Zombie Fever Hits NYC: The Walking Dead Universe Commands Attention at Comic Con and Paleyfest!”

The Walking Dead Universe took over New York Comic Con and Paleyfest this week with two offerings. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol, and The Walking Dead: Dead City.

At the Dead City press conference, Lauren Cohan (Maggie) and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan) discussed the evolution of their characters and hinted at what lies ahead in Season 2. In addition, David Zabel, showrunner of Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol, suggested that the third season may not have subtitles, explaining that backlash against the previous naming conventions had forced him to reconsider.

Lauren Cohan at New York Comic Con 2024

Cohan shared her excitement about the show’s next chapter:

“We’re going to a new location, and like before, the new setting reveals parts of the characters we haven’t explored. We encounter new conflicts with different characters, and it’s all about keeping each other honest. If it’s emotionally resonant, it feels fresh to me.”

Jeffrey Dean Morgan at New York Comic Con 2024

Morgan added how working with new actors has enriched the show:

“Bringing in new cast members introduces a dynamic we don’t get with Maggie and Negan’s established relationship. This season puts them in very different circumstances than before. I’ve enjoyed working with everyone, but Joe Co really brings out something new in Negan, which audiences haven’t seen before.”

Based on what we saw on the first season, We asked Scott Gimple, the Walking Dead Universe’s chief content officer, if more disgusting scenes will be shown in New York City this season.

“There are some impressive sets this season—one in particular blew me away. It’s the opposite of filthy, but don’t worry, disgusting things still happen. Boston gave us locations that fill out the world in ways fans will love. There are moments where you’ll want to throw up, and others where you’ll think, ‘Wow, how did they create that?’”

Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride at New York Comic Con 2024

Norman Reedus (Daryl) and showrunner David Zabel discussed the technical challenges of shooting long, uninterrupted action scenes for Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol’s previous episode that just aired over the weekend. Reedus praised the work of stunt coordinator Sebastian, who also traveled with the team to Spain for the filming of the third season.

“There’s a lot of math involved in getting these sequences right. I think I accidentally hit someone with the axe—wait, it wasn’t an axe, it was a fishing hook! But we rehearse thoroughly, and David ensures everything is down to a science. We try not to hurt each other, but these stunts are intense.”

Zabel admitted the preparation was time-consuming but worth the effort:

“The rehearsal process is complex. It takes time to get it right, but once we start shooting, it flows smoothly. On the day of filming, we have to rehearse with the stunt team, and it can be a grind, but it’s worth it when you see the final product.”

Melissa McBride (Carol) also shared insights about the emotional journey of her character in the upcoming season:

“We had long conversations about Carol’s storyline, especially her grief and survivor’s guilt, which are essential parts of her arc. It’s important to collaborate with the actors because they’ve lived with these characters for so long. We wanted to address areas that hadn’t been explored in previous seasons.”

Zabel wrapped up the discussion by addressing if the third season of Daryl Dixon will have a subtitle:

“To be honest, I’ve taken a lot of flack for the multiple subtitles, and three titles might be one too many. We’ll see how we move forward, but the focus will always be on telling great stories.”

With these exciting developments, the Walking Dead Universe promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether it’s Daryl and Carol navigating new territory or Maggie and Negan’s continued evolution, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Fans can look forward to emotional character arcs, stunning new locations, and pulse-pounding action as the stories continue to unfold.

Also at Paleyfest, we spoke with Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, and Scott Gimple about the ongoing season of Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol. You can check it out below.