The Walking Dead is one of the most successful franchises in television history. What once began as a six-part TV series has expanded into a complex, multimedia franchise with seven shows to its name thus far. Although not all of those shows are still on the air, the TWD Universe has found new ways to live on beyond the series that started it all, with three cinematic spinoffs continuing the story set forth in the original show's series finale.
Of the three, it's Daryl Dixon which has taken the franchise in the freshest direction. Its titular character, along with Carol Peletier, has travelled to France, London, and Spain over the course of the first three seasons and they are determined to get back home to Alexandria and the Commonwealth. The show has unfortunately killed a number of people off, while also featuring some surprises along the way - particularly Carol's return in the season 1 finale.
However, it sounds like one stone won't remain unturned for much longer, as the show's creator has hinted at potentially bringing one character back to complete their story.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon boss teases return of one character as their story isn't over yet
It sounds like one beloved character from The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon could be back on our screens in the not-too-distant future after all. Series creator David Zabel has hinted that the story of Codron isn't quite finished yet, with the character now expected to return before the show's conclusion next year.
Speaking to TVLine ahead of the season 3 premiere, Zabel discussed the possibility of seeing Codron again, saying "That story is not entirely over." Naturally, fans have taken this as confirmation that the character will be back at some point before the show wraps up with its fourth season. And considering this was an interview about the third season, it's more than likely that it could happen in this season.
Another element that may have confirmed Codron's return is the fact that actor Romain Levi actually attended the season 3 premiere in Spain. He was a part of the show's first two seasons, which filmed in France, so to see him at the third season's premiere in Spain after his character had seemingly been written out of the show certainly points towards a season 3 return... especially as the rest of the cast members who were a part of the show's France storyline (such as Louis Puech Scigliuzzi or Manish Dayal) were not present.
Stéphane Codron played a major role in Daryl Dixon's first two seasons. Initially a soldier for Madame Genet tasked with taking out Daryl, Sister Isabelle, and Laurent, he eventually became an ally and helped them escape. Although he was susequently imprisoned for his actions, he did eventually reunite with Daryl - who had reunited with Carol at this point - and, upon defeating Madame Genet, they all decided to leave France through the Chunnel in the season 2 finale.
But that journey didn't go to plan as the bat guano in the Chunnel resulted in everyone having hallucinations. Daryl saw Isabelle, Carol saw her daughter Sophia, and Codron saw his brother. This very nearly led to a fight between Daryl and Codron but the latter would ultimately stumble off into the tunnel in search of his ghostly brother. It was the last time he would make an appearance on the show (until now, at least).
The opportunity to give Codron a more fitting finale
As Daryl Dixon wastes little time in killing off characters (or removing them from the board in other ways), it just seemed as if that might be Codron's final appearance on the show. After all, in the space of six episodes, the second season (also titled The Book of Carol) had killed off Isabelle, Sylvie, Madame Genet, Losang, and even the two new Scottish people Daryl and Carol happened upon. So it's understandable that fans thought Codron's ambiguous fate might be the end for him.
That said, Zabel's comments suggest otherwise. While it's absolutely possible that the storyline might be resolved without a physical appearance, Levi's appearance on the red carpet during the show's premiere in Spain make a return all the more likely. Daryl Dixon has hit the reset button, taking Daryl and Carol to London and then onto Spain. So, if Levi weren't in the season, he likely wouldn't have attended the premiere along with the new cast members.
If Codron does surface in Daryl Dixon season 3, it's going to be interesting to see how he fits into the new cast of characters. With the primary duo in a new setting, there are new supporting characters, new threats, and new trials to overcome. Codron's involvement could very much up the ante, regardless of whether he's a friend or a foe to his former enemy. The question is: If he does return, how will the show explain his journey to Spain? Daryl and Carol hitched a ride on Julian's boat. Are there other boats in London that Codron could have used?
We'll have to wait and see, but the idea of seeing another Daryl Dixon fave in what is already shaping up to be a jam-packed season for the Walking Dead franchise is just super exciting!
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixonseason 3 airs on AMC and streams on AMC+ on Sundays.