AceShowbiz -

Animal Planet jumps into one of the most popular genres on television today. The cable network is developing an animal zombie story titled "The Other Dead" as a scripted series.

From creators Joshua Ortega and Digger Mesch, "The Other Dead" is set in Louisiana during the next "Hurricane Katrina" among a world full of undead animals and unrelenting natural disasters. A mysterious infection outbreak causes all the animals to turn into ravenous, cold-blooded killers. The novel features a slew of human characters including President Obama.

"Into this mix is thrown our eclectic cast of characters: Tommy Romero, a 10-year old cancer survivor who's struggling with his faith and belief in life; Azrael, Tommy's older brother and a member of the Norwegian-like death metal band, Decapitated; Justina Abelinda Cortez, Az's girlfriend who's an exotic dancer and a Puerto Rican bruja/witch; Chet Wayne, a racist ex-Army Ranger who's been preparing for the apocalypse for years; and Barack Obama - yes, the actual president of the United States - who ends up in the eye of the storm, dealing not only with the hurricane but the zombie animal outbreak as well," Ortega previously described the characters to Comic Book Resources.

Of his collaboration with Animal Planet, Ortega said, "The entire creative team could not be more excited about this partnership, and the timing for 'The Other Dead' series could not be more perfect. Zombie animal meets Animal Planet? Sounds like we have some serious undead fun ahead of us." Meanwhile, Animal Planet Exec VP said, "This is an intriguing choice for Animal Planet as the network further branches out into different, dynamic genres."

"The Other Dead" is eying a 2016 premiere.