NYCC has been an essential hub of information for The Walking Dead Universe for years. This year was no different, with some heartbreaking news for Daryl Dixon fans.

Season 4 of Daryl Dixon, set to air in 2026, will be the final season. They’re still filming now in Spain; leaving many viewers wondering if a reunion between Daryl or Rick will be in order, geographical obstacles aside.

Scott Gimple, David Zabel, Norman Reedus, and Greg Nicotero were on the panel this year. It doesn’t sound like the book is completely closed on The Walking Dead after Daryl Dixon’s show ending.

Executive producer Greg Nicotero didn’t have much worry about franchise fatigue – “At its height, The Walking Dead was making 42 hours of television a year. We’re now making decidedly less,” he explained. The group continued that another way they’re combatting the so called fatigue is by putting classic characters in new situations with completely different stories.

Filming in Europe

Choosing to film outside of the U.S. has helped rejuvinate the story for Norman Reedus, stating that it feels “a lot like the earlier season of the flagship show. I’ve been chasing that lightening-in-a-bottle feeling ever since,” a sentiment we hear often from vets of the original Walking Dead cast.

Both David Zabel and Norman Reedus expressed excitement when asked about what location would be dream, if the show was to move around again. All four members of the panel agreed that taking The Walking Dead to Asia would be an interesting turn.

Daryl and Carol

Not any two actors could pull off such complicated characters with an endearing friendship like Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride. Norman recalls their first scene together, in season 1 when she was pickaxing Ed’s head, Norman was behind the scenes adding more blood and guts to the tool when she finally said “Give me that!” – a start of a beautiful friendship.

Rick’s brother in Spain?!?

An audience member presented the question of if Carol’s love interest in Season 3 of Daryl Dixon, Antonio, is Rick Grimes brother. In the graphic novel’s by Rober Kirkman we are introduced to Jeffrey Grimes, Rick’s brother that floated his was to Barcelona – a location we know Antonio is familiar with.

David Zabel was giddy to answer this question, excited that someone noticed the nod to the graphic novels. Gimple and Zabel didn’t exactly confirm nor deny Antonio’s relation to the Grimes family.

Loss in The Walking Dead

Death is one of the defining elements of this shows stories, with the group looking back on the emotional impact of killing off characters. Many fans would assume that the death of Carl was going to be the obvious answer, some thinking they should regret that decision because he is the future in the graphic novels.

“For me, Isabelle was a tough one,” Gimple revealed. Nicotero said Hershel’s death in the flagship show was difficult for him, all other members of the team nodding their head in agreement.

Glenn Rhee & Daryl Dixon reunion?

Stepping out of the doors of the press room, Norman Reedus was greeted with a familiar face – Steven Yeun! Yeun was at NYCC for an Invincible press panel – it was revealed that the show will air a fourth season. Huge smiles and big hugs filled the hallway before the two stars walked on, catching up with each other.

The team is dedicated to making the show feel complete at it’s end, assuring viewers that we will feel like we got to the end of a journey with both Carol and Daryl.

The energy in the audience for Daryl Dixon panel was electric, we’re excited to see what will happen next in the story about the undead and the badass Daryl + Carol duo.