‘Walking Dead’ Creator Developing Exorcism TV Series – Will You Watch?

The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman is looking to continue the popular comic-to-TV trend he created, by writing a TV series based on his upcoming comic book set in the world of exorcisms. This time, Kirkman will be trading in Sheriff Rick Grimes and the undead for Kyle Barnes and demonic possessions.

Kirkman’s still-to-be-titled TV series and comic will center on Kyle Barnes who, after being plagued by demonic possession since childhood, sets out on a spiritual journey to find answers – only to uncover something that could lead to the end of life on Earth as we know it. The Walking Dead executive producer David Alpert will serve in the same capacity on this new project, along with Kirkman. 

For this new series, Kirkman is ditching any early contracts for US networks, instead teaming up with Fox International Channels – the company that distributes The Walking Dead around the world – for a twist on the typical television deal. With FIC already behind the series – basically securing the overseas markets in advanced – Kirkman will be able to secure a better deal when US distributors (networks) are approached with a new show from “the creator of The Walking Dead,” cable television’s most-popular series. But in order for the show to even exist, a US distributor is required.

Here’s what Fox International Channel’s vice-president of global scripted programming and original development had to say about the sweetheart deal they struck with Kirkman:

Exorcism has captivated movie audiences all over the world but has never been explored on television. Robert Kirkman, who forever changed the scope of cable TV with The Walking Dead, possesses an unparalleled talent of telling big-concept stories in a smart and incredibly genuine way. We couldn’t be more excited to be working with him on this project, which we see as a reinvention of the genre.

In total, Kirkman is now working on two new television series – and that’s on top of The Walking Dead, which continues to break ratings records. Kirkman’s other show, Thief of Thieves – which will air on AMC – is also based on one of Kirkman’s comics, and will tell tale of Redmond, a former master thief who begins stealing from other thieves to make up for past crimes.

With Kirkman in such demand, it shouldn’t be too long before a network signs on and gets the production rolling. Of course, with Kirkman having his hands in so many projects at once, he’ll have to make sure that the quality that his series is known for is maintained. And if The Walking Dead is any sign of what’s to come, potential showrunners should be submitting their resume for a 1-year-job… starting now.

———

Expect to see Robert Kirkman’s exorcism series premiere in 2014 (if it happens).

Source: THR