The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon EP Greg Nicotero promises the similarities between The Last of Us are slim

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has already been under the watchful eye of media and fans because of the similarities between it and The Last of Us. Executive Producer for TWD: Daryl Dixon Greg Nicotero has assured fans it will be something never done before.

Apparently, that was before Nicotero saw the first season of The Last of Us and noticed those similarities right away. However, because Dead City has also taken a page out of TLOU’s book with the Rat King it makes it a little surprising to believe. It was not that long ago Nicotero explained that Daryl Dixon would be telling a whole new story.

Both Nicotero and Reedus are extremely proud of what they are producing out in France. Nicotero himself loves The Last of Us and believes that fans can appreciate both shows. While the plots may be similar in theory there are major differences in the story that he thinks fans will enjoy.

"“I think the idea that he connects with this kid feels a little like The Last of Us, but once you get into the journey, it doesn’t feel quite as similar to me. They’re different enough that you can enjoy both.” -Greg Nicotero"

Nicotero sat down with Dalton Ross from EW before the strike, of course, to dive deeper into The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. The show has been a passion project for Norman Reedus for years. Nicotero reveals that the original plan was set to be in New Mexico or possibly the Midwest. The plan was always for Daryl to go across the country and meet people who change him and who he changes in return.

Meeting new people along the way and helping each other in some form. The destination of New Mexico was brought up several times in the main show by Daryl Dixon in the final seasons. Daryl went on record of asking Carol to run away with him. Perhaps by the time Rick and Michonne are finally back to care for their children that long-awaited dream of his can come to fruition.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon destination changed from New Mexico to France

Norman Reedus has always remained super passionate about this journey for his character but there is one piece of information being left out in this article, and that is Melissa McBride. It is unclear why this huge and obvious detail is being left out. We know that it is the Dixon show at the moment but there’s no reason to rewrite facts with a mountain of evidence stating the origin of the series.

This spinoff of course was never meant to be a solo spectacle for Daryl Dixon. It was meant to be the Daryl and Carol show and they would both make the journey to change lives together. As well as their own. Unfortunately, some plans fell through with that but we will get to see Carol back in Daryl’s orbit very soon. And who knows? Maybe they’ll make the long-awaited trip to New Mexico in the near future.

Towards the end of the mother ship series of The Walking Dead, Angela Kang spoke to Deadline about Melissa McBride’s inability to go to the French spinoff with Norman Reedus but it was always planned for the two of them to ride off together.

Sadly for die-hard Daryl and Carol shippers that plan had to be changed. Norman Reedus himself was very excited for the future of Daryl and Carol back then and both potential stars of the show were ecstatic about what was to come for their future road show.

"“When you take those two characters and you put them on the road and they go see who’s left out in the world. You have to re-adapt to people. I’m curious to see how they get along with the outside world.” -Norman Reedus"

For now, Daryl Dixon’s mission is to truck his way across France and help young Laurent to this mysterious destination where he can take his rightful position and revive humanity in Europe. While part of Daryl may think it’s a little unhinged he will make the decision to go ahead and attain some allies there so he can return home to the place that he belongs.

"“It goes back to the roots of Rick looking for his family. Daryl has this mission, and he’s given this goal to deliver young Laurent.” -Greg Nicotero"

The word purpose has been talked about heavily in all of the promotion for this upcoming spinoff premiering in a couple of weeks. But his purpose is not as simple as the key art we’ve seen suggests. Laurent is not his only purpose. That is his temporary purpose. And there are subtle likenesses between Carol and Judith and Isabelle and Laurent.

"“He’s willing to deliver this kid, but that’s not his sole purpose. His purpose is he has people at home he has to get back to. He needs to get back to Judith, and Carol, and the people at the Commonwealth.” -Greg Nicotero on Daryl Dixon"

Carol Peletier has been brought up many times in relation to this spinoff. Absolutely Daryl Dixon is not going to forget the most important person in his life. As each episode of TWD: Daryl Dixon goes on I imagine that will be highlighted the deeper we get into the season. On that note by Nicotero it speaks volumes of who the most sacred people are to do Daryl, which are Carol and Judith and we will see how hard the archer is going to work to get back to them.

TWD: Daryl Dixon will premiere on Sunday, September 10 at 9 PM ET on AMC, and AMC Plus will air the episodes three days early for their subscribers.