impact of losing him. Despite a tentative alliance, Maggie resents Negan for taking Glenn from her and their son.

Norman Reedus came up with the idea to include a callback to Glenn Rhee in season 11 of The Walking Dead. The show, originally based on Robert Kirkman's long-running comic book series, premiered in October 2010 and followed a small group of survivors in a zombie-filled world. Over its 11 seasons, the show has featured a rotating cast of characters, often killing off beloved ones. Among them was Glenn, portrayed by Steven Yeun, who had become a fan-favorite after surviving the first season and marrying Maggie Greene, played by Lauren Cohan. Tragically, Glenn met his end at the hands of Negan, the merciless leader of the Saviors, and Maggie had to witness the brutal act. This event has continued to shape the complicated relationship between Maggie and Negan, even as they join forces in The Walking Dead: Dead City.

What Was The Walking Dead Glenn Callback?

In The Walking Dead season 11, Maggie leads a team consisting of Daryl, Gabriel, Alden, and Negan on a mission to return to an old community in search of food. Along the way, they encounter the Reapers, a violent militia, led by Leah, who happens to be Daryl's former love interest. After a series of confrontations, the Reapers are defeated but Leah seeks revenge. To protect Maggie, Daryl is forced to kill Leah.

In episode 17, while evading troops from the Commonwealth, Maggie expresses her regret to Daryl for putting him in a situation where he had to kill Leah. Daryl reassures her by saying, "Glenn would have wanted me to take care of you. You don't need to apologize to me." This poignant moment serves as a reminder of Glenn's significance to both Maggie and Daryl Dixon.

How Norman Reedus Came Up With The Idea

During an episode of Talking Dead, The Walking Dead season 11, episode 17 director Greg Nicotero revealed that Norman Reedus was the one who suggested bringing up Glenn. Reedus explained that he felt it was necessary for Maggie and Daryl to briefly discuss Glenn at that moment in the story, as they hadn't really addressed his death since The Walking Dead season 7. Here's what Reedus said about it:

"Maggie had just gone rogue, shot my 'girlfriend' in a way, and now these people are after us. But that scene was changed a bit. I brought it up, saying, 'We haven't talked about it. We should say something.' I think the idea of mentioning Glenn was mine."

Will Maggie Forgive Negan?

Daryl remains one of the few characters who has survived The Walking Dead since season 1. Though he is typically standoffish and quiet, Daryl has shown compassion and formed strong relationships with Maggie and Glenn throughout the years. The death of his friend deeply impacted him, just as it did Maggie, who sought nothing but revenge. The brief interaction between Daryl and Maggie in season 11 of The Walking Dead demonstrates that their bond remains unwavering and the memory of Glenn still holds a profound significance. After the conclusion of The Walking Dead, Daryl and Maggie's journeys continued in spinoff shows.

Daryl embarked on a journey throughout Europe in the television series "Daryl Dixon," while Maggie and Negan formed an unexpected alliance as they ventured into Manhattan in "Dead City." Despite their temporary partnership, Maggie could never truly forgive Negan for robbing her son of a father. "The Walking Dead: Dead City" depicted her lingering resentment, even though it appeared they had resolved their issues in the main series. When a group kidnapped Maggie's son, instead of trusting Negan to assist her, she chose to trade him in order to save her child. This act of betrayal resulted in earning her son's disapproval. Although the tragic event occurred years ago, Maggie continues to cling to her anger and anguish.