Niko Tavernise (c)2015/FOX International Studios
The exorcism drama, based on the 'Walking Dead' creator's latest comic series, premieres in June.
Cinemax is showing a vote of confidence in The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman's forthcoming exorcism drama Outcast.
The premium cable network announced Monday at South By Southwest during the show's panel that it has renewed the drama ahead of its June 3 premiere.
Outcast, based on Kirkman's Skybound comic book of the same name, centers on Kyle Barnes (Patrick Fugit), a man who has been plagued by possession since he was a child. Now an adult, he embarks on a spiritual journey to find answers, but what he uncovers could mean the end of life on Earth as we know it. Chris Black serves as showrunner. Kirkman created and exec produces the drama, which is the first series produced by Fox International Studios. Dave Alpert, Sharon Tal Yguado and Sue Naegle exec produce. Fox International identified the property for television before Kirkman's comic book series debuted. FIS will distribute the series day-and-date in more than 125 countries worldwide.
"Outcast has been a passion project of mine for many years,” Kirkman said. “Seeing it come together has been a huge thrill for me. What we’ve been able to achieve on Cinemax, with its unprecedented creative freedom, frankly, almost scares me at times.”
Added Cinemax original programming president Kary Antholis: "Going into the first season of Outcast, we knew that Robert Kirkman had once again created a world that would scare us to our core. But what he, Chris Black and the rest of their team have delivered has exceeded even those high expectations. We believe our viewers will immediately be sucked into Outcast's intense and creepy landscape, which is why we have chosen to pick up a second season.”
Outcast marks the second original scripted series to score a second season ahead of its debut at Cinemax. The HBO sibling also picked up The Knick for a sophomore run ahead of its premiere.
For Kirkman, Outcast — which landed at Cinemax after a multiple network bidding war — becomes his latest small-screen entry. He also exec produces AMC's The Walking Dead and its prequel-of-sorts Fear the Walking Dead in addition to the companion talk show Talking Dead.
