There is no show bigger than The Walking Dead. This televised adaption of the Robert Kirkman comic series premiered in October 2010 and immediately became a hit. The show focuses on the everyday struggles a group of survivors face while trying to live during the zombie apocalypse. The show has a tremendous cast but the break out star is without a doubt Norman Reedus who plays the character Daryl Dixon.
Dixon is a fan favorite that is exclusive to the television show and was never featured in the comic series. Many TWD fans like Dixon because he is backwoods bad ass that doesn’t take shit from the living nor the dead. However, many women would give a breast to have their way with him. Anyway, the typical television viewer assume that this is Norman Reedus’ first big role and that is extremely false. Reedus himself has starred or co-starred in many films that are worth seeing. With that being said, check out these select films from his filmography that scream to be seen.
The Boondock Saints (1999)
In this 1999 action film, Reedus portrays Murphy MacManus. Murphy, along with his brother Connor, hit the streets of Boston killing the morally corrupt after receiving a message from God during the night.
This film is a favorite of mine and many of those that knew of Reedus before The Walking Dead hit the air. Fans of Irish culture and damn good action should really check this one out.
Blade II (2002)
In Blade II Reedus plays the character of Skud. Skud is the weapon manufacture filling in for Whistler after he was taken by the vampires. Skud is also a familiar for the vampires and eventually betray Blade
The first two Blade films are extremely entertaining, however, Blade II is by far the best in the series but that is to be expected when Guillermo del Toro is behind the camera.
Masters of Horror – Episode #8: Cigarette Burns (2005)
Cigarette Burns in John Carpenter’s contribution to season 1 of the Masters of Horror series. Reedus stars and Kirby Sweetman who is a dealer of rare and unique films (mostly horror). While searching for an extremely rare film Sweetman starts to see the visions that lead to others committing vicious acts of violence or suicide.
This is easily one of the better episodes from season 1 and should really be seen.
Pandorum (2009)
Pandorum is an futuristic sci-fi horror flick about the last survivors of Earth hibernating on a spacecraft as they travel through space in search of a home that could sustain life. However, something happens to some of those that are in stasis. They turn into flesh eating mutants. Reedus’ character is Shepard who is one of the crew members that awaken to find themselves surrounded by a tribe of cannibals.
Not many people like this film but I absolutely love it. It is not my favorite Reedus flick but it is definitely up there.
The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009)
In this sequel to The Boondock Saints, Reedus returns as Murphy and with his brother come out of hiding when someone with a grudge kills a priest.
This is a solid sequel to the original film and is mandatory viewing for anyone who enjoys the first film.
The points of this is not to cram Norman Reedus down you throat (get your mind out of the gutter ladies) but to show that The Walking Dead was not his first big role. Reedus has been making a name for himself for years and none of it should go unnoticed. He is an amazing actor and his films show that. Check them out and stay tuned because I will be taking a look at another TWD cast member’s past very soon!
