‘The Walking Dead’ creator Robert Kirkman is making his way to another comic-to-TV adaptation as his latest project, ‘Outcast’, has been officially ordered by Cinemax.
HBO’s sister company has reportedly picked up the exorcism drama series for a 10-episode order, although its official premiere date is yet to be announced.
Drawn out from Kirkman’s latest comic for Skybound, ‘Outcast’ tells the story of Kyle Barnes (Patrick Fugit) who has been a victim of possession since his childhood. At present times, he now seeks answers to such mystery and turns to a spiritual journey, discovering that the end of world is near.
A preacher from West Virginia named Reverend Anderson (Philip Glenister) will also be a key character in the story, believing that he is sent by God to battle it out against Earth’s evil forces.
Other cast members who have signed on to ‘Outcast’ include Reg E. Cathey (‘House of Cards’), Julia Crockett (‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’), Wrenn Schmidt ‘(Boardwalk Empire’) and Kip Pardue (‘Ray Donovan’).
Kirkman will be writing the pilot script and will executive produce the series alongside Chris Black and David Alpert who also worked on ‘The Walking Dead’. Sharon Tal Yguado and Sue Neagle from Fox International Channel have also joined the team.
The thriller drama was first unveiled in March 2013 with its roots hailing from Fox International Channels, the same company responsible for the international distribution of ‘The Walking Dead.’
Adam Wingard, who previously worked on ‘The Guest’, directed the pilot episode.
"We are thrilled to be in business with Robert Kirkman, a visionary talent who has the unique ability to tap into today’s zeitgeist, making him a perfect fit for the newly expanded Cinemax roster," HBO programming president Michael Lombardo shared.
FIC President and CEO Hernan Lopez also shared his excitement in the creative outcome brought about by Kirkman and the rest of the team.
"We couldn’t be more excited to bring Robert Kirkman’s new drama to Cinemax. Outcast is an ambitious series and Adam Wingard has directed a powerful pilot. I am very proud of the work that Robert, Sharon and team have put together,” Lopez said.
‘Outcast’ is Kirkman’s third comic that is currently in development and is also his third potential series. His ‘Thief of Thieves’ title for Image/Skybound is currently being developed at AMC.
In addition, the comic book writer will also executive produce a TV adaptation of ‘Clone’, a comic by David Schulner for Universal TV and Syfy. His prequel to ‘The Walking Dead’ is currently in the works and, if development continues, will allow Kirkman to have three shows to be aired on cable in 2016.
