The Walking Dead Companion Series Pilot Officially Ordered By AMC

While many were expecting some type of announcement during 2014 San Diego Comic-Con, AMC has just now released some new information on The Walking Dead spinoff, which is being labeled as a companion series.

In an announcement earlier today, AMC confirmed that they have ordered a pilot episode of a companion series for The Walking Dead. The new series will be executive produced by Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert. Dave Erickson will serve as an executive producer and showrunner. Erickson co-created and co-wrote the pilot with The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman.

"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. We're thrilled to be taking this next step with these remarkable partners."

"There are many corners of The Walking Dead universe that remain unseen in the shadows. Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill. I know the fans are anxious to hear what Dave and I have been cooking up for this new universe of The Walking Dead, and I'm happy to be one step closer to sharing it with them," said Kirkman.

"I've been fortunate to have collaborated with both Robert and AMC on past projects and I'm thrilled to join them again, along with Gale and David, to build upon The Walking Dead's already epic narrative," said Erickson.

The pilot for The Walking Dead companion series is scheduled to go into production in late 2014.