Rotorua's Cliff Curtis has scored the starring role in the Walking Dead spinoff.
It has been reported that the actor has nabbed the starring role in the new pilot from Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson.
Hollywood Reporter says Curtis would topline the drama and portray Sean Cabrera, a teacher who shares a son with his ex-wife Andrea, in the as-yet untitled series.
The 46-year-old was last month awarded one of New Zealand's most prestigious arts awards.
The Once Were Warriors, Whale Rider and Three Kings actor was presented with an Arts Foundation of New Zealand 2014 Laureate Award and cash prize of $50,000 for his work in New Zealand film.