The Exclusive Interview with Norman Reedus: Unveiling Secrets of The Walking Dead's Daryl Dixon

Summary

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon captures the feel of the flagship show's early seasons by introducing new concepts, characters, and locations.

The inclusion of Hugo Bardin, portraying a drag performer, brings an exceptional and significant aspect to the show. Daryl Dixon, portrayed by Norman Reedus, is not only a talented actor but also a devoted fan of Drag Race, and played a pivotal role in Bardin's involvement with the production.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is an amazing spinoff that successfully captures the essence of the flagship show's early seasons. It introduces fresh ideas, characters, and locations to The Walking Dead's world. While Norman Reedus delivers an excellent performance, another standout is France itself. The show takes viewers on a journey through Paris and its neighboring towns, immersing them in French language and culture. This approach transforms what could have been considered a mere gimmick into a seamless and thrilling expansion of the franchise.

In addition to providing a glimpse of pre-apocalyptic life in Paris, one of the most captivating aspects of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is its portrayal of the continuation of certain cultural practices and institutions. Notably, the Demimonde, an underground nightclub, plays a significant role. It features performers like Coco, portrayed by the talented Hugo Bardin, who is the real-life winner of Drag Race France. Bardin, also known as Paloma in the real world, makes history as the first drag performer in The Walking Dead universe.

Hugo Bardin On The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

Screen Rant: Nice to meet you. I love the show; I’m excited to talk about it.

Hugo Bardin: I haven't watched the entire show, only a brief segment while re-recording some voiceovers, perhaps about two minutes in total. I've also seen the previous episodes, but I haven't watched the upcoming episode.

Do you typically enjoy watching your own work?

Hugo Bardin: Oh, yes. I’m a narcissist. I watch everything twice.

How’d you get involved with the show in the first place?

Hugo Bardin was taken aback when he received an unexpected call from Juliette Ménager, a renowned casting director in Paris. Having some knowledge about the show she worked on, he was surprised when she informed him that she had a role specifically tailored for him. She requested him to come for an English test to determine his language skills, to which he reluctantly agreed. To his astonishment, he received a callback and was informed that he had been selected for the show.

During the shoot, Hugo had the opportunity to meet Norman Reedus, who turned out to be incredibly kind and down-to-earth. Norman showed genuine excitement upon meeting Hugo, expressing his desire to take a selfie and discuss Drag Race. Hugo couldn't believe that it was actually happening. The screenwriter then visited his dressing room, leaving Hugo curious and wondering why he was chosen for the show. She revealed that Norman Reedus, along with his wife Diane Kruger, were huge fans of Drag Race and had watched every franchise, with France being one of their favorites. Norman specifically requested for Hugo to be a part of the show, resulting in a role being written specifically for him based on Norman's demand.

Hugo Bardin: Yes, I had a conversation with him once I discovered that information. He was familiar with every scene I was in on Drag Race. It was an enjoyable experience, as he was incredibly friendly and genuinely interested in everything and everyone. Throughout my decade-long career, I have never encountered an actor like him. He is present on set every single minute of the day, engaging with everyone and actively participating in all aspects. His enthusiasm is akin to that of a child on a playground. I have great admiration for him; he truly is an extraordinary individual.

I came across another interview where you mentioned that you believe all drag has a political aspect. Considering that, how did it feel to be the first drag performer in the Walking Dead universe? This show has a huge following, with a vast number of viewers.

Hugo Bardin: I can't say if I fully grasp the impact of it, mainly because although the show is widely popular, it isn't specifically aimed at the queer community. It's not explicitly a queer show, so I'm unsure if the fans of the series will embrace my presence or welcome the inclusion of drag. My role may be quite small, but if I can open some minds and contribute to making this show more inclusive and representative of the queer community, then I'm all for it. I'm here for the opportunity.

What’s the song you’re performing in the episode? Did you choose it?

Hugo Bardin: In the first episode?

There’s one I’m thinking of, when—

Hugo Bardin: Les Rita Mitsouko's "Marcia Baïla" is a well-known song in France. It embodies a fusion of gypsy, flamenco, and '80s music styles. Interestingly, it has gained significant popularity among French drag queens. When I was asked for song recommendations, I provided an extensive list, and they specifically selected this track due to its widespread fame. It's the type of song that often comes to mind for Americans when they think of French music. I agreed with their decision, as it seemed like the obvious choice.

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We recorded in the supposed Catacombs, a famous location in Paris, although it was actually a studio set. The set itself was enormous and exceptionally well-crafted, and all the extras were selected from Paris and were performers in cabarets there. As a result, I was familiar with everyone on set, making it feel like filming with my own family, filled with dancers, musicians, drag queens, and go-go dancers. It was an incredibly enjoyable experience.

I'm curious if you were given the freedom to express your own style in terms of makeup, hair, wardrobe, and the like, or if there were many restrictions imposed on you?

Hugo Bardin: I took charge of my appearance. I took control of my makeup, hair, and clothing. This was not just for the sake of a character; it was a personal decision. I collaborated closely with Françoise Fourcade, a renowned costume designer in France, as I knew she would understand the specific requirements of drag. It was not a simple matter of throwing on a dress; every aspect, including proportion and fit, had to be tailored to me. I dedicated three hours before everyone else on set to perfect my makeup.

Are there any other projects you're currently working on that excite you?

Hugo Bardin: In addition to that, I will be embarking on a solo tour across France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Titled "Paloma au PluriElles," it’s an exclusive show that I have personally curated. My schedule is fully occupied for the next six months. Moreover, I am currently engrossed in an enormous project, which involves adapting a renowned American production. However, I'm going to keep the details under wraps for now. [Laughs]

About The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

Daryl Dixon, a character from The Walking Dead, finds himself stranded in France and faces the daunting task of unraveling the mystery of his unexpected presence there. Follow his expedition through a war-torn yet determined France as he desperately seeks a path back to his homeland. However, as he encounters unexpected allies and establishes newfound relationships with fellow travelers, his original mission becomes increasingly entangled and complex.

Check back for our other The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon interviews:

Louis Puech Scigliuzzi, Romain Levi, Eriq Ebouaney & Anne Charrier

Director Daniel Percival & Director of Photography Tomasso Fiorilli

Production Designer Clovis Weil

Romain Levi & Lukerya Ilyashenko

New episodes of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon are released on Sundays on AMC.