Yes, a zombie resembling the iconic horror villain Freddy Krueger did appear in an episode of The Walking Dead.
A Nightmare on Walker Street
In the episode titled "The Commonwealth Blues," the makeup team behind The Walking Dead created a specific walker designed to look like Freddy Krueger. This detailed homage saw "The Dream Master" himself given the "walker treatment," appearing as a gruesome zombie version of the character. This particular instance was a deliberate Easter egg for fans, showcasing the creative lengths the production went to with their zombie designs.
Pop Culture Homages in The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead has a history of incorporating various pop culture references and homages into its zombie designs. The creative team often drew inspiration from other well-known franchises and even celebrity likenesses to craft unique and memorable walkers. This practice allowed them to add layers of subtle detail and fan service, making the post-apocalyptic world feel even more expansive and connected to the world before the outbreak. The Freddy Krueger zombie is a prime example of such a creative integration, blending horror universes in a visually striking way.