The Walking Dead spin-off, currently code-named 'Cobalt' and rumored to be a Los Angeles set prequel to the current hit AMC drama The Walking Dead, has announced its casting for the female lead. Gone Girl actress Kim Dickens, also appearing as a recurring character in Sons of Anarchy, has been cast as the female lead to the new spin-off opposite male lead Cliff Curtis. Dickens won the role after an extended casting process as AMC was testing multiple actresses for the part.

This completes the casting for the main leads, as it was already previously announced that Frank Dilane (Teenage Tom Riddle) and Alycia Debnam Carey (Next Stop Hollywood) have been cast as the children of Curtis' character from a previous marriage. Deadline broke the news and confirmed that Curtis will be playing a guidance counselor and Dickens will be portraying divorced teacher. Deadline has said "She looks like the girl next door but has a darkness to her, a troubled past that will come back to haunt her." So it seems fans can expect some twists and turns, as if we aren't used to that already.

Robert Dickens the co-creator of The Walking Dead comic book said in a statement in September, "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. 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."

Shooting for the pilot is expected to begin early in 2015 with some principal photography shots hopefully being released before then.