Published Jul 6, 2026, 2:30 PM EDT
Kyle is a senior writer at ScreenRant and has been part of the team for over two years. Having led coverage on The Walking Dead projects alongside Rick & Morty, Kyle is well versed in numerous genres.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Kyle is a passionate journalist who has a keen interest in TV and film. He has six years of experience studying journalism including a HND in Practical Journalism and a BA Honours in Journalism, Media and Communication and History. Alongside his love for TV and film, Kyle enjoys video games, football and Formula 1.
Norman Reedus' Daryl Dixon has been at the heart of The Walking Dead ever since his introduction in season 1 and has only grown more important over the past decade-and-a-half. However, despite being a fan favorite and one of the franchise's most central survivors, it looks like the zombie universe is officially set to replace him.
Having stepped up as arguably the main character in The Walking Dead after Rick Grimes' departure, Daryl was given his own spinoff project following the main show's conclusion, which has released new seasons annually since it began. His constant time in the spotlight has only strengthened his connection with the audience, making him seemingly irreplaceable.
Unfortunately, despite Daryl Dixon season 4 having the potential to be the best yet, it is set to be the spinoff show's last outing, leaving Daryl's future unknown. In contrast, Dead City's return is imminent, with season 3 of the New York-based series premiering on July 25.
While their history has been complicated to say the least, Maggie and Negan's unique relationship has provided Dead City plenty of life. Their reluctant alliance isn't exactly new, but the recent project has added plenty of depth to the duo's dynamic, and season 3 will see them truly on the same page for the first time.
Not only does this give viewers something to look forward to, but it means The Walking Dead could reclaim its zombie crown through Dead City, making it unmissable. Naturally, the show's return is reason to celebrate, but it also means the franchise is moving away from Daryl and back towards Maggie and Negan, which could be a sign of things to come.
Maggie & Negan Are The Future Of The Walking Dead, Not Daryl
We will see Daryl return to our screens at some point this year when Daryl Dixon season 4 debuts, but after this, it seems like Maggie and Negan could take the reins as The Walking Dead's leading characters. Sure, there's every chance AMC confirms season 3 as Dead City's last, but there is lots of room to expand and continue.
Maggie and Negan's complex history will always linger, but at least they have started to overcome their past, creating a fresh slate between them that could be explored for the next few years. There's even the possibility of a controversial romance angle, and while that seems largely unwanted, it doesn't mean Dead City won't at least tease the idea.
Hershel's current situation and the state of Manhattan also set up at least another two seasons, if not more, proving that Maggie and Negan's spinoff has longevity. Therefore, so long as the actors remain committed, these two iconic characters look like they'll be the future of The Walking Dead, leaving Daryl sidelined.
Norman Reedus has talked about when he plans on leaving behind this beloved survivor, while his social media posts have teased the potential end of an era for Daryl Dixon in TWD. AMC President Dan McDermott has confirmed that he's in talks with Reedus about his next project as Daryl, but there's no guarantee they'll agree on terms anytime soon.
Even if Reedus does come back, his streak of annual appearances may end in 2027, whereas Dead City looks like it will continue. Assuming this is the case, Maggie and Negan are poised to carry the franchise forward for the time being, allowing more time to build the long-anticipated crossover show.
Will The Walking Dead's Main Characters Ever Reunite?
Image via MovieStillDBAfter Dead City season 3 and Daryl Dixon season 4, the future of The Walking Dead is largely unknown, creating doubt about whether the main characters will ever reunite. Dead City's New York setting definitely doesn't leave much room for a reunion, and while Daryl Dixon could return to the US and meet familiar allies, it's not overly likely.
Maybe Rick and Daryl's Walking Dead reunion could happen at the end of the spinoff, but something this big would likely be kept for a bigger show where other central actors could also appear. Sadly, despite the endless rumors and conversations, we're no closer to knowing if a series like this will ever be greenlit.
Norman Reedus and Andrew Lincoln have reportedly discussed returning to The Walking Dead, but there is no official confirmation about whether they will be back or their next project.
It feels like the natural next step, and potentially the last one before The Walking Dead undergoes some kind of reset. The IP's popularity has dwindled, but something like an animated reboot with different character arcs and storylines could rejuvenate interest, while a series focusing on the next generation seems like a worthwhile gamble.
However, before then, a final show involving all the main survivors uniting needs to happen to pay off the various unresolved storylines while rewarding fans who have stuck with the franchise. The constant talks with actors and minor updates from Walking Dead and AMC officials offer hope that this will happen at some point.
Still, The Walking Dead shouldn't wait too long to give us these highly desired reunions; otherwise, fans could lose interest, or actors may move on. Hopefully, the likes of Rick, Daryl, Maggie, Carol, Negan and more will share the screen once again, but it will require a little more patience as everything remains in limbo.
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Created by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard
First TV Show The Walking Dead
Latest TV Show The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
Upcoming TV Shows More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe
First Episode Air Date October 31, 2010
Cast Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Danai Gurira, Lauren Cohan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chandler Riggs, Steven Yeun, Lennie James
The Walking Dead is a massive multimedia franchise that began with a comic book series created by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The franchise gained widespread popularity with the launch of the television series The Walking Dead in 2010 on AMC, which chronicles the lives of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, referred to as "walkers." The success of the original show has led to numerous spin-offs, web series, video games, novels, and other media. The franchise explores themes of survival, human nature, and the breakdown of society in the face of an existential threat, making it one of the most successful and influential horror series of the 21st century.
English (US) ·