Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Fear the Walking Dead season 8, episode 7
Summary
Co-showrunners Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg have decided to bring back Daniel Sharman as Troy Otto for Fear the Walking Dead season 8. Their intention is to present an opportunity for the characters to confront their past. Showing interest in revisiting the role, Sharman desires to delve deeper into Troy Otto's story.
In the upcoming chapter, Madison and Troy's relationship will be further explored, with Kim Dickens and Daniel Sharman excited to delve into their characters' dynamic.
The co-showrunners of Fear the Walking Dead have made the decision to bring back Daniel Sharman as Troy Otto for the final season, positioning him as the ultimate villain. As the eighth and final season progresses, the long-standing Walking Dead spinoff showcases a tense alliance between Madison (Kim Dickens) and Strand (Colman Domingo), who ultimately get captured. This then leads to the surprising return of Troy. Since the season 3 finale in 2017, Troy had not made a full appearance on the show.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, co-showrunners Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg discuss the decision to bring back Troy for Fear the Walking Dead season 8. Chambliss explains that the idea started as a half-serious suggestion but evolved into a serious discussion about connecting an antagonist to Madison, Strand, and the rest of the group. Goldberg mentions that Sam Underwood, who previously played Troy, was interested in reprising the role. Goldberg also emphasizes the dynamic between Troy and Madison.
CHAMBLISS: Ian and I initially mentioned it somewhat jokingly as we brainstormed ways to introduce an antagonist who would truly challenge Madison, Strand, and Daniel. We wanted to explore whether they had truly changed and if they could truly move forward from their past. Bringing someone back from their past felt like the perfect opportunity to delve into that.
As we discussed the matter further, our enthusiasm grew for the idea of Troy Otto being the person in question. It dawned on us that we had never written for this character before, nor had we previously collaborated with Daniel Sharman. Therefore, we arranged a phone call with him to introduce ourselves, present our ideas, and explain why we wanted to bring the character back. We also highlighted the aspects of Troy Otto's development that he would have the opportunity to explore. During the phone call, we had a highly engaging conversation, and Daniel expressed his affection for the character and his desire to further explore him. Consequently, he agreed to return, and we successfully made it happen.
GOLDBERG: Despite not having worked with him before, we were tremendous admirers of Daniel and the character he portrayed. The excitement escalated when we discovered that he was on board and interested in reprising his role. We had subsequent conversations with Colman, Ruben, Danay Garcia, and all the other individuals who had been part of the show when he was previously involved, and their excitement was equally significant.
How Fear the Walking Dead Brings Back Troy
Excitement filled the air as everyone eagerly anticipated delving back into this captivating chapter of the show and delving deeper into the engaging story of Madison and Troy. Kim and Daniel, in particular, were thrilled by the captivating dynamic and enchanting chemistry that these characters had previously showcased. With eager anticipation, they looked forward to immersing themselves in this next chapter and exploring the captivating journey ahead for Madison and Troy.
In Fear the Walking Dead season 3, it was believed that Troy met his end when Madison viciously attacked him with a hammer. However, in the episode titled "All I See is Red" leading up to the midseason premiere, it is revealed that Troy is surprisingly alive and seems to take pleasure in taunting Madison. Although he did not emerge from their last encounter unharmed, he now conceals the damage to his eye behind a pair of sunglasses.
Troy is intercepted just in time, preventing further harm. Daniel arrives with his own army, which includes June, Sherry, and others who successfully fend off Troy's group. However, Troy manages to inflict emotional damage by confessing to a shocking act - claiming that he has killed Madison's daughter Alicia and presenting her severed arm as evidence. Madison is infuriated and attempts to attack Troy, only to be restrained. The impending final clash between the two adversaries is set to unfold, promising a thrilling conclusion to Fear the Walking Dead's spinoff.
Source: EW