Robert Kirkman’s sitting on top of the (undead) world at the moment — “The Walking Dead,” the AMC zombie drama based on his graphic novels, is a ratings giant and is getting a spin-off series. Today, Fox International Channels announced that Kirkman’s second series, “Outcast,” is heading to Cinemax.
“Outcast” was developed at FIC and shopped around as a spec — the pilot is the first Kirkman has written, and is based on his recently announced comic book of the same name. Kirkman will serve as an executive producer on the series alongside David Alpert of Circle of Confusion.
“Outcast” is about Kyle Barnes, a young man who has been plagued by possession since he was a child. As an adult, he sets out on a journey to find answers but what he uncovers could mean the end of life on Earth as we know it.
“Despite the success of ‘The Walking Dead,’ ‘Outcast is only my second foray into the horror genre,” Kirkman explained in the announcement. “I think Kyle Barnes is every bit as compelling as Rick Grimes and demonic possession is way scarier than zombies — so this is going to be fun. Starting a new project is like setting off on an long journey and I couldn’t ask for better travel companions than David Alpert and Sharon Tal Yguado and I’m thrilled to be a part of what Cinemax has planned for the next few years.”
FIC is the international partner and global broadcaster (in 125 countries) for “The Walking Dead,” and has pushed a day-and-date release strategy to air it at the same time worldwide. Cinemax has been building up its original primetime series — “Strike Back” was recently renewed for a fourth and final season, while the second season of “Banshee” will launch in January 2014. Steven Soderbergh’s “The Knick,” starring Clive Owen, is currently in production for a 2014 debut.
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