Will The Walking Dead Reveal Daryl Dixon Is Gay?

Not content with killing off every character in his series, Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman has decided he wants to now break ladies’ hearts also, by making fan favourite Daryl Dixon gay. Kirkman says on the matter, “It’s been discussed.”

ComicBook.com, says the question was asked in the letter column of The Walking Dead #130. A fan reportedly noted the possible parallel between Daryl and a character from the comics named Jesus, who they describe as “a tough character and all around badass, who also just happens to be gay.” In response to the fan’s inquiry, Robert Kirkman said: “All I can say is that it’s been discussed. We have very specific ideas about Daryl’s sexuality (or the seeming lack thereof), and if there’s ever a quiet period in the show where he’s not consistently distracted by crossbowing… we’ll tackle it in the show.”

Would AMC be ok with turning one of their most popular characters gay? Especially one who generates so much merchandise revenue from teenage girls. According to Kirkman, “For the record, they absolutely would.”

Kirkman went on to say that they have discussed “specific ideas about Daryl’s sexuality (or seeming lack thereof)”

Norman Reedus who plays Dixon was asked about his relationship with Beth he said “If Daryl has a thing for Beth or whatever, I always saw that as, if he did, he didn’t understand those feelings. He might have felt them, but it wasn’t a thing. He was sort of uncomfortable with those feelings, but there might be hope somewhere down the line and then it was taken from him, again.”

This would seem to indicate that Daryl has issues connecting to anyone, regardless of gender. In fairness, if you grew up with Merle as your brother you might have problems expressing basic human emotions as well.

It would certainly be a bold move on behalf of all involved. But with the show and the comics revelling in pulling the rug out from under fans it is certainly a possibility. What do you think? Personally, I think the idea of a bad ass zombie killer who just so happens to be gay is an awesome idea. The biggest show on television turning its (arguably) most popular character gay would certainly generate a tonne of interest and would undoubtedly bring a ratings boost from casual fans curious to see how it’s handled.

But would the show face fan backlash with this revelation? It’s still speculation at the moment but it will be fascinating to see where Kirkman decides to take the character.

Source: Cinema Blend