New “Walking Dead” showrunner Angela Kang knows how much fans love Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) — and so does she.
Without giving away any of Daryl’s storyline in Season 9, however, Kang explained why he hasn’t had a love interest — despite some fans shipping him and Carol and others shipping him and Aaron.
“There’s various reasons why, related to that character, that we haven’t really told a story, like a love story, for him,” she told TheWrap. “He’s this abused character who doesn’t trust easily.”
But Kang did hint at “interesting stuff” involving Daryl’s character in Season 9, and said there will be “a deepening of friendships and relationships that he’s had on the show.”
Kang added that she has a soft spot for the crossbow enthusiast because “he’s not the person you would expect to be a hero.” But despite his “rough exterior,” he has a “code of honor,” and an “incredibly big heart.”
“There is a hopefulness to that,” she said. “That somebody can come from such a rough start in life can thrive in hard conditions.”
Fans can expect a “moving” performance from Reedus next season, love story or not, Kang said, adding “it breaks my heart, in the most wonderful way.”
“The Walking Dead” Season 9 returns to AMC this fall.