Ever since AMC’s original zombie-esque extravaganza The Walking Dead initially premiered on cable back in 2010 and eventually became one of the most popular television series of all time, life-long fans have analyzed and wondered about a variety of different characters — all of which are either seen as lighthearted good guys or pure baddies. Not only that, but eagle-eyed viewers have simultaneously paid close attention to certain behaviors and mannerisms each individual character possesses.
That being said, it would be a complete understatement to say that fan-favorite Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) has been the hottest figure placed under the microscope in terms of getting to know more about the show’s characters. As a result, many viewers have scratched their heads for years and wondered if Daryl is gay — despite a strong majority of the fanbase suggesting that Daryl and Carol (Melissa McBride) should become an item.
Is Daryl Dixon gay?
Although some folks have felt convinced of Daryl’s sexuality for a while now, it only took a few comments from TWD creator Robert Kirkman to clear up the rumors once and for all. In a 2014 interview with ABC, Kirkman confirmed that Dixon is “actually straight,” although he recently expressed that he wouldn’t be opposed to changing up Daryl’s developmental arc in his new spin-off series, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. In fact, Kirkman detailed that the original plans were for Dixon to be gay, but it simply never happened.
On that same note, Reedus simultaneously expressed that he “isn’t afraid” to portray Daryl as a gay character and that he would happily work with whatever material the writers gave him. So while Dixon isn’t currently gay canonically, that doesn’t mean that plans won’t soon change down the line as the character’s story continues to expand in the latest pulse-pounding series.