'Walking Dead' Mazzara To Develop 'Omen' Series

From zombies to the antichrist, former "The Walking Dead" showrunner Glen Mazzara is heading to Lifetime to develop a show about Damien, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Instead of re-imagining the beginnings of the demonic tyke featured in 1976's "The Omen," a la "Hannibal" and "Bates Motel," the show focuses on the adult version of Damien Thorn who "is faced with a series of macabre events and must finally face his true destiny: he is the Antichrist."

The original flick, which grossed more than $60 million domestically and was followed by two sequels, was written by David Seltzer, directed by Richard Donner and starred Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as adoptive parents to the hellion. As THR notes, there was also two "Omen" TV movies, a 2005 miniseries "Revelations" starring Bill Pullman, and the 2006 Liev Schreiber remake.

Mazzara will write and executive produce the show with his 44 Strong Productions production company. He is also writing "The Shining" movie prequel "Overlook Hotel." As for Lifetime, "Damien" follows "Witches of East End" and the apocalyptic "The Lottery" in a move to genre programming.

-Aaron Sagers

NYC's Zombie Dentist Takes Bite Out Of 'Walking Dead'

BY AARON SAGERS

Lose the crossbow, katana, hammer and even the guns, because when the dead reanimate with an appetite for human flesh, survival just might rely on a good dentist. Enter Nicholas Toscano, DDS, Manhattan's zombie dentist.

Visitors to Toscano's Manhattan Periodontal Associates in midtown know him more as a celebrity dentist regularly featured in OK Magazine and In Touch Weekly. Through his work, he treats actors, newscasters, reality stars and real housewives - and has treated notable politicians such as Hillary Clinton. But Toscano, is also a die-hard follower of the zombie genre, specifically AMC's The Walking Dead.

His fan interests, 13 years in the military, his dental training and work at the National Naval Medical Center (aka "The President's Hospital) -- as well as awards such as the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Medal -- all combine to provide a unique insight on the zombie's main weapon: A mouth full of chompers. In a recent check-up at his office, Toscano was in the mood to take a bite out of how zombie teeth might work, as well as offering some advice for survivors lacking proper tools for dental

Water Cooler 'Walking Dead': The Most Talked About Scene From 'Claimed'

Walking Dead-ites, prepare for some friendly debating around the water cooler after last night's episode of "The Walking Dead." While most people would say that Michonne's grisly discovery in the pink room should take the Crazy Cheese, the most talked about moment is Rick-central.

In "Claimed" we see that Rick is still recovering from the prison escape and is quite understandably weak. However, just because he's down, doesn't mean he's out completely. Imagine his surprise when a roving band of strangers find their way into Rick's new safe-haven and prove themselves to be rather dangerous. Playing a one sided game of sardines has Rick ducking and dodging these ruffians, and in a last ditch attempt at escape, he hides in the bathroom. Imagine his surprise upon discovering one of the strangers on the toilet. After a brief pause to take in the moment, a fight ensues. Flashes of the Ricktator shine through as he strangles the schlubby goon and takes off out the window. Check out the scene again for yourselves and catch an exclusive sneak peek into next weeks episode, "Still."

Talked About Scene: Episode 411: The Walking Dead: Claimed


Sneak Peek: Episode 412: The Walking Dead: Still


-Nowal Massari

George Romero: An Interview To Celebrate King Of The Dead's Birthday

Sagers with Romero

BY AARON SAGERS

Today is George A. Romero’s 74th birthday, which means I’m not going to attempt any journalistic subjectivity when I talk about him because Romero is a friggin’ genius – and an underrated one at that.

Most people know that he directed 1968’s “Night of the Living Dead,” (along with other “Of the Dead” films, “Land…” “Diary…” and “Survival…”) and many are aware he also helmed “Dawn of the Dead,” “Day of the Dead” and “Land of the Dead.” If you are paying attention, you also know about his films “The Crazies,” “Martin,” “Monkey Shines” and his collaboration with Stephen King, “Creepshow.” And as much of a list as this is, it doesn’t even completely cover all of his work, such as the recent Marvel Comics book “Empire of the Dead.”

'The Walking Dead' Cast To Invade Conan

According to a press release, a bunch of survivors are heading to Coco's couch. TBS's "Conan" with Conan O'Brien, will feature the cast of AMC's "The Walking Dead" on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 11 p.m. The TV interview marks the cast's first-ever joint interview in late night. O'Brien will welcom Andrew Lincoln (who plays Rick Grimes), Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon), Lauren Cohan (Maggie Greene), Steven Yeun (Glen Rhee), Danai Gurira (Michonne) and Melissa McBride (Carol Peletier).

The Walking Dead is the most-watched TV drama in cable TV history, and the second half of Season Four begins Sunday, Feb. 9 (check out the trailer here).

Interesting side note: The character of Carol, played by McBride, was dismissed by Rick Grimes last season. So her inclusion on the couch suggests that Carol will be returning in some form in the season's back half -- especially since none of the cast member who were killed off in Season Four(Scott Wilson) will be in attendance. Either that or maybe they'll announce McBride will be part of the show's spin-off.

-Aaron Sagers

New 'The Walking Dead' Art Advises Audiences Not To Look Back

The official posted for the second half "The Walking Dead" Season 4 was released by AMC today, and it warns audiences, "Don't look back." Featuring Carl Grimes (Chandler Riggs) and Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), the Grimes family (well, what's left of it), are walking down some train tracks -- and it looks like a solitary journey.

Of course "The Walking Dead" -- the highest-rated series in the history of cable TV, by the way -- returns with new episodes Sunday, February 9 at 9 p.m., followed by a new episode of "Talking Dead" at 10 p.m. and the mid-season premiere of Comic Book Men Season 3 at midnight.

Will you be joining the rest of the 13 million viewers when it returns? And what predictions to you have for the back-half of Season 4?

Also, isn't it a horrible idea NOT to look back if you're getting chased by zombies? Just sayin'.

-Aaron Sagers

Steven Yeun Of 'Walking Dead' To Guest On 'American Dad'

"Entertainment Weekly" is reporting that Steven Yeun will be getting animated later this season when he hops from AMC to FOX for a guest role on "American Dad." According to the item, "Yeun will play Charles, the assistant to Vincent, whose parents were murdered in the last installment of animated comedy’s saga known as 'The Golden Turd.'"

Yeun currently also voices a character on Nickelodeon’s "The Legend of Korra." EW also notes that Zooey Deschanel, Olivia Wilde, Alison Brie, Stanley Tucci, and Kim Kardashian have joined the show's vocal guest stars this season as well.

Meanwhile, "The Walking Dead" returns for the second half of Season Four this February 9.

-Aaron Sagers

More Information on 'Walking Dead' Spin-Off Series

Back in September, we reported that “The Walking Dead” would be getting a spin-off series. Problem was, we didn’t know much about what the companion to the AMC hit would be about. Now we may have some more info thanks to TVLine. They’re reporting there's a buzz that the companion series may be a prequel that would “chronicle the early days of the epidemic and the effort to contain it.” AMC won’t comment on this speculation though.

In an October interview with IGN, “Walking Dead” creator and co-executive producer of the spin-off (along with Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert), Robert Kirkman, did confirm some additional information:

Yeah, it’s a really different location with completely different people, so we are going to see an entirely different corner of the Walking Dead world. It definitely won’t be set in Georgia, I can at least say that. It’s important to us that this show exists on its own. The spinoff has to be a show worthy of existing, or else we’ve all sold out. So that’s something we’re all working hard towards doing, and I think we can pull it off. I think that the ideal situation is, when you’re watching the spinoff, you’re like, “Wow, this is a really awesome show.” The whole other show doesn’t need to exist for this show to be cool and stand on its own.

The series is set to air in 2015 and is still in the infant stages of development. We want to know what you think of a prequel and the possibility of seeing how a whole new group of survivors are managing in the zompoc. Do you think it’ll be a success?

It would be interesting to see what was happening while Rick was recovering in the hospital. Agreed?

-Larissa Mrykalo

'The Walking Dead' Recap: 'Indifference'

BY DENISE PURVIS

Little Lizzy freaks me out. Clearly she has some allegiance to the walkers. I think they should go ahead and get rid of her. Okay, that sounds heartless. Maybe they should go let her live on a farm somewhere. That little chat that Carol and Lizzy had is a foreshadowing that one of them is going to go, and Rick is disturbed by Carol killing Karen and David in cold blood. So ... I don’t know if that means that he’s going to off her or what. Maybe not. I like Carol although she did kill a couple of people.

Ty, Bob, Michonne and Daryl made it out alive after last week's zombie mob. Ty is acting a little weird. I don’t know if is because he’s freaked out after that whole “nearly getting eaten by walkers” thing, if he’s thinking about Sasha or Karen, or he’s just given up on the whole affair. Did you notice the gas sign that spelled hell?

As Ty goes crazy on the kudzu, he sets loose a bunch of walkers that are locked underneath in some sort of makeshift garage. Daryl and Michonne notice that he’s acting pretty kooky which almost gets him killed.

Exploring Fear & 'The Walking Dead' At Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights

BY AARON SAGERS


The Halloween screams don't end after Oct. 31 for the creatures, and creature creators, at Universal Studios Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights. While you may be removing gooey fake blood, latex or fangs after a long night of candy corn and cocktails, the scares continue at the 23-year-old event in Central Florida.

Running through Nov. 2, Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) - which has a counterpart at the Universal Hollywood in California - has consistently ranked at the top of lists of best haunt. In fact, HauntWorld, a magazine for professional owners and operators of Halloween attractions, called it "simply the king of all Halloween theme parks."

And for a second year in a row, the "king" of haunts has partnered with the ruler of cable television, AMC's series "The Walking Dead," to create a zombie-ridden experience. Although this year the scream team has expanded to include park-wide "scare zones" where so-called "Walkers" from the show will terrorize guests as they explore the movie-set streets - and wander through scenes from the first three seasons of the mega-hit show. Also, "The Walking Dead: No Safe Haven" haunted house, or maze, allows those guests to visit the disturbingly accurate prison and town of Woodbury from the show.

'Walking Dead' Will Return For a Fifth Season

Courtesy AMC

It’s no surprise that AMC renewed “The Walking Dead” for a fifth season but we’re certainly thrilled about this official announcement. The show has broken ratings records and shows no signs of slowing.

AMC president Charles Collier announced, “We are very happy to make what has to be one of the most anti-climactic renewal announcements ever: "The Walking Dead" is renewed for a fifth season. This is a show that has erased traditional distinctions between cable and broadcast. Its expanding base of passionate fans has grown every season, most recently – and most notably – with the season four premiere earlier this month, which broke viewership records for the series and became the biggest non-sports telecast in cable history. On behalf of the incredible team on both sides of the camera, thank you to the fans and here’s to more Dead.”

Current showrunner, Scott Gimple will be returning for Season Five, as will executive producers, Gale Ann Hurd, Greg Nicotero, Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, and Tom Luse.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Walking Dead' recap: 'Isolation'

Courtesy AMC

BY DENISE PURVIS

In the opener, they show Patrick’s glasses. Wouldn’t they be cracked and impossibly bloody? Or did they haul them over to the nearest LensCrafters and get them fixed?

Tyreese is pissed off about them killing and burning his woman. Rightfully so. I don’t even think that he got to stick it in yet. He tells Rick that he’s a cop and should be able to figure out who did this. Well, Ty, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but regular laws haven’t been in place for a while now. Rick doesn’t appreciate how crazy Ty is acting, so he tries to talk him down. Ty decides to punch Rick’s face in which makes Rick go Hulk crazy. Daryl has to pull Rick off of Ty before he completely bashes in his face. Needless to say, things are a little tense, and we have no idea who killed Karen and David.

Sasha is coughing and hacking. If they kill and incinerate Ty’s sister, I don’t want to even see what type of hell that he brings on that prison.

At the council meeting, Herschel, Carol, Daryl, Glenn, and Michonne discuss how they are going to control the illness. The plan is for Daryl and Michonne to make a run to a local college and look for some antibiotics. I hate to be a negative Nelly, but they’re going to need something stronger than antibiotics for whatever is killing off these people.

Rick and Ty have a heart-to-heart and make up about the fight earlier in the day. Ty is still pressing on Rick to find out who killed Karen and David. I’m pointing fingers at Carol, but I could be wrong.

Damn it! Now Glenn is sick.

Andrew Lincoln's 'Walking Dead' Beard Speaks

Forget about the cause of the zombie plague that is running rampant in "Walking Dead" world; the real story fans want to know about is what's up with Rick's beard. Well, in this new on set video, actor Andrew Lincoln talks about the evolution of his facial hair and about the battle he wages with it.

Water Cooler 'Walking Dead': The Most Talked About Scene

Poor Tyreese. He had a good thing going with Karen, and another relationship seemed to be blossoming in the Zombocalypse. Then she had to go and get sick. While heading to deliver some posies to his lady love, Ty instead happens upon a gruesome scene, which also reveals that a killer with an agenda is on the loose in the prison.

This is the scene to talk about at work today so re-watch it and dish about it.

'The Walking Dead' recap: 'Infected'

Courtesy: Screencrush.com

BY DENISE PURVIS

Who fed that rat to the blank eyed zombie? Could it be Lizzy? Are they doing it to draw in the zombies?

I was scared for a moment that Patrick was going to eat Karen by the way they were focusing on her at the beginning of the episode. It’s generally a bad sign when they focus in on one character. That’s how you know they’re on the way out. My prediction is that Karen will be dead by the end of the episode.

Who was that guy that Patrick ate anyway? I guess he was a former Woodburian, but I don’t remember him.

While Rick and Carl are working in the farm, all hell breaks loose in Cell Block D. One zombie quickly leads to several. None of the major characters are infected, but several zombies try to attack Michonne as she reenters the camp. She doesn’t get bitten, but she does twist her ankle.

After all of the commotion dies down, Rick finds one of the walkers alone in his cell with no obvious bites or injuries. That is how he knows the sickness is what killed him, and the council decides to quarantine anyone that exhibits any signs of sickness.

Carol has a touching moment with Ryan after he was bitten. At first she thinks she can amputate his arm to save him, but then she realizes that he’s been bitten on the back of the neck. I guess she could always amputate his head?

'The Walking Dead' Episode Two Preview and Hints About the New Virus

Courtesy: Comicbook.com

Another sneak peek at this Sunday’s episode of “The Walking Dead” implies that strange things are afoot in the cell block. Well, we know from the ending of the season premiere that Patrick died mysteriously and was resurrected as a funky-eyed walker. Could it be him they’re yelling about in this preview?

In an interview over at Vulture, Robert Kirkman talks about what this mysterious virus is:

Pulling in a new threat in your fourth season, I think, is a good thing. Also, it’s important to know that this is really just some form of the Spanish Flu. It’s something that exists in our everyday world now; it’s a time where there is no modern medicine. Scott Gimple, the new showrunner, really wanted to explore that new possibility of the simple things, the really little things, coming to devastate these people. That’s what we’re going to explore.

'The Walking Dead: A Decade of Dead' Documentary Available Online

Issue #100

A special 22-minute documentary called “The Walking Dead: A Decade of Dead" is now up and available for you to watch for free online. It takes a look at the last ten years from the start of the hugely successful independent comic “The Walking Dead” all the way up to the television show’s fourth season and its production.

“To celebrate 10 Years of The Walking Dead, Skybound teamed up with Hyundai and Future US to make this documentary detailing the history of The Walking Dead.”

We have the video here for you to check out.


-Larissa Mrykalo

New 'Walking Dead' Behind The Scenes Vid

In a new behind-the-scenes video from "The Walking Dead," the cast and crew of TV's favorite zombocalypse drama chat about the new look and feel of the undead environs.

"It's crazy this year," said Norman Reedus, who has seen a lot of crazy on the show. Meanwhile, Co-Executive Producer Denise Huth said the season is a "game-changer" and "nothing stays the same for very long." Part of the difference, said Andrew Lincoln, is that the Grimes gang have "built a functioning community, which is the first time we've had that in the show." But that means, since it's no long a stark, barren prison, as Executive Producer David Alpert points out, the prison of this season is a little softer around the edges.

Also, said Art Director David Fick, the show has found "new and ingenious ways" to kill zombies, and have a new set built specifically for stunts.

Play the vid and see for yourself how, as Scott Wilson puts it, the stakes have racheted up this season.

DieHard Sells Batteries With Great Zombie Ad

It isn't hard to find zombie-themed ads lately, and with the mega-ratings success of "The Walking Dead" Season Four premiere, that likely won't be changing. Still, not all zombie ads are equally infectious -- which is why "The Getaway" spot from DieHard battery deserves a shout out.

In 70 short seconds, the ad by Y&R Midwest agency and directed by Tom Routson is immediately evocative of a solid horror flick. The viewer quickly gets the sense of the relationship at play in this zombocalypse as a man and woman try to flee from an undead horde. But instead of going for cutesy, the DieHard spot manages to offer up some survivor vindication with a humorous twist without having to pull too many punches. It is a fast, dark, fun advertisement befitting the zombie genre.

Check it out, and tweet the hashtag #SurviveZombies for a 10 percent off DieHard products at a Sears.com zombie site.

For more zombie ads, check out Adweek's ongoing list.

-Aaron Sagers

'The Walking Dead' Sets Ratings Record

Courtesy AMC

Are you surprised that the season four premiere of “The Walking Dead” shattered ratings records? We’re not. AMC has announced that Sunday’s episode, “30 Days Without An Accident” was the highest-rated episode in the series’ history.

The episode brought in 16.1 million total viewers with 10.4 million adults in the coveted aged 18-49 range. The season three finale comes in second place with 12.4 million total viewers, 8.1 million in the 18-49 age range.

“The Talking Dead” also broke records and totaled 5.1 million viewers. These numbers are huge given that the shows competed with some big sporting events.

Given these ratings, we know you can’t wait for season four’s second episode, “Infected” so we’re including a peek. Things started off fairly pleasant in episode one but things have clearly gone down hill real fast. We wouldn't have it any other way.



-Larissa Mrykalo