Norman Reedus hopes to bring 'The Walking Dead' franchise to India

New Delhi: Hollywood star Norman Reedus, best known for his role as Daryl Dixon in the long-running TV franchise "The Walking Dead," has expressed his desire to bring the popular show to India. In a recent interview, Reedus shared his curiosity about how different cultures, including India's, would respond to a zombie apocalypse.

"The Walking Dead," based on Robert Kirkman's comic series, is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, known as "walkers." It explores themes of survival, morality, and the relationships between various survivor groups. The franchise began with the original show, which aired from 2010 to 2022 on AMC. Reedus' character, Daryl Dixon, has remained a fan favorite throughout its run. He currently stars in the spin-off series "The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon," which is set in France.

Reedus expressed excitement about the possibility of expanding the franchise to new locations. He shared his enthusiasm for exploring how different cultures would handle a zombie apocalypse, stating that it would be fascinating to see the franchise travel to different places. When asked about the potential of bringing the franchise to India, Reedus said it would be an 'awesome' idea. He mentioned the country’s rich culture and vibrant environment as elements that would make the setting even more exciting for the show. The actor highlighted India's 'delicious food' and 'all the colours,' emphasizing how they would add to the series' visual appeal and narrative.

Reedus also recalled earlier conversations among the creators about exploring different cultures and languages for future spinoffs. While he had no direct involvement in those discussions, he remembered that the team had considered spinoff projects focused on various cultural settings. He was happy to be part of the ongoing journey, as the creators talked about expanding the franchise beyond its initial American setting.

The actor emphasized that the core appeal of "The Walking Dead" lies in the complex relationships between the characters, who must come together despite their differences in order to survive. He explained that the show features characters who would never have otherwise interacted but are forced to cooperate, fight, and make decisions together. These characters eventually form deep bonds and become a functioning "family," which makes the series relatable to audiences.

Reedus, who has portrayed Daryl Dixon for over a decade, reflected on the character’s evolution throughout the series. He noted that Daryl, who started as a tough, independent loner, has evolved into a more loyal and compassionate figure. Reedus observed that over the years, Daryl has learned valuable lessons from the people around him, which has influenced his perspective on life. Daryl would now view his situation with a new understanding, showing the growth and depth of the character over time, he added.

"The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon-The Book of Carol," starring Reedus alongside Melissa McBride, Clémence Poesy, and others, is currently streaming its second season on Prime Video. The six-episode season continues to explore Daryl's journey in a new setting, with the character’s growth taking center stage.

With PTI inputs