The Exciting New Chapter for Daryl Dixon: Unveiling the Unexpected Location & Captivating Storyline Revealed by The Walking Dead Producer

Summary

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon was originally planned to take place in the Midwest, with Daryl encountering different survivors in each episode.

The show would have taken on an episodic format, with its main focus being Daryl's journey in a new location, which would have given it a distinct structure.

Selecting France as the setting for the spinoff provides an exciting and novel backdrop, enabling the exploration of fresh ideas and making it a standout addition to the franchise.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon executive producer, Greg Nicotero, has shed light on Daryl's unexpected journey to France in the new spinoff. After the events of The Walking Dead, Daryl finds himself washed ashore in France for reasons unknown. His objective is to return home to Alexandria, Virginia, but he is given the task of escorting a young boy named Laurent across the country, as he could hold the key to saving humanity.

Interestingly, Nicotero revealed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon was initially intended to take place in the Midwestern United States. The original concept involved Daryl encountering various survivors in each episode, allowing viewers to witness their experiences in the midst of the apocalypse. Take a look at Nicotero's remarks below.

Why France Is The Perfect Location For Daryl Dixon

Daryl was set to embark on a journey across the country, venturing through places like New Mexico or the Midwest. The concept was similar to iconic shows such as 'Then Came Bronson,' 'The Fugitive,' or 'Kung Fu' — featuring a protagonist who finds themselves in unfamiliar territory. In each episode, Daryl would encounter individuals who would profoundly impact his life, just as he would leave a lasting impression on theirs. This was the foundation of the entire show, a project that Norman held a tremendous passion for.

The Walking Dead: If the show's original vision had come to fruition, Daryl Dixon's character would have embarked on a unique journey in a new location, resulting in a significantly altered series. Rather than following a continuous storyline, the spinoff's initial concept focused on an episodic exploration of the apocalypse, showcasing Daryl's experiences. This unconventional structure would have set Daryl's odyssey apart from the other planned Walking Dead spinoffs.

However, several ideas introduced in the franchise may have clashed with the original vision for Daryl's show. Tales of the Walking Dead, another spinoff, already showcases stories from diverse survivors in each episode, with a forthcoming follow-up series. Additionally, the Midwest may have not been an ideal location, as Fear the Walking Dead season 7 establishes Texas, and possibly nearby areas, as less survivable due to nuclear fallout.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, set in France, presents an exciting new backdrop brimming with unexplored concepts not found in other versions. With the inclusion of unique zombies, such as those with corrosive skin and blood, it is evident that the show is veering in a different direction from its original concept. Nonetheless, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon appears to be a distinct addition to the franchise, regardless of its setting.

Source: EW