Walker prequel from Jared Padalecki in development at the CW

The CW is saddling up for a Walker prequel titled Walker: Independence. The origin story comes from Walker star and executive producer Jared Padalecki, the show’s creator, executive producer, and showrunner Anna Fricke, and executive producers Seamus Fahey, Dan Lin, and Lindsey Liberatore.

Written by Fahey based on a story he co-created with Fricke, the CW’s Walker prequel is set in the late 1800s. Per Deadline‘s description, it revolves around Abby Walker, Abby Walker, an affluent Bostonian whose husband is murdered before her eyes while on their journey out West. 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.

It is unclear if or how 1800s’ Abby Walker and Hoyt Rawlins are related to present day’s Abeline Walker (Molly Hagan) and her sons, Cordell Walker (Padalecki) and Liam Walker (Keegan Allen), as well as Cordell’s best friend Hoyt Rawlins (Matt Barr).

Walker follows Padalecki’s Cordell Walker as he grieves the recent loss of his wife and grapples with balancing his duties as a father and a Ranger. Cordell Walker returns to Austin after two years, attempting to reconnect with his children, navigate clashes with his family, and find common ground with his partner. There is also an underlying mystery surrounding his wife’s death that he may also need to solve. The series also stars Kale Culley, Jeff Piere, Molly Hagan, Keegan Allen, Violet Brinson, Coby Bell, Mitch Pileggi, Lindsey Morgan, Odette Annable, and Genevieve Padalecki.

When Walker had its CW debut, it pulled in 2.43 million viewers and a 0.4 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic. In terms of total viewers, the premiere topped the 2016 debut of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, which previously held the viewership record. Walker also pulled in the largest audience of any premiere on the network since the season four premiere of The Flash in 2017.

Are you excited for Walker: Independence? What do you think of the core show? Are you down to learn more about Abby Walker? Let us know what you think of this news in the comments section below.