According to Deadline, AMC has ordered a pilot for "The Walking Dead" companion series, which is expected to begin production in late 2014. Current "The Walking Dead" executive producers Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert will continue their roles for the spinoff, with the spinoff co-writer and co-creator Dave Erickson serving as show runner.

The series was first announced September 2013 in an official statement from AMC. At the time, series creator Robert Kirkman stated that the companion series was an "opportunity to make a show that isn't tethered by the events of the comic book, and is truly a blank page." Dave Erickson joined the project in March, though there have been no concrete details about the show or its plot officially revealed.

"Almost from the beginning of 'The Walking Dead' on AMC, fans have been curious about what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world. In fact, beyond requests for zombie cameos, it's the question I get asked the most," AMC President Charlie Collier said via press release. "Obviously, we all take our stewardship of the original franchise incredibly seriously and we, along with Robert, Gale, David and now Dave, are all proceeding with extreme care in order to ensure that we are offering fans something truly compelling, engaging and distinct. We're thrilled to be taking this next step with these remarkable partners."

"There are many corners of 'The Walking Dead' universe that remain unseen in the shadows. Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill," said Kirkman. "I know the fans are anxious to hear what Dave and I have been cooking up for this new universe of 'The Walking Dead,' and I'm happy to be one step closer to sharing it with them."

AMC is set to debut the fifth season of "The Walking Dead" on October 12.