5 Best new characters in The Walking Dead universe in 2023

AMC Networks has undergone significant changes within The Walking Dead universe in recent years. The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead have both concluded their stories, while several new spinoffs have premiered or will be in 2024. Throughout the years that The Walking Dead series has aired, many characters have stood out due to performances by the actors who portray them. In 2023, many new characters have been introduced. Who was the best?

In June 2023, The Walking Dead: Dead City debuted. This series is the fourth spinoff of the universe featuring Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) in a continuation of their stories. The story takes them to apocalyptic Manhattan, where they meet many new characters, some friends, some foes.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon premiered in October and this series continues Daryl Dixon's (Norman Reedus) story, this time in France. He is forced into the journey overseas and immediately begins plans to return home. But during his journey, he encounters many new and interesting people.

The Walking Dead spinoffs, best newcomers of 2023

5. Fallou - Daryl Dixon series

Fallou, portrayed by French actor Eriq Ebouaney, is a respected leader in one of the communities that belong to The Union of Hope. He is an encouraging person who is full of hope which makes those around him feel it also. He is committed to the cause of seeing Laurent fulfill his destiny and appears to be the type of person who will stop at nothing to protect those he cares about. He is a light that shines in a dark world overrun by the undead. It will be exciting to see more of Fallou in season 2 of the series.

4. Perlie Armstrong - Dead City series

Upon his introduction, New Babylon marshal Perlie Armstrong (Gaius Charles) appears to be a ruthless enforcer of the law who seeks order at any cost. Eventually, his vulnerable side is revealed when he discovers his brother's body in Manhattan. His guilt is heavy as he abandoned his brother soon after the outbreak. He showed his compassionate and reasonable side when he learned that Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) was acting in self-defense. He covered for him with the leaders of New Babylon, an act that may come back to haunt him. Armstrong is a father who will stop at nothing to protect his family and is an excellent addition to TWDU. He will likely play an essential role in the second season of the series.

3. Laurent - Daryl Dixon series

Actor Louis Puech Scigliuzzi did an outstanding job in his role as Laurent. Believed to be the one who will lead the revival of humanity, this young boy has a lot to bear. He is brilliant and can read people very well. He has been shielded from the world by being raised in an abbey among the nuns but understands the dangers lurking outside those walls. He becomes attached to Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) as Daryl isn't sure about the boy's destiny and sees his desire just to be a child. It is hard to incorporate child characters into the dangerous apocalypse, but the Daryl Dixon series perfectly fits Laurent into the story. His story will continue in season 2 of the series.

2. The Croat - Dead City series

Željko Ivanek joined The Walking Dead universe as a character named The Croat. He is a former member of Negan's Saviors who abducted Maggie's (Lauren Cohan) son Hershel (Logan Kim). Described by Negan as "an exceptionally insane son of a b!tch," The Croat and his Burazi terrorize residents in apocalyptic Manhattan. Before the outbreak, he worked as a scientist specializing in alternative energy sources. This skill has proven useful in the current state of the world as he has begun methane production using dead bodies. The first season revealed that The Croat answers to The Dama (Lisa Emery), a mysterious woman who wants to rule over all of Manhattan with Negan's help. The second season will see this idea explored and how The Croat will react to being passed over for Negan.

1. Isabelle - Daryl Dixon series

One of the most interesting new characters is Isabelle, portrayed by French actress Clémence Poésy. When first introduced, viewers learn she is a nun, and it is assumed this was a life she chose. But as her story progresses, Isabelle's past is revealed, and there is much more to her than a life dedicated to God. She is a survivor who, when her sister died giving birth at the beginning of the outbreak, took upon the care of the child who, due to his birth, is believed to be some type of messiah. Her rocky past has made her resilient, which in the world she now lives is a benefit. Her story will continue in the second season as The Union of Hope continues its quest.

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