‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’ Premiere Pushed To Later In 2020
The new ‘Walking Dead’ spin-off, ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’, has been pushed from it’s previously announced April premiere date to later in the year US network AMC has announced.
‘World Beyond’ expands the universe of ‘The Walking Dead’, delving into new mythology and story that follows the first generation raised in a surviving civilization of the post-apocalyptic world. Two sisters along with two friends leave a place of safety and comfort to brave dangers, known and unknown, living and undead on an important quest. Pursued by those who wish to protect them and those who wish to harm them, a tale of growing up and transformation unfurls across dangerous terrain, challenging everything they know about the world, themselves and each other. Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. But all of them will find the truths they seek.
An exact reason for the move hasn’t been given. The show was all set to launch in April and had completed filming, although it was in post-production, so there may have been some delays there due to the pandemic. However, there are a couple of more likely reasons.
Firstly, the main ‘Walking Dead’ show has shut down production. If that struggles to get going again in a timely fashion, that potentially leaves a big zombie-shaped hole in AMC’s schedule for the Autumn/Fall season. It’s possible they are holding back ‘World Beyond’ to fill the gap. Secondly, this is a flagship brand for AMC, so they want to be selling premium advertising for it. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus, many potential advertisers are looking to save money right now, and are holding back on their ad budgets, meaning the show would be less profitable launching in April than it could be launching later in the year.
Co-created by zombie overlord Scott M. Gimple and showrunner Matt Negrete, ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’ stars Alexa Mansour (‘Madam Secretary’, SEAL Team’) as Hope, a good-natured rule-breaker who lives for today. She is likeable and funny on the outside but sad on the inside; Aliyah Royale (‘The Red Line’) plays Hope’s sister Iris, one of the two main protagonists of the series; Nicolas Cantu (‘The Amazing World of Gumball’) stars as Elton, who is said to be friendly and an old soul. Whilst he might be small for his age, he is a black belt in karate, so can handle himself; Hal Cumpston (‘Bilched’) plays Silas who is described big for his age, and a shy loner that scares some kids, but he hates the fact that he scares people; Nico Tortorella (‘Younger’, ‘The Following’) portrays Felix, an honourable man of his word who isn’t afraid to fight for others’ safety and acceptance; Annet Mahendru (‘Tyrant’, ‘The Americans’) stars as Huck another member of the gang; And Julia Ormond (‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’ ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’) plays Elizabeth, the charismatic leader of a large, sophisticated and formidable force.
The series also features guest stars Natalie Gold (‘Succession’, ‘The Land of Steady Habits’) as Lyla, a mysterious figure operating in the shadows on behalf of the cause she believes in; Al Calderon (‘Step Up: High Water’) as Barca; Scott Adsit (‘Veep’, ’30 Rock’) as Tony; and Ted Sutherland (‘Fear Street’, ‘Rise’) as Percy.
Produced and distributed by AMC Studios, the series is executive produced by Gimple, Negrete, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert and Brian Bockrath.
‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’ Season 1 will now air “later in 2020” on AMC in the US and Amazon Prime in the UK. We’ll let you know when we have a confirmed premiere date.
