I’ve seen a lot of people on the fence about the companion series to “The Walking Dead” which is currently in pre-production courtesy of AMC Studios. A lot of complaints stem from the opinion that the spin-off show could never hold a candle to the ratings giant based on the popular comic book series by Robert Kirkman, which, in their eyes, means certain death for the show. My opinion? I think it’s worth at least a full season order. I love “The Walking Dead” because of the characters and the depth (yes, I said it) of the writing. This companion series deserves a shot!
Thankfully, AMC Studios are in agreement with me and are still hard at work putting the prep-work into the show currently being pitched as “Cobalt.” “Cobalt” will take place during the same zombie apocalypse that Rick Grimes, Michonne, and Daryl Dixon are navigating through; although it will take place in a different place. A casting call was posted on the internet last week saying that filming will take place in Pennsylvania, but that has yet to be confirmed. The companion series, “Cobalt,” is said to follow the struggles of a recently divorced, male teacher and a female guidance counselor as they fight against the undead zombies. Again, as long as the writing is as amazing as “The Walking Dead,” then I’m on board was this!
Very late this evening the first casting announcements were made. While the second lead character – the female guidance counselor – has yet to be discussed or cast (to my knowledge), it seems that her children have officially been cast. Her son, a recovering drug addict, will be played by Frank Dillane. Dillane is most known for playing young Tom Riddle in Harry Potter & The Half Blood Price. He also has a role in the upcoming Chris Hemsworth movie, In the Heart of the Sea, due to hit theaters in March. The woman’s daughter, described only as ambitious, will be played by Alycia Debnam Carey. Carey had a supporting role in the CGI twister-attack, Into the Storm, and played one of the leads in The Devil’s Hand alongside Jennifer Carpenter, Adelaide Kane, and Leah Pipes.
David Eriksen will serve as co-creater alongside Robert Kirkman, as well as serving as the show runner. Adam Davidson has been tapped to direct the series.
