Actor Norman Reedus talks about his role in the hit series “The Walking Dead” by director Frank Darabont (The Mist, The Green Mile) starring Jon Bernthal (Date Night, Numb3rs), Jeffrey DeMunn (The Majestic, The Shawshank Redemption) and Laurie Holden (Silent Hill, The Shield). Here’s our exclusive interview.
SY: You have starred in numerous mainstream films since the ’90s, including ‘8MM,’ ‘Gossip,’ ‘Blade II’ and ‘American Gangster,’ but are most remembered for your lead role as Murphy MacManus in ‘The Boondock Saints’ and its sequel. What is it about this character that resonates with audiences?
NR: I think with Boondock Saints, it sort of became the people’s movie. It was put in a unique category where people spread the word. They passed it to friends and so on. It grew into this huge cult hit just by people liking it and wanting their friends to like it. I think I’m most proud of that. There wasn’t promotion. There wasn’t a release. And it still grew 70 feet tall. It’s an amazing thing, isn’t it?
SY: There are reports that (director and screenwriter) Troy Duffy has expressed interest in making a third ‘Boondocks Saints’ movie. If there is another sequel, what types of conflicts and struggles do you hope to see Murphy and Connor overcome?
NR: I think eventually the brothers have to meet their match you know? Maybe they meet some nice girls, get married, move to Boca Raton, and have some mini Murphs.
SY: I understand that you’ve also joined the hit series ‘The Walking Dead’, which aired this past Sunday. How did you like working with Frank Darabont and the other directors in the series?
NR: The Walking Dead is a dream for me and the cast are some of the coolest people I’ve ever worked for. Frank is a genius. If he says jump, I’ll just jump. I’m really enjoying the show and the people I’m working with; Gale, AMC, the cast, the crew, Greg, everyone. I can’t say it enough and I hope it lasts for years and years.
SY: Can you tell us a bit about your character Daryl Dixon, how did you prepare for the role?
NR: Daryl is half of the brothers Dixon. They are loose canons, Rednecks, dangerous and efficient. Not the friendliest. Maybe Daryl is a bit more than Merle (Rooker is awesome by the way. Love that guy).
Be sure to visit Norman’s official website at Normanreedusonline.com
and Bigbaldhead.com.
