Boondock Saints star Norman Reedus plays Daryl Dixon, one of the many always-expendable human characters on smash zombie hit The Walking Dead. But according to Reedus in a panel discussion about the show at Paleyfest, in some ways the actors and the writers are just as expendable as the on-screen characters.
Reedus admitted that he’s aware that if those in charge don’t think an actor is doing his or her best work that actor could just become a meal for a zombie and be gone. He pointed out, “You see series and they last a long time and sometimes the writing gets lazy or the acting gets lazy. Because we’re in a zombie apocalypse and anyone can go at any time, it sort of keeps us fresh and on our toes.”
However, Reedus admits he has an ace in his sleeve — his character is vastly popular with fans of the series. In fact, Reedus when asked if his fanbase is keeping Daryl Dixon alive, he replied, “Hell yes. Oh my god, yes. (They’re) keeping me on the show.”
Though some of the cast members don’t last very long before becoming dinner, Reedus enjoys the camaraderie of the cast. He explained, “I watch them grow and I watch myself grow. It’s one of those acting things where like I’ll be in a scene with her or with him and I’ll say should I try this? And they’ll go ‘yeah’ and I’ll believe them and I’ll trust them. Everyone wants everyone to just kill it.”
