"The Walking Dead" spinoff is officially happening. AMC announced on Friday that it ordered a pilot for the new series, set to premiere in 2015. According to USA Today, "The Walking Dead" creator Robert Kirkman will produce the new series along with Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert.
Dave Erickson will serve as executive producer and helped Kirkman write and create the companion series.
"Almost from the beginning of 'The Walking Dead,' fans have been curious about what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world. In fact, beyond requests for zombie cameos, it's the question I get asked the most," said AMC President Charlie Collier to USA Today. "Obviously, we all take our stewardship of the original franchise incredibly seriously and we, along with Robert, Gale, David and now Dave, are all proceeding with extreme care in order to ensure that we are offering fans something truly compelling, engaging and distinct. We're thrilled to be taking this next step with these remarkable partners."
There haven't been many details available about the series, but it was previously reported that it would not feature characters from the original "Walking Dead" and would take place in a different part of the world. So far, a cast for the series has not been announced.
"There are many corners of 'The Walking Dead' universe that remain unseen in the shadows. Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill," Kirkman told USA Today.
Back in April, Kirkman answered a fan's question about the new show and said that it would not feature material from his comic books, which "The Walking Dead" is based on.
"For the TV show spinoff, I'm coming up with that stuff. It's unrelated to the comics. What's happening in issue 127 is in no way connected to the spinoff TV show," he said, according to Comicbook.com.
It was previously rumored that the new series, which is still untitled, could serve as a prequel-type to "The Walking Dead."
Season 5 of "The Walking Dead" premieres Oct. 12.
