Premium cable network Cinemax will be the home of Robert Kirkman’s next project, “Outcast,” said the show’s distributor, Fox International Channels, on Monday.

Kirkman is best known for creating the graphic novel on which AMC’s “The Walking Dead” is based. “The Walking Dead,” about a zombiefied post-apocalyptic world, is an enormous hit for AMC. Last week, “The Walking Dead” was the second-most Tweeted about program, following only ABC’s “Country Music Awards,” with 416,000 Tweets going out in the week ended Nov. 10. Nearly 20 million people watched that episode of “The Walking Dead” over the week’s seven days, and more than 10 million people watched among advertisers’ coveted demographic of adults 18-49, according to Entertainment Weekly.

“Outcast,” which also will be in the horror genre, is an original pilot conceived by Kirkman, adapted from his recently announced comic of the same title, and shopped by FIC. Kirkman and David Alpert will serve as executive producers. FIC, which also distributes Shine America’s “The Bridge” and other shows, distributes “The Walking Dead” in 125 countries.

The story follows a young man named Kyle Barnes, who has suffered demonic possession since he was a child. As he works to solve his problems, he uncovers disturbing answers.

“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 in a statement. “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 [FIC’s] 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, FIC’s EVP of original development and scripted programming, also in a statement. “’Outcast’ is unlike anything on television and has the potential to become another global phenomenon.”

Like its premium-cable rivals, Cinemax has been working on making a mark in the original series business, with shows such as “Strike Back,” which was just renewed for a fourth and final season; “Banshee,” which launches season two in January; and “The Knick,” directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Clive Owen, which is currently in production and slated to debut next year.

Brief Take: Brands are built around original programming. “Walking Dead”‘s huge ratings make Robert Kirkman a good bet for any network.

[Image courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter]

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