'Walker' Heads to the 1800s! The CW Orders Female-Led Spinoff 'Walker Independence'

Author:
K.L. Connie Wang
Updated:
Jul 14, 2022

Anna Kooris / The CW — Katherine McNamara as Abby in Walker: Independence

Back in the '90s, martial arts icon Chuck Norris starred in Walker, Texas Ranger, a show created by Leslie Greif and a pre-Oscar winning writer/producer Paul Haggis. The show was inspired by the 1983 film, Lone Wolf McQuade, which also starred Norris as a Texas Ranger. Walker, Texas Ranger ran for eight seasons and launched two spin-off series, a television movie and a few novels.

In 2019, Walker, a reboot of the original, was ordered to series by The CW. The show premiered to rave reviews in 2020 with Supernatural's Jared Padalecki in the lead role. The show has been so popular on The CW (and likely due to the smashing success of Taylor Sheridan shows Yellowstone and 1883) that the network has ordered a prequel series, Walker Independence. Look for the series this fall.

Here's what we know so far about Walker: Independence.

What is Walker Independence about?

Set in the late 1800s, Walker Independence is an origin story of The CW’s series, Walker, starring Jared Padelecki, who also serves as an executive producer.

Walker Independence follows Abby Walker (Katherine McNamara), an affluent and tough-minded Bostonian whose husband is murdered before her eyes as they make their way out West. Abby eventually journeys to the town of Independence, Texas, where she encounters a group of diverse and eclectic residents running from their pasts, chasing their dreams and keeping their own secrets.

Is Walker Independence a spinoff?

Yes! The prequel series is a spinoff of the popular Walker series on The CW which is a reboot of the '90s series, Walker, Texas Ranger starring Chuck Norris.

When does Walker Independence premiere?

No specific date has been released yet but Walker: Independence will premiere sometime in Fall 2022. Walker: Independence will air on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on The CW with Walker as its lead-in at 8 p.m. ET.

The Walker Independence cast

Katherine McNamara (Abby Walker)

Hailing from an affluent Boston family, Abby heads out west with her husband but along the way her husband is murdered and Abby left for dead. With the help of an Apache tracker she makes her way to Independence, Texas to seek justice for her husband.

McNamara has appeared on Arrow, The Flash, and Shadowhunters. Follow her on Twitter @Kat_McNamara and on Instagram @kat.mcnamara.

Walker Independence -- “Pilot” -- Image Number: WID101a_0023r -- Pictured: Matt Barr as Hoyt -- Photo: Anna Kooris / The CW -- © 2022 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved. — Pictured: Matt Barr as Hoyt -- Photo: Anna Kooris / The CW -- © 2022 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Bar (Hoyt Rawlins)

Hoyt is a con man with a heart of gold. After he literally bumps into Abby, he eyes her as his next mark, but she quickly turns the tables on him.

Barr has appeared on Blood & Treasure, Walker and Sleepy Hollow. Follow him on Instagram @matt_barr_.

Justin Johnson Cortez (Calian)

Calian is an Apache tracker who finds an injured Abby after her husband is murdered.

Cortez's credits include 9-1-1: Lone Star, Lucifer, and This is Heaven. Follow him on Instagram @justinj_cortez.

Greg Hovanessian (Sheriff Tom Davidson)

Sheriff Davidson may wear a badge but he seems to operate more on the wrong side of the law than good. Abby has reason to believe the sheriff is a very bad man.

You may recognize Hovanessian from When Hope Calls, Another Life, or Cardinal. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @greghovanessian.

Katie Findlay (Kate Carver)

Kate is a saloon dancer who seems to have a keen interest in Abby's origins.

Findlay's credits include How to Get Away with Murder, Nancy Drew, and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. Follow her on Instagram @katicatronica and on Twitter @katedangerfield.

Lawrence Kao (Kai)

Kai is a Chinese immigrant who runs a local restaurant and laundry. He befriends Abby and offers her friendship (and a bowl of egg drop soup) without hidden motives or agendas.

Kao has had roles on Wu Assassins, NCIS, and The Purge. Follow Kao on Twitter and Instagram @iamlawarencekao.

Gabriela Quezada (Lucia Reyes)

Lucia is a singer and Hoyt's sometime lover.

Quezada was upped to a series regular prior to the show's premiere. Her credits include 9-1-1, The Wretched, and Broken. Follow her @gabriela_quezada_bloomgarden.

Philemon Chambers (Augustus)

Augustus is the deputy sheriff and as good as they come. Abby, seeking justice for her husband, encounters the deputy sheriff and hopes he can help - until she meets his new boss, Sheriff Davidson.

This is Chambers' first series regular role. He previously appeared in the Netflix rom-com, Single All the Way. Follow him on Twitter @therealphilemon and on Instagram @philemonchambers.