Cliff Curtis has been tapped to star on AMC’s upcoming “Walking Dead” companion series, a spokesperson for the network told TheWrap.
The “Gang Related” actor will be the male lead on the new zombie drama, which will tackle how the undead apocalypse has affected other parts of the world.
In addition to starring on Fox’s short-lived action drama “Gang Related,” Curtis previously held major roles on ABC’s “Missing” and NBC’s “Trauma” and played Fire Lord Ozai in M. Night Shyamalan‘s cinematic adaptation of “The Last Airbender.”
Curtis also recently executive produced Mike Newell‘s “Great Expectations” and the Vivica A. Fox movie “Greencard Warriors.” Robert Bruce Agency and JR Talent represent Curtis.
“Walking Dead” team Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert are executive producing AMC’s companion pilot, which was ordered by the network in September. Co-creator and co-writer Dave Erickson (whose credits also include “Marco Polo” and “Sons of Anarchy”) will serve as showrunner and also executive produce.
“Almost from the beginning of ‘The Walking Dead’ on AMC, 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.
“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,” he continued. “We’re thrilled to be taking this next step with these remarkable partners.”
“The Walking Dead,” meanwhile, remains alive and well in the ratings. Sunday’s midseason finale aired to 14.8 million total viewers, with 9.6 million of them in the 18-49 demographic most important to advertisers, making it the show’s highest rated episode ever