One thing that keeps The Walking Dead universe so fresh and exciting is when we get cameos from some much-loved names in entertainment. It has been exciting to see some familiar faces across the years in the motherships show and then the spin-offs. Some big names within TWDU include Robert Patrick, Robin Lord Taylor, and Hilarie Burton; it doesn't end there!
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is arguably one of the best TWDU spin-off series so far. Each episode introduces a new dynamic between old and new faces while keeping that nostalgic TWD feeling. In the two series, we have met some fantastic new characters, such as Isabelle (Clémence Poésy), Fallou (Eriq Ebouaney), Codron (Romain Levi), and Marion Genet (Anne Charrier). We will soon meet a whole bunch more when the series returns for its third season at some point this year.
One of those new faces will be very familiar to those who are, in particular, fans of good comedy. Successful and hilarious comedian Emmy-winning Stephen Merchant is set to join the cast for this new season, which will surely bring many surprises. But what can we expect from his character in the upcoming episodes?
Stephen Merchant's role in The Walking Dead Universe
Stephen Merchant is a household name in the UK. With a career spanning decades and multiple awards, he brings his unique energy and persona to any project he is involved in. Known for his incredible writing talent and acting work in shows such as The Office, The Outlaws, and Fighting with My Family, Merchant has a distinctive style that brings light to any character he portrays - the perfect combination for his upcoming time in TWDU.
Whilst there are not many details yet released about the upcoming episodes for season 3 of Daryl Dixon, we can see from the teaser trailer that Merchant's character (who is still awaiting name confirmation) is seen wandering around the streets of an apocalyptic London. The funny thing about this is the perfectly placed iconic red double-decker bus, a typical prop and background anchorage for things set in the area. But this is huge for TWDU fans in the UK as it is the first time we see the world and characters that we love in a place we know; how exciting!
There is no pressure on Merchant, but his arrival will be eagerly awaited, especially by fans in the UK, as he will be representing a place and fans who have loved TWDU for years with his appearance. His role is important not only because of the representation of fans across the pond but also because Daryl and Carol didn't always have the most affable interactions with many folks in Season 2. Supporting characters impact the regulars, so Merchant will hopefully be a protagonist who can help Daryl and Carol on their journey.
FIRST LOOK at Stephen Merchant in Season 3 of #TWDDarylDixon! pic.twitter.com/HF5VvkaQfU
— The Walking Dead World (@TWalkingDWorld) November 4, 2024
But he isn't the only new name announced as he joins Alexandra Masangkay, Eduardo Noriega, and Oscar Jaenada in the series. But, as much as I would love a series of Daryl and Carol in London, the series will be mainly set in Spain. I wonder about what Merchant's role will be; he could be a vagabond who will point them in the right direction, maybe a leader of another community who will offer others a safe space, or he could be a villainous survivor who wants their supplies because what is TWD without a villain!
I am so excited to see these new landscapes and destinations in TWDU. From the small snippet we see of Merchant, he looks slightly dishevelled and as though he has been on the road for a while, so he will be delighted to see and meet the iconic duo we know and love. And I can not wait to see one of my favorite comedians in my favorite TV series!
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon will return for season three on AMC and AMC Plus later this year. Fans in the UK can catch the new season on Sky and NOW TV later this year and, alternatively, catch up on all the episodes on the same platforms.