Michael Rooker, Norman Reedus and More, Join the Cast of AMC's The Walking Dead

Series Premieres in October 2010 As Part of AMC's Fearfest

San Diego, CA - July 22, 2010 - AMC announced today from Comic Con that they have signed on Michael Rooker (Jumper) and Norman Reedus (The Boondock Saints) to star in the much anticipated new series "The Walking Dead." The two actors will play brothers Merle Dixon (Rooker) and Daryl Dixon (Reedus), one a redneck ex-con and the other equally as dangerous. Based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics, AMC's "The Walking Dead" is currently in production in Atlanta, GA, and is scheduled to premiere this October during AMC Fearfest, the network's annual blockbuster marathon of thriller and horror films.

Rooker's credits include such films as The Bone Collector and Slither, as well as an award-winning role in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, the shocking true story of Henry Lee Lucas. Reedus is best known for his role in the cult movie The Boondock Saints and most recently, he starred in the sci-fi feature thriller Pandorum with Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster. He can be seen next in The Conspirator, directed by Robert Redford and co-starring James McAvoy, Robin Wright Penn and Kevin Kline.

Additional new cast members of "The Walking Dead" include Andrew Rothenberg (Jim), Juan Pareja (Morales), Iron E. Singleton (T-Dog), Jeryl Prescott Sales (Jacqui), Melissa McBride (Carol) and Adam Minarovich (Ed); all of whom are members of the "survivor's camp."

Three-time Academy Award-nominee Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) serves as writer and executive producer and directs the pilot episode. Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator, Aliens, Armageddon, The Incredible Hulk), chairman of Valhalla Motion Pictures, serves as executive producer along with Robert Kirkman, David Alpert from Circle of Confusion, and Charles "Chic" Eglee ("Dexter," "The Shield," "Dark Angel"). Jack LoGiudice ("Sons of Anarchy," Resurrection Blvd) serves as co-executive producer.

About "The Walking Dead"

"The Walking Dead" tells the story of the weeks and months that follow a pandemic zombie apocalypse. County Sheriff Rick Grimes travels with his family and a small group of survivors, constantly in search of a safe and secure home. But the constant pressure of fighting off death on a daily basis takes a heavy toll, sending many to the lowest depths of human cruelty. As Rick struggles to keep his family alive, he will discover that the overwhelming fear of the survivors can be far more dangerous than the mindless walkers roaming the earth.

About AMC

AMC reigns as the only network to ever win the Golden Globe� Award for Best Television Series - Drama three years in a row and the only basic cable network to win back-to-back Primetime Emmy� Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade from the most comprehensive library or creating acclaimed original productions, the AMC experience is an uncompromising celebration of great stories. AMC's original stories include the Emmy� Award-winning dramas Mad Men and Breaking Bad, and insightful non-scripted programming such as AMC News. AMC further demonstrates its commitment to the art of storytelling with curated movie franchises like AMC Hollywood Icon and AMC Complete Collection. Available in more than 95 million homes (Source: Nielsen Media Research), AMC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, which includes sister networks IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv and Wedding Central. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Story Matters HereSM.