Deadline brings word that Lawrence Kao (Wu Assassins, Wu Assassins: Fistful of Vengeance, The Originals) has joined the Walker prequel pilot Walker: Independence. The spin-off is executive produced by Walker star and EP Jared Padalecki.
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“Set in the late 1800s, Walker: Independence follows Abby Walker, an affluent Bostonian whose husband is murdered before her eyes while on their journey out West,” reads the synopsis. “On her quest for revenge, Abby crosses paths with Hoyt Rawlins, a lovable rogue in search of purpose. Abby and Hoyt’s journey takes them to Independence, Texas, where they encounter diverse, eclectic residents running from their own troubled pasts and chasing their dreams. Our newfound family will struggle with the changing world around them while becoming agents of change themselves in a town where nothing is what it seems.”
Kao will play Kai, described as a “younger Chinese man with a kind face, fluent in English, Kai runs a local laundry, in partner with the older, more taciturn Bowen Sing. A former railroad worker, Kai has settled into his new life in Independence, where he meets Abby. He quickly befriends her, offering Abby her first meal and a friendly word of advice about staying in Independence.”
Kao will join the previously announced Matt Barr, who will play Hoyt Rawlins in the pilot (and who also starred as his apparent descendant in Walker), Justin Johnson Cortez — an Indigenous American actor of Yaqui Tribe descent — who will play Calian, a member of an Indigenous scouting party outside of Independence, and Greg Hovanessian who will portray Sheriff Tom Davidson, an antagonist in the series.
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The Walker: Independence pilot is being directed by Larry Teng and written by Seamus Kevin Fahey based on a story he wrote with Walker showrunner Anna Fricke. Along with Padalecki, Teng and Fahey will executive produce alongside Fricke and Laura Terry who will EP through their Pursued by a Bear banner. Rideback’s Dan Lin and Lindsey Liberatore are also executive producing. CBS Studios is behind both Walker and Walker: Independence.