Good news if you were excited by word that Frank Darabont and Gale Anne Hurd were collaborating on an adaptation of zombie graphic novel The Walking Dead for US cable channel AMC: it’s been picked up for a six episode run!
Apparently the AMC execs didn’t need to see a pilot; Darabont and Dexter writer/producer Charles Eglee convinced them that the project had a solid plan in place and potential to be a success even as casting continued on that first episode.
Robert Kirkman’s series takes place shortly after a zombie apocalypse – the world is a shattered, dangerous place, with the living dead still shambling around very much hungry for flesh. Or brains.
The story follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a secure home. And the first official piece of casting is in place:** The Ghost**’s Jon Bernthal has signed to play Grimes' partner and friend Shane.
And according to Bloody Disgusting, the producers might have found their Grimes, with Johnny Lee Miller a front-runner for the role.
Social commentary + zombie mayhem= yes please! Darabont and his team start shooting in June in Atlanta, with the show expected to air Stateside this coming October as part of AMC’s Fearfest strand. Which means we’ll hopefully get to see it shortly after that…