"Gang Related" alum Cliff Curtis will topline the pilot, which is still testing the female lead

AMC's The Walking Dead companion series has found its version of Rick Grimes.

Gang Related alum Cliff Curtis has nabbed the starring role in the new pilot from Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The untitled companion series, currently a pilot but considered a shoo-in for a series order, explores the outset of the same zombie apocalypse as AMC's flagship show but takes place at a different location.

See more 'Walking Dead' Comes to Life: From Comics to the Small Screen

Curtis will topline the drama and portray Sean Cabrera, a teacher who shares a son with his ex-wife, Andrea. The character is described as a good man trying to do right by everyone in his life.

The female lead — the role of Nancy Tomkins, a guidance counselor who works at the school with Sean — is currently still testing actresses for the role. Sources tell THR that Anna Torv was among the actresses who were seen for the part, though the Fringe alum is no longer considered to be in the running for it.

Curtis joins a cast that also includes Frank Dillane (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) as Nancy's son Nick, who has battled a drug problem; and Alycia Debnam Carey (Into the Woods) as Nancy's ambitious daughter Ashley.

See more 'The Walking Dead's' Most Shocking Deaths

Kirkman, who created The Walking Dead comic series, is co-writing the pilot with Erickson. They'll exec produce alongside Walking Dead's Gale Anne Hurd and Dave Alpert. Erickson will serve as showrunner, while Adam Davidson will direct.

Curtis most recently starred on Fox's short-lived drama Gang Related. His credits TV include Missing, Body of Proof and Trauma. Feature roles include Training Day, Live Free or Die Hard and Three Kings. He's repped by Robert Bruce Agency in the U.K. and manager JR Talent Group.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com

Twitter: @Snoodit