Amazon lands exclusive deal with Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman

Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead franchise, has made a surprise move in signing a new two-year deal with Amazon Studios over AMC, the network that runs the hit post-apocalypse zombie series. The deal means that any new shows to come from Kirkman and his production company Skybound Entertainment will be developed exclusively for Amazon Prime Video.

This brings an end to a similar deal signed in 2015 with AMC, home of the Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead shows, that kept Kirkman's projects tied to the network, minus Outcast which was already picked up by Cinemax. Amazon's deal also gives it first-look rights on any other entertainment projects from Skybound.

Here's what Kirkman had to say as part of Amazon's announcement:

"At Skybound Entertainment we strive to tell the best stories in the most unique and creative ways in an effort to always break new ground. A forward thinking company like Amazon is the perfect home for us. Their new foray into genre fiction has us at peak optimism for what can be accomplished during this unprecedented partnership. Sharon Tal Yguado has been an instrumental force in the success of Walking Dead and Outcast from day one. Being able to not only continue that relationship, but also expand it into new territory with the vast resources of Amazon, means great things are ahead for myself, David Alpert, Skybound and fans of awesome entertainment."

The deal makes perfect sense for Kirkman, as Amazon has proven itself as a major contender in the streaming entertainment market, as well as host a number of genre series. Kirkman's mention of Tal Yguado is also likely a big factor, as she joined Amazon in January after overseeing the global rollout of The Walking Dead at Fox International Channels, along with helping develop Outcast for television.

SOURCE Hollywood Reporter