N O R M A N R E E D U S
Interview} John Russo
Photographs by} John Russo
Location} Los Angeles, California
Produced by} Ken Waller for Photohouse Productions
Grooming} Barbara Guillaume
Styling} Jennifer Austin
Following his departure from The Commonwealth, Daryl Dixon washes ashore in France, raising the ire of a splintered but growing autocratic movement centered in Paris and endangering a young boy at the heart of a benevolent religious movement. Norman Reedus is… Daryl Dixon.
JR: What a ride it’s been. You started a journey with “The Walking Dead” and are now in “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon”. Could you ever have imagined it would be this great of a run?
NR: We aren’t done yet! I would never have imagined it would be the success it’s been, and the new show is another level completely we are all really proud of. I feel like this show and the continuation of this show has been such a blessing and such a rarity in this business that I am forever grateful to everyone involved.
JR: Where does the new season of “Daryl Dixon” pick-up? What can we expect of Daryl and Carol?
NR: The new season of DARYL DIXON picks up with the continuation of our story in France with DARYL DIXON-THE BOOK OF CARYL and what it means to be family and what we are willing to fight for to keep it.
JR: What can you tell us about the universe expansion of Boondock Saints?
NR: The only thing I can tell you is we have a spectacular team with the continuation of this franchise. We have always had a lot of love from the fans of the brothers and both Sean and I are so ready!
JR: Looking back, are there any things you would have changed about your character Daryl? Would you have played him the same way if you had the chance to do it over again?
NR: I think I would have played it exactly the same way. I love the way Daryl has grown as a man and a person. To get to play a role that grows over time the way he has is challenging and totally satisfying all the same time
JR: Was there a particular year or storyline that you thought was exceptional?
NR: I loved the story line seasons 1-5 and the continuation with Melissa, and I feel like those early seasons again.
JR: When did Daryl peak, or did your performance of the character peak?
NR: I think he is still peaking in different ways at different times of both that first run and this new run. It is a reset where we are right now with a lot of heart. I think the show as a whole had those but the role is a constant full flow.
JR: What can you tell us about your new movie, “The Bikeriders”? How did this project come about?
NR: THE BIKERIDERS is based on a photography book from one of my favorite photographers Danny Lyon. Jeff Nichols is such an amazing storyteller and director, it’s really great to see what he and that insane cast has done. It was a real thrill to just be a part of it and watch it happen.
JR: Is there a filmmaker you have not worked with in your career and would like to work with and why?
NR: There are so many. Jim Jarmusch. I’ve always loved Denis Villeneuve. I really admire Yorgos Lanthimos. I mean I could go on and on.
JR: You’re an incredible photographer in your own right – and have had books published and exhibitions all over the world. How did you get into it?
NR: Thank you. I started in junior high school in a class and loved going into the darkroom and the smells and just kind of getting lost in all of that. I really got into it more once I started acting and traveling and seeing things I wouldn’t have gotten to see otherwise.