The Walking Dead Season 5 Release Date, Spoilers: Will Daryl Be Killed Off?

Aug 17, 2014 01:41 AM EDT

A photo from The Walking Dead (TWD) Season 5 film set has fans worrying whether AMC is killing off Daryl Dixon.

On Thursday, Aug. 7, AMC network released an official photo showing cast members whose characters include Rick Grimes, Carl Grimes, Michonne, Glenn Rhee, Maggie Greene, Sasha, Sgt. Abraham Ford, Tara Chambler, Ford, Bob Stookey, Eugene Porter, and Rosita Espinosa.

Daryl Dixon was noticeably missing from the group photo, fueling speculation that he has been killed off. Even so, some fans believe that AMC is simply teasing the audience with Daryl's absence, and that he will still be alive by the Season 5 finale.

Even so, there have been concerning signs on the TWD film set that suggests otherwise. An earlier photo shows Daryl happily seated on the floor with the cast. However, AMC never released this photo officially. Instead, the group photo was leaked anonymously onto the internet.

Actor Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl on the show, also raised suspicions when he ominously tweeted a word of appreciation to his fans.

"Just wanted to say thank you for all the nice people that are waiting outside of set when we get off work," Reedus wrote. "Thank you guys for all the love."

Prior to that Twitter posting, the actor confessed to listening to a U2 album that had him in tears. These online activities left many to wonder if Reedus is indeed leaving the show. Naturally, AMC will not confirm much of anything ahead of the Season 5 debut.

This is not the first time fans wondered about Daryl's demise. Last month, AMC released a film-still showing Daryl bound and gagged in a scene from Season 5. Many fans assumed that their beloved character was soon facing death.

Making matters worse, TWD creator Robert Kirkman casually announced Daryl's death in a radio interview with Entertainment Weekly. Kirkman may have been joking, but Daryl fans were in an uproar.

The Walking Dead Season 5 is airing on AMC on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 9/8c.