Since its debut in 2010, The Walking Dead has gripped audiences around the globe with its harrowing tales of survival, loss, and the fragile nature of humanity. Fans have followed Rick, Daryl, Carol, and the rest of the survivors through relentless walker attacks, heartbreaking losses, and impossible choices that test their courage, loyalty, and will to survive.
But beyond all the chaos, drama, and blood-soaked action, there are some surprising facts about the popular zombie series that even die-hard fans might not have even known. In this article, we've shared six fascinating facts about The Walking Dead that are not only guaranteed to blow your mind but also give you a fresh perspective on the series.
1. Several characters in The Walking Dead show aren't in the comics
This is true! You know fan-favorite characters like Daryl, Beth, T-Dog, and Sasha? Yeah, they weren't in the original comic series by Robert Kirkman at all. That’s right. These characters were created exclusively for the show, and they ended up stealing the spotlight in ways that even the comic creators probably didn’t anticipate.
Daryl, in particular, became such a standout character that it’s hard to imagine the series without his iconic crossbow-wielding skills and rough-around-the-edges charm. Then, there's Sasha and T-Dog, who quickly won over fans with their bravery, loyalty, and heroism.
I mean, just think about it. If it weren't for T-Dog sacrificing himself to the walkers in the third season, Carol would've likely died. The same goes for Sasha. By sacrificing herself in one of the most intense moments of the seventh season, she not only protected her friends but also inspired them to keep fighting. Talk about leaving a mark! Beth was another original character from the show who brought a completely different kind of impact. Most fans don't like to talk about Daryl's brother, Merle, but he was also a show-original character.
2. Despite being set in the U.S., The Walking Dead stars several non-American actors
This might be another surprising fact to some fans. Although the show is set in rural America, many of its most iconic characters are brought to life by actors from outside the U.S. A good example is the show's leading star, Andrew Lincoln, who portrays Rick Grimes. Despite being born and raised in England, Lincoln mastered a pitch-perfect Southern drawl that convinced countless viewers he was a true Georgia sheriff.
Remember Lennie James? He’s another talented British actor who plays the wise and resilient Morgan Jones, and you’d never guess his smooth London roots from the way he nails that American accent. Then, there's David Morrissey, who brought chilling intensity to the role of the Governor. With his menacing presence and flawless Southern drawl, you’d swear he was a native of the American South. But he’s actually from Liverpool, England. These are just a few of the international stars who helped shape The Walking Dead into the global phenomenon it became.
3. The Walking Dead could have been a zombie-less show on NBC
Now, this would've just been bad! Can you imagine The Walking Dead without zombies? According to The Walking Dead executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, that’s exactly what almost happened when creator Frank Darabont first pitched the series to NBC.
Instead of the dark, gritty, survival story we all know, the network reportedly suggested stripping out the very creatures that define the apocalypse. Even wilder, they floated the idea of turning it into a weekly procedural. It would've basically been a crime drama where the main characters would solve a new “zombie-related” mystery every episode. Thankfully, AMC swooped in and picked the show up!
4. Norman Reedus almost didn't get cast
The Walking Dead without Norman Reedus is almost impossible to imagine, yet that alternate reality came shockingly close to happening. Reedus revealed this in an interview with Details magazine. In 2010, when he first read the pilot script, Reedus became obsessed with the show and really wanted to be part of it. But by that time, the casting process for the characters was already finished. Despite that, Reedus begged to at least audition for any part, even if it was just a small guest role.
“I was like, ‘Just get me in the room. I’ll go in and do a guest spot.'" - Norman Reedus (via Business Insider)
Ultimately, his persistence paid off. He was initially asked to read for Merle, not once but twice. But in the end, Darabont was so impressed with Reedus that he decided to create an entirely new character just for him. That character would become Daryl Dixon, Merle's younger brother.
5. Carol could have died earlier in The Walking Dead series
This is another one of those jaw-dropping near-misses that shows just how different The Walking Dead could have been. In a 2016 interview, Greg Nicotero, an executive producer and makeup effects artist on the show, revealed that the writers initially planned for Carol to die in the same episode where T-Dog sacrifices himself. But instead of Carol dying, the writers chose to kill off T-Dog in the end.
The Walking Dead without Carol would be almost unrecognizable. I'm glad the writers found a way to keep her alive because Carol’s survival allowed her to grow into one of the most compelling and inspiring characters in the series.
6. Rick Grimes could have been played by another actor
It's true! Before Lincoln was cast, the role of Rick was up for grabs, and the show’s creative team was considering other actors for the part. According to UPROXX, some of those actors were Thomas Jane, Jamie Bamber, Stuart Townsend, Mark Pellegrino, and Ethan Embry. I'm not saying that any of these talented actors wouldn't have done a great job, but Lincoln brought something truly irreplaceable to Rick. It's hard to imagine anyone else taking on the role.
Negan could've been portrayed by another actor other than Jeffrey Dean Morgan as well. According to the same news outlet, Jon Hamm, Garrett Dillahunt, Matthew Lillard, and Matt Dillon were all potential candidates for the iconic role.
You can stream The Walking Dead on Netflix right now.