Was Daryl homosexual?
The Walking Dead Executive Producer Resolves Daryl Dixon&x27;s Sexual Identity
And the supporters of Daryl and Carol are overjoyed!
One of the most significant unanswered questions in The Walking Dead universe pertains to whether Daryl Dixon (portrayed by Norman Reedus) is homosexual, a topic that has never been explicitly addressed within the AMC hit series. Speculation regarding the character's sexual orientation has been widespread since August, preceding the premiere of season five. However, fans finally received a definitive answer from the comic book's originator, Robert Kirkman, during his appearance on Talking Dead subsequent to the broadcast of Sunday's midseason finale episode.
"We portray Daryl Dixon as something of an asexual individual within the show. He is a deeply introspective character, and I believe that contributes to a portion of his allure," stated Kirkman. "Nevertheless, I do need to clarify a particular point: within the Q&A section of the comic book series that I author, I alluded to an early consideration of making Daryl Dixon's character homosexual."
Naturally, this revelation prompted a substantial outpouring of commentary across the internet, a situation that Kirkman was well aware of.
"It generated considerable online discussion, and my intention was simply to elucidate that such a possibility existed and that neither I nor the network would have objected; however, we ultimately opted against pursuing that narrative path," Kirkman explained. "I can now officially confirm: Daryl Dixon is heterosexual."
Therefore, the definitive answer is established: Daryl Dixon identifies as heterosexual.
As Robert Kirkman mentioned, conjecture surrounding Daryl's sexual inclination commenced after an inquiry was posed about it in the correspondence section of The Walking Dead comic book issue number 130, where he responded, "All I am at liberty to state is that this matter has been deliberated upon."
He further elaborated, "We possess quite specific notions regarding Daryl's sexuality (or its apparent absence), and should a period of calm occur within the program where he is not perpetually preoccupied with utilizing his crossbow... we shall explore it on the show."
Kirkman did, however, disclose that a "highly significant homosexual figure originating from the comics" is slated for introduction in the latter portion of the fifth season.
Devotees of the character have frequently engaged in "shipping," a fan practice of pairing him with Carol (played by Melissa McBride), with whom he formed a connection beginning in season one, and subsequently with Beth (played by Emily Kinney), who managed to draw closer to the reserved Daryl during season four. (However, a heads-up for those who haven't seen it: that particular fan pairing met an unfortunate end in the midseason finale.)
Reedus shared his perspective on the speculation concerning his immensely popular character's orientation during an interview with GQ, referencing a past conversation he had with the program's initial showrunner, Frank Darabont.
"You know, the concept of a virgin is an intriguing one. I recall Frank Darabont, after the inaugural season, at a gathering in L.A. He approached me and said, 'I have a concept for Daryl. He's gay. Would that interest you?' My immediate response was, 'Permit me to hear your proposition,'" Reedus recounted. "He proceeded to explain, 'Well, he's gay in the way one might be in prison—meaning, you might catch him observing someone of the same sex, but should you bring it up to him, he'd likely stab you and exclaim what the f--k?—he would never acknowledge it.' I replied, 'That would astound everyone—let's proceed with that.' To which he responded, 'I knew I selected you for this role for a specific reason.'"