Exclusive Interviews: The cast of Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol discuss the series second season

This week, UK fans can expect to see the next installment in The Walking Dead universe: the highly anticipated return of the iconic Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride), joining her apocalyptic partner in crime, Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), in the long-awaited series 'Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol,' which will be six episodes long. This iconic reunion is not to be missed by TWDU fans, and it is sure to be a thrilling ride.

For fans in the UK, this will be the first TWDU spin-off series to air at nearly the same point as the US. Thanks to the recent long-term partnership and deal with Sky and NOW TV, it won't be as difficult for us fans in the UK to avoid spoilers as it will be hitting our screens this October. Fans in the US seen the series first episode air on September 29.

There is lots of hype around this series, as there should be, and I am super excited to see all that's to come with it. Due to the series making a return very soon, I was honored to sit down with Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Anne Charrier, Romain Levi, Eriq Ebouaney, and Louis Puech Scigliuzzi to talk about what fans can expect and how the actors felt on set of the show—including things they would love to see on the show!

Exclusive: 'Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol' Cast Interviews

Reedus spoke about who Daryl hopes is thinking of him back homes in the states:

"Probably Carol first" - Reedus on who Daryl hopes is looking for him.

He then expanded on that point by adding details on how Daryl felt when he saw his grandfather's, William T Dixon's, headstone. He said Daryl thought, "I don't want to be him," regarding dying away from home. Reedus went into further detail about Dixon's mind and how he still thinks about his brother Merle (Michael Rooker) and his upbringing amongst everything he is dealing with in France.

McBride then discussed what Carol fears most as she embarks on the journey overseas to reunite with Daryl. McBride spoke about how Carol fears "what she may or may not find of her friend" regarding Daryl. There were many thoughts on how Carol's past has led her to have these specific fears on the journey ahead and how they interfere with her emotions.

"What's around the corner, what am I going to find or not find?" - McBride on Carol's Fears.

Reedus and McBride discussed what fans can look forward to in this upcoming season and whether we're going to see a new side to Daryl this time around. Reedus described Daryl as having more "sensitivity this time around" than we haven't seen before. It was a pleasure to see them together again for this interview. And it doesn't end there!

When speaking to both actors behind Marion Genet (Anne Charrier) and Stephane Codron (Romain Levi), they went into depth about how excited they were at McBride joining these series and how it was to play such intense characters. Charrier described her time playing the focal villain as "lovely" and particularly enjoying how "straight" she got to act in scenes. Charrier then described Genet as a "guilty pleasure."

"I loved playing it" - Charrier on playing the leading antagonist.

I touched on how Stephane can be seen looking bandaged and bruised in teasers and trailers and asked Levi what he could tell us about the events that led to it: "It could be revenge, it could be other stuff," being very careful to keep the events under wraps. However, he explained how it is a "key moment," I am very excited to find out what that refers to. Levi then also touched on how much love there is between the cast and how they all have a "special connection" together, giving fellow actor Charrier special recognition for the scenes they share.

"It was an amazing moment with truth" - Levi on the iconic scene with Genet and Codron in the finale of Season 1.

I then spoke with the actors behind Fallou Boukar (Eriq Ebouaney) and Laurent Carriere (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi). Ebouaney admitted that he found the special effects makeup on the walkers "pretty scary," he even found it difficult to eat his lunch on set! He expanded on the walker blood around the mouths of the extras quite grim!

"Totally real" - Ebouaney on the Walkers make up.

I wanted to ask Scigliuzzi if Laurent feels alive around Daryl. Scigliuzzi responded that "he feels safer when Daryl is here," and Laurent "doesn't want him to leave," reiterating the type of figure he sees Daryl as. I was pleased to have those points confirmed.

"He is a badass" - Scigliuzzi on Dixon.

The cast, as are us fans, are so excited to see McBride back on our screens as we enter into the next chapter of this iconic story. You can catch all three exclusive interviews above. I already can not wait for season three!

Daryl Dixon: The Book Of Carol begins September 29 2024 on AMC and AMC+. Fans in the UK will be able to stream all of the action weekly on Sky and NOW TV starting October 4 2024.