The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Premiere of AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’ pushed back
These are trying times indeed. While uncertainty looms in the real world, entertainment can serve as a welcome distraction, if only for a short time. One of television’s most popular series is offering fans a reprieve with a new tale of survival and perhaps even hope.
Teenagers embark on an epic quest beyond the walls of their safe community in “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” slated to premiere later this year on AMC. The TWD spinoff focuses on the first generation to grow up during the crisis, with a focus on high school student Iris (Aliyah Royale, “The Red Line”) and her adoptive sister Hope (Alexa Mansour, “How to Get Away With Murder”) as they leave the safety of their community. Nico Tortorella (“Younger”) also stars as Felix, a rule-following 30-yearold community security officer. Before the apocalypse, Iris and Hope’s father saved Felix from a life on the streets, and he feels indebted to serve as the girls’ guardian.
The series was initially scheduled to premiere on Sunday, April 12, but in March AMC announced that it was going to push the debut until “later this year,” which came as a surprise since the entire first season of the limited two-season series has finished filming. However, given the current circumstances, it is understandable that AMC would hold off for now. Those looking for their TWD fix can stream the original “The Walking Dead” on Netflix and its prequel, “Fear the Walking Dead,” on Prime Video.
Regardless of when it premieres, “World Beyond” is sure to attract a global audience. It’s a good thing that AMC has already lined up a worldwide distribution deal. The show will air on AMC in North America, of course. Prime will carry the series in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and most of Europe. AMC Networks International will air the show in Latin America, Spain and Portugal. When the deal was inked, AMC executive Valerie Cabrera lauded the show’s worldwide appeal.
“A franchise and story that is rooted in our collective humanity, the appeal of ‘The Walking Dead’ crosses language and cultural barriers,” Cabrera said.
With so many people sequestered to their homes, a fresh series such as “The Walking Dead: World Beyond” may be a welcome change. It has all of the hallmarks of a successful TWD spinoff, including an ominous premise, gruesome special effects and a talented cast. Emmy winner Julia Ormond (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” 2008) leads as charismatic community leader Elizabeth. “The Walking Dead: World Beyond” co-creator Scott M. Gimple had high praise for the actress when her casting was announced in November.
“We are thrilled to have Julia join our merry band,” Gimple said in a Variety article. “I’m grateful for the talent, grace, intelligence and humor she has brought to our set, our show and to this role.”
In 2010, Ormond won an Emmy for her role in HBO’s movie “Temple Grandin,” and she was nominated for another Emmy two years later for her guest-starring turn on “Mad Men.” Her other career highlights include the 1994 silver screen epic “Legends of the Fall” and the 1995 remake of “Sabrina.”
But while Ormond may be the most famous of the bunch, the show’s focus is squarely on its young stars. Royale portrays intelligent, strong-willed teenager Iris, who leads the charge into the unknown. After performing in church, school and community plays, Royale landed the leading role of Jira Calder-Brennan on the CBS drama “The Red Line” opposite Noah Wyle (“ER”).
Mansour, who plays Iris’s disillusioned wild-child sister Hope, has appeared in the films “Unfriended: Dark Web” (2018) and “#SquadGoals” (2018) and will soon be seen in the indie feature
“She’s in Portland.” TV fans may recognize her from her memorable recurring role as Faiza on ABC’s hugely popular “How to Get Away With Murder.” Mansour’s other small-screen credits include “SEAL Team,” “Bull” and “Madam Secretary.”
Nicolas Cantu (“Sofia the First”) portrays 15-year-old Elton, a thoughtful, intellectually curious orphan of the apocalypse who is eager to continue the work of his scientist parents. Cantu may be young, but he’s been acting for years. His voice work credits include “The Amazing World of Gumball” and “Dragons: Rescue Riders” On television, he’s appeared in such popular shows as “The Unicorn,” “The Good Place” and “Raven’s Home.”
Australian Hal Cumpston (“Bilched,” 2019) stars as Silas, a shy teenager who works as a janitor in Iris and Hope’s community. Rumors have swirled about the teen’s violent nature since he transferred to the community from a nearby surviving city a year ago. Cumpston’s film “Bilched” won the Grand Prix Award for Best Film and Best Screenplay at the 2019 Chelsea Film Festival.
Annet Mahendru (“The Americans”) rounds out the cast as Felix’s friend and colleague, Huck, a fellow security officer. She also serves as a mentor to troubled Hope and has been training the teenager to fight the dead. Mahendru is probably most recognizable from her role as spy Nina in “The Americans” and recently appeared in the Prime series “The Romanoffs.”