Everything we know about ‘The Walking Dead’ prequel so far

For those of you who didn’t think AMC could possibly bring MORE drama to your weekday nights, do we have some awesome, zombie-rific news for YOU! There’s even more coming —and better yet, it’s arriving in the form of a prequel series to The Walking Dead! Although a prequel has been discussed for a little over a year (last December it was rumored that a script was in the works), it seems like plans are solidifying, actors have been cast, and we’ve got a semi-definite setting: Los Angeles, California.

In addition to ordering a first season consisting of six hour-long episodes (like its predecessor), AMC also immediately renewed the show for a second season! While that may seem a little hasty for a show that hasn’t even aired yet, bear in mind that The Walking Dead currently holds the title for the highest-rated scripted drama series in television history (well, at least among the 18-49 demographic).

Robert Kirkman, the man behind the original source material of the show — the ongoing Walking Dead comic book series — is also lending his talents to the pilot episode, which he co-wrote with Dave Erickson of Sons of Anarchy fame. They’ll also take part as executive producers, along with several other names from the original Walking Dead show (including Gale Anne Hurd and Greg Nicotero). So basically we are safe to assume the prequel will be just as incredible as the original.

Details are still pretty scarce, but (reliable) rumor has it that the show will take place in Los Angeles (as we previously stated) during the very beginning of the zombie outbreak. You’ll get to see what exactly happened while Rick was sleeping blissfully in his hospital bed. Thanks to some digging, we were able to uncover some details about certain characters on the show, per The Hollywood Reporter:

Right now, the cast is full of all-new faces, but will we have the opportunity to see any of our favorites? Only time will tell. Maybe we can hold out hope for a small cameo from everyone’s favorite crossbow-wielding, squirrel-skinning biker (aka, our love Daryl Dixon).

The Walking Dead prequel is scheduled to air on AMC in late summer 2015, with the second season airing sometime in 2016. We’re already on the edge of our seats in anticipation.

Image via Hollywood Reporter