After 16 years, Daryl Dixon star Norman Reedus is walking away from The Walking Dead

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Daryl Dixon star Norman Reedus says goodbye to his final Walking Dead project

Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead season 11
(Image credit: AMC)
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After 16 years of playing the fan-favorite crossbow-wielding survivor Daryl Dixon, Norman Reedus is walking away from The Walking Dead franchise after filming his final season.

On June 16, the star took to Instagram to share some behind-the-scenes snaps from The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 4, and said goodbye to the franchise. "I can’t wait for people to see this show," said the star. "The feeling of accomplishment when it was over was just amazing. Such hard work and so much heart put into this, I think you’re gonna feel it. It was a special season. I can’t wait for you to see it. It hits just way differently this time."

Now, we already had a feeling that Reedus would be exiting the franchise after this season. In July 2025, the Daryl Dixon spin-off was renewed for its fourth and final season. Then in November 2025, Reedus confirmed he had filmed his last scene. "Last filming day today for Daryl Dixon," said Reedus on Twitter. "It’s been such a joy for me to play this guy with all of u for this long. I feel really blessed. Truly."

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However, many fans were holding out hope that the end of the spin-off wouldn't mark Dixon's last zombie venture. Even Andrew Lincoln returned as Rick Grimes in the 2024 spin-off The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live after he exited the main show early in season 9. Reedus then led the series for two more seasons. Since then, Reedus hasn't really had much of a break, so, understandably, he'd want to explore other projects.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 4 does not yet have a release date, but is expected to air sometime in 2026. The final season will conclude Daryl and Carol's (Melissa McBride) rather lengthy journey across Europe, as they try to make their way back home to America.

Next up for Reedus, the actor will star in The Black Swan writer Mark Heyman's psychological horror film Pendulum, and is set to be part of the third The Boondock Saints movie, which is currently in pre-production.

For more, check out our list of the best Walking Dead episodes, and our guide on how to watch The Walking Dead in order.

Megan Garside
Megan Garside
Junior Social Media Editor, GamesRadar+

I'm the Junior Social Media Editor here at GamesRadar+, handling all of Total Film's social platforms. However, I also write, covering all things film and TV for the site's entertainment section. I joined GamesRadar+ in 2023 and have been here ever since. I previously worked in communications after graduating with an MA in journalism. In my spare time, you can find me binging horror movies or getting lost in a cosy little game on my Switch.

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