Austin Nichols Is The Only Walker Actor To Also Direct For The CW Series

While it might be surprising that Austin Nichols was the first ” Walker ” cast member to direct an episode, it’s less surprising that the actor wanted the job. The former “The Walking Dead” star has long been ambitious to work behind the camera. He earned his first director credits in 2011 and 2012 for helming a pair of “One Tree Hill” episodes during his seasons-long stint on the show. A decade later, Nichols finally got another shot at the small screen director’s chair when “Walker” producers brought him aboard for the Season 2 episode titled “Search and Rescue.”

And as Nichols told CBR in 2021, he was beyond elated to get back behind the camera. “I was champing at the bit for months and months,” the actor stated, hilariously adding he was so excited he found himself scouting locations for the episode before he even read a script.

That episode turned out to be one of the most immense and action-packed “Walker” has yet seen, with Nichols more than delivering the goods in scale and drama. The “Walker” team clearly liked what they saw in his work, as he’s since returned to direct a Season 3 episode. Said episode was a bit smaller in scope, but Nichols still came through another memorable chapter in the ongoing “Walker” saga. Here’s hoping the “Walker” team brings him back for another sooner rather than later.