Everybody likes Daryl. Sure he is a racist but he doesn't hide it. Which is what we all want most of the time right?
You have to give the guy points for being honest about who he is. But over the course of 6 episodes, we have seen his character evolve? Maybe evolve is not the word but he certainly becomes more likable. Check out this Q&A where he talks about playing Daryl and using a crossbow.
Q: What was your favorite part about playing Daryl? A: He’s such a mixed guy. Growing up with a brother like Michael Rooker’s character, you’d imagine he’d have tons of chicks on his shoulder. I think trying to find a way to be the little brother, but still be a badass in his own way and still show that he cares about his brother. Trying to show that he has feelings and trying to find a likable guy in a racist, you know?
Q: How do you make a racist likable? A: I was looking for that fine line to get to where I actually join the group and become somebody that they can trust. I’m sort of like this pet snake: somebody that is around all the time and works with all these people, but he might snap at any second. It’s like, you have to pick and choose your friends carefully, and sometimes you get stuck with whoever is not bitten. And the best part is that Daryl could go so many different ways since he’s such a wild card. He could hook up with someone, he could become a total crazy person or maybe just become a really nice guy.
Q: Between starring in The Boondock Saints and this, you’ve handled your fair share of weapons on-screen. How did the crossbow compare? A: Dude, I got to say I love the crossbow. I mean it’s just fun. Guns are fun, I can’t deny that shooting guns in movies isn’t fun. But I had never used a crossbow before, and it’s pretty rad.
Q: It’s nice and silent. A: Yeah totally! The only thing is that you have to reload real quickly. What I need is one of those automatic crossbows… if they even make those.
Q: Daryl seems well-suited to the apocalypse. Do you think you’d fare as well? A: Oh no way dude, I would run and hide. I don’t know what I would do. I’d probably just end up stealing a purple Lamborghini and go joy-riding until a walker caught me. I mean, I am pretty tough, but I’m not Daryl tough.
Q: Having starred in Blade II, where do you land on the Vampires vs. Zombies debate? A: Dude I am so about this show right now, so I say zombies all the way. I have got to say this is one of the most fun jobs I have ever had. Vampires are fun too, and that was a blast, but I am all about the zombies right now.
SK - To read more of this interview click on the link below.
The Walking Dead Season 1 DVD hits stores on March 8.