Cinemax has acquired the U.S rights to the exorcism drama “Outcast” from “Walking Dead” creator Robert Kirkman.
The pilot, the first written by Kirkman, landed at Cinemax after it was shopped as a spec and developed at Fox International Channels. It is based on Kirkman/Skybound’s recently announced comic book by the same name, and Kirkman will serve as executive producer alongside David Alpert of Circle of Confusion. FIC is the international partner and global broadcaster for “The Walking Dead” in 125 countries.
“Outcast” follows Kyle Barnes, a man who has been plagued by possession since he was a child, and embarks on a search for answers.
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“Despite the success of ‘The Walking Dead,’ ‘Outcast’ is only my second foray into the horror genre. I think Kyle Barnes is every bit as compelling as Rick Grimes and demonic possession is way scarier than zombies — so this is going to be fun,” said Kirkman. “Starting a new project is like setting off on an long journey and I couldn’t ask for better travel companions than David Alpert and Sharon Tal Yguado and I’m thrilled to be a part of what Cinemax has planned for the next few years.”
“At FIC, we’re committed to creating compelling, innovative television with A-List writers like Robert Kirkman, and with Cinemax we have a partner that is as passionate as we are about this very unique project,” said Sharon Tal Yguado, executive vice president of Original Development and Scripted Programming at FIC. “‘Outcast’ is unlike anything on television and has the potential to become another global phenomenon.”
(For the record: An earlier version of this story erroneously said FIC, rather than Cinemax, had acquired the U.S. rights. FIC developed the show.)