A young actress is poised for what could be her big break with a role on the AMC smash "The Walking Dead." Deadline.com reports that Alanna Masterson, 25, is joining the cast for a recurring role in the show’s upcoming fourth season, with an option to step up to series regular for season five.

"Details on her role are scarce but she will be introduced in the middle of the season as a new survivor in the world of the walking dead," the story reports. "There is chatter that the character might be Tara Chalmers from the comic books but the network is keeping mum."

The drama series also recently added Christian Serratos, the piece notes.

Masterson, part of an acting family that includes Danny Masterson, Christopher Masterson and Jordan Masterson, had a recurring role on the 2010 series "First Day," but has mostly appeared in guest roles, including a 2009 spot on "Grey’s Anatomy" and a visit to "Malcolm in the Middle" in 2006.

Alanna Masterson