Back in September, our second Source Material feature focused on Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard's hit zombie comic book from Image Comics, The Walking Dead, after we learned that AMC had optioned the rights for a television adaptation (Source Material #2: The Walking Dead). Luckily, instead of waddling back and forth for years as some networks are wont to do, AMC has officially greenlit the production of a pilot for The Walking Dead.
Headed up by Frank Darabont (Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile), the show is undoubtedly in great hands. Creator and writer Robert Kirkman chimed in: "The Walking Dead's road to the small screen has been a long one, but so far it's looking like the best of all worlds. Given AMC's track record with shows like Madmen and Breaking Bad, combined with Frank Darabont writing and directing, I couldn't possibly be more excited for this to come together. Having the pilot greenlit is a huge leap forward to this becoming a reality."
The Walking Dead has been one of Image's top sellers across multiple formats (floppies, trades, hardcovers) since its debut in 2003, and is currently seeing issue #69 hit stands next week. "Since its debut in October 2003, The Walking Dead has been nothing short of unstoppable," said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. "Over the last five years, sales on both the single issues and the trade paperback and hardcover collections have gone from strength to strength, so it's no surprise that The Walking Dead is now poised for success on TV. Everyone at Image is very excited to see this project come to light."
AMC's adaptation is expected to follow the plotlines of the comic series closely.
We're very excited for this adaptation, and we'll be keeping you updated every step of the way.
