I’ve been waiting over five years for a crucial The Walking Dead reunion, and a recent announcement means it’s one step closer to happening. After debuting in 2010, The Walking Dead went on to become one of the most iconic shows on television thanks to its brutal deaths and great characters. While the franchise’s main survivors stood out for their unique personalities and thrilling storylines, it was their relationships that made them so memorable. Many Walking Dead duos had great on-screen chemistry and their dynamics became an integral part of the show, making one pivotal character’s departure all the more painful.

Having led the show for eight years, Andrew Lincoln exited The Walking Dead in 2018, leaving a massive hole in the franchise. Not only did this shocking departure leave The Walking Dead without one of its most central characters, but it also meant several survivors were without their closest ally. Thankfully, Rick returned to the franchise earlier this year in his The Ones Who Live spinoff adding new life to the series. Alongside this, a recent bit of Walking Dead news reignited my desire to see one long-awaited Rick Grimes reunion, and it feels closer than ever.

Norman Reedus’ Long-Term Walking Dead Plan Leaves Plenty Of Time For A Rick Grimes Reunion

Reedus Claimed He Plans On Playing Daryl Dixon For Another 6-7 Years

In a recent interview, Norman Reedus laid out his long-term Walking Dead plans, which makes me optimistic about a Rick and Daryl reunion. Reedus has provided plenty of new updates regarding his Daryl Dixon role in The Walking Dead universe, and the actor recently stated he planned on playing the character for another 6 or 7 years. With Lincoln also back in the franchise, the chances of their characters reuniting became a lot more likely, as Reedus’ timeline creates a lengthy window for the writers to bring the characters back together, and I couldn’t be any happier.

Although Lincoln is not guaranteed to be sticking around now that The Ones Who Live is finished, the fact that he has made his first Walking Dead appearance in over five years gives me confidence that a reunion is possible. Even if Lincoln takes another break, it’s clear he is still open to reprising his role as Rick Grimes and Reedus’ long-term commitment gives the franchise its best opportunity in years to let them share a screen again. The recent spinoffs have also suggested The Walking Dead is building towards a crossover event, meaning if this happens, it’s the perfect way to reunite these two iconic characters.

Why Daryl Dixon & Rick Grimes Must Reunite In The Walking Dead

Daryl’s Walking Dead Story Would Feel Incomplete Without Reuniting With Rick

Rick and Daryl’s importance to one another in The Walking Dead means their reunion has to happen. Both characters have been present in the show since the very first season and have been a permanent part of each other’s journeys. Despite how much loss the duo has endured, the two characters have remained loyal to one another throughout their time in the apocalypse and formed a strong bond. Ironically, Rick and Daryl didn’t get along at the beginning of The Walking Dead, but over time they formed one of the show’s best friendships that I have come to adore.

Individually, they are still fan favorites, but together, they are the heart and soul of the show, making Rick’s absence very noticeable. His disappearance deeply impacted Daryl, who spent years isolating himself and looking for his friend. Not knowing whether Rick was out there made Daryl’s long search even more heartbreaking, and he deserves to see his longtime ally after all this time. Rick and Michonne had their emotional Walking Dead reunion in the latest show, and it is time for Rick and Daryl to get the same treatment.

Having spent years of my life watching these great characters share the screen, I’m desperate to see them reunite, and Daryl’s loyalty to Rick even after his disappearance means his journey would feel incomplete if they never saw each other again. The duo essentially started their apocalyptic lives together, and it seems fitting that they get one last rodeo before their time in the franchise comes to an end.

Rick & Daryl’s Reunion Still Has One Big Obstacle To Overcome

Daryl Dixon Will Remain In Europe For Several More Years

While Rick and Daryl’s overdue reunion feels a lot closer, there is still one big obstacle it has to overcome. Daryl is currently in France on his spinoff show, with The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 1’s ending presenting an ultimatum regarding a return to America. Although Daryl wanted to head back home, he had made genuine connections with Laurent and Isabelle, which caused him to stay in Europe during the finale. Season 2 is scheduled to take place in France, with seasons 3 and 4 reportedly heading to Spain, making me a little concerned about Daryl’s short-term future.

Daryl Dixon season 4 hasn’t been confirmed, but Reedus teased a fourth installment, indicating Daryl may remain away from the central survivors for the foreseeable future. This shortens the window for a Rick and Daryl reunion, as it seems like the show will film in Europe for at least another two years. While this does still leave time for the duo to cross paths in the future, Reedus and Lincoln’s growing schedules leave me slightly concerned. Despite this, I’m still optimistic about Rick and Daryl’s The Walking Dead reunion after Reedus’ update, but the franchise must deal with this huge obstacle.