How Clint Eastwood Classics and The Revenant Shaped Daryl Dixon Season 3 in The Walking Dead Series

The upcoming third season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is set to bring fresh inspiration from unexpected sources. Ahead of its UK release, showrunner David Zabel and director Daniel Percival revealed that Clint Eastwood’s films played a significant role in shaping the narrative. They also drew upon the rich history of Spain, including its monarchy and civil conflicts.
Influences Behind the New Season
Zabel expressed how his love for spaghetti westerns influenced the storytelling approach. He stated, “I grew up on the spaghetti westerns and the Man with No Name movies. They were always in my mind.” This foundation led to a unique narrative that intertwines the classic themes found in these films.
Historical Context and Cultural References
According to Zabel, the season’s storylines aim to incorporate elements of Spanish history. He noted, “We looked at how we could reference the Spanish monarchy, the Civil War, and the Basque separatist movement.” This perspective enriches the plot and ties the characters’ current challenges to the past.
- Integration of Clint Eastwood films, notably spaghetti westerns.
- Exploration of Spanish history including monarchy, civil conflicts, and regional movements.
- Focus on how past events influence the present narratives within the series.
Setting and Characters
The third season primarily unfolds in Spain, following characters Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier. After a failed attempt to return to the United States from England, they encounter young survivors fleeing an oppressive community. As they navigate the intricacies of this medieval setting, tensions arise within the city due to their unwelcomed presence.
Artistic Vision
Percival shared insights into the artistic approach for season three, emphasizing the use of mood boards to guide the overall aesthetic. He mentioned how the work of directors like Sergio Leone and John Ford helped shape the visual storytelling. Recent films, such as The Revenant, also inspired the creation of immersive environments that contrast vast landscapes with intimate character moments.
- Dynamic character interactions in a hostile landscape.
- Use of mood boards to guide visual and thematic elements.
- Influence of classic and contemporary filmmakers on storytelling techniques.
Release Information
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 3 premiered in the United States on AMC and AMC+ in September. It will debut in the UK on Sky/NOW on October 24. Fans eagerly anticipate this new chapter that blends classic cinema influences with compelling storytelling.