The key players are quickly falling into place for the companion series to "The Walking Dead," with AMC casting "Gang Related" alum Cliff Curtis as the male lead.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, he'll play Sean Cabrera, a divorced teacher described as a good man trying to do right by everyone in his life. The cable channel is testing actresses for the other lead role, that of guidance counselor Nancy Tomkins (the website states that "Fringe" star Anna Torv was among those seen for the part, but she's no longer in contention).

Created by Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson, who will serve as showrunner, untitled project is set during the same zombie apocalypse as "The Walking Dead" but features new characters and new locations. Although only a pilot has been ordered, The Hollywood Reporter contends it's a "shoo-in" for a series pickup -- no surprise, given the success AMC has found with the original show.

Curtis, whose TV credits include "Gang Related," "Missing" and "Traffic," joins Frank Dillane and Alycia Debnam Carey, who were announced this week as Nancy's son and daughter.

It companion series will be executive produced by "The Walking Dead's" Kirkman, Erickson, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert. Adam Davidson ("Hell on Wheels," "Community") will direct the pilot.