The Walking Dead season 11 is finally in production after meeting several delays due to the current global health crisis. However, certain health guidelines and safety measures are being implemented, making the situation somewhat difficult for some cast members.
The Walking Dead season 11 begins filming after delivering the previously-released season 10 finale. But, while everyone is back on set preparing to deliver more stories, one cast member revealed that filming amidst the pandemic has led to certain challenges.
Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl Dixon, shared his experiences while working during the real-life health crisis. The actor admitted that the intense action scenes have been "grueling" this year. Everyone has to adjust to the new normal, with strict health protocols being followed on the set.
The cast and crew must comply with the proper social distancing measures and frequent COVID test for everyone is required. Reedus said they should be wearing masks or should have shields on, and their temperatures were being checked.
The good news is that filming has been pulled off without any setbacks. If The Walking Dead season 11 maintains its schedule, then we could expect the series returning in mid-2021. Yet, since filming is still on-going, there could be a few changes along the way.
When it comes to the filming environment, the actor revealed the social side of the series has taken a hit during the pandemic. He explained that they were used to hugging each other and giving high five to one another. However, they couldn't do that this time because of the current situation.
Reedus noted that everyone is away from each other now, and it's a "different vibe" since they've got masks on and can't see people's smiles. Aside from following safety measures, filming amidst the real-life health crisis has led to some awkward moments and injury for the actor.
He revealed that he sustained a painful injury while doing a socially distanced fight scene in The Walking Dead season 11. Usually, they can come face-to-face, can roll around together, and have some fluid movement. This way, their body won't hurt that much.
However, the actor said one guy had to be away from him -- due to social distancing reasons -- and had to wear a mask on a zombie. Rather than doing a "fluid-rolling-around" style, the guy has to stiff-arm Reedus to get his face out of the camera. He admitted that it hurt a lot more being manhandled by the zombie.
Meanwhile, The Walking Dead season 11 serves as the final installment of the post-apocalyptic AMC series. We could expect more bloody battles and violent scenes before the show officially concludes. The good news is that Reedus' Daryl's journey continues even if this story comes to an end.
It has been confirmed that a spin-off is being planned and it would follow Dary and Carol (Melissa McBride). The project is in its early stage at the moment, with the scripts needed to be finished. If production could start in 2022, we could expect a 2023 premiere.
