AMC is expanding The Walking Dead franchise once more. Today, the cable network has ordered 10 episodes of a new untitled spinoff set in the same universe. Production will begin later this year for a 2020 debut.
The new drama will feature two young female protagonists who are a part of the first generation to come of age in the apocalypse. Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. In the end, all of them will be changed forever. Grown-up and cemented in their identities, both good and bad.
Scott M. Gimple and Matt Negrete created the drama, with Negrete serving as showrunner while Gimple continues to oversee the entire franchise.
"I'm beyond excited to be a part of this new show set in The Walking Dead universe," said Negrete. "Writing and producing for the original series has been the job of a lifetime and I'm honored to be working with Scott and all the fine Dead folks at AMC in this new capacity. I can't wait for the fans of the franchise to see what we've been cooking up!"
"Showing audiences an unseen pocket of The Walking Dead universe steeped in a new mythology is a very cool way to celebrate a Decade of the Dead on TV and over 15 years of [creator] Robert Kirkman's brilliant comic," added Gimple. "Matt Negrete is one of the best writer-producers in TWD's long history - I'm thrilled to be working beside him to tell stories unlike we've seen before, taking our first step into an even larger world."
"We're thrilled that the Dead will keep walking into a new corner of the post-apocalyptic world, a corner that will present stories and characters unlike any that The Walking Dead has dramatized thus far, and that is bound to excite one of the most passionate fan bases in television," said David Madden, President of Programming, AMC Networks and AMC Studios. "Scott has been an invaluable leader for the universe since taking on the role of chief content officer, with a distinct and innovative vision for the franchise. Likewise, we're excited to have Matt, who has been a crucial part of The Walking Dead family for over five years and penned many memorable episodes of TWD, at the helm of this original series."
"On the heels of an incredible ninth season of The Walking Dead and as we approach an anticipated new season of Fear the Walking Dead on June 2, this is an exciting moment for the Dead franchise, which continues to thrive in a highly competitive environment," added Sarah Barnett, President of Entertainment Networks Group, AMC Networks. "We are thankful to be working some of the best creatives in the business to expand this universe in new and exciting ways for our fans."
