AMC's "The Walking Dead' has begun adding to its cast for season six as "Straight Outta Compton' actor Corey Hawkins has been set to portray a major comic book character.
In a sneak peek released by The Hollywood Reporter, Hawkins will be playing a recurring role and will make his debut as Heath, an important member of the Alexandria Safe Zone, in the sixth season.
The character is known for being friends with Glenn and a love interest to Denise. As a supply runner for Alexandria, Heath was introduced in the #69 issue of Robert Kirkman's comic series.
Hawkins has become the first actor confirmed as an addition to the cast of the zombie drama. The arrival of Heath comes after Rick and the gang finally made their way to Alexandria at the end of the fifth season. Based on the comic books, such community will be the longest-running community for these survivors.
During "The Walking Dead' season five's finale, Morgan (Lennie James) was shown making his way to Alexandria just in time to have a glimpse of his friend Rick (Andrew Lincoln) killing off Pete (Corey Brill). Rick was left with no choice after Pete inadvertently put Reg (Steve Coulter), husband of Alexandria leader Deanna (Tovah Feldshuh), to his own death.
Before Hawkins signed on to the series, other recent additions to "The Walking Dead' included Alexandra Breckenridge (Jessie), Ross Marquand (Aaron) and Seth Gilliam (Father Gabriel), to name a few, as the series continues to draw out content from the comics as well as incorporate new, shocking twists into the storylines of its characters.
"The Walking Dead' has been scheduled to return for its sixth season in October; a premiere date is expected to be announced at this year's San Diego Comic-Con.
Meanwhile, with Hawkins to appear as Dr. Dre in the "Straight Outta Compton', the bio-drama film is set to hit cinemas on Aug. 14.
Additionally, fans can also look forward to AMC's upcoming companion series "Fear the Walking Dead' as production has already begun in Vancouver.
"We are loosely covering the period of time that Rick was in his coma in season one," showrunner David Erickson shared in an interview.
The executive producer also explained how viewers can connect the new series with the "Walking Dead' storyline, particularly during the time when Rick was shot and went into a coma.
"We're playing out the idea of what was going on in the country and the world until he woke up, stepped outside and it's welcome to the apocalypse," Erickson explained.
Although no specific date has been announced, "Fear the Walking Dead' is set to air this summer on AMC.
