In October 2010, it was revealed that Fox is developing a potential spin-off series that would be built around a new recurring character that would be introduced in the sixth season. The potential spin-off series would also be created by Bones creator/executive producer Hart Hanson, and be based on The Locator series of two books written by Richard Greener. The character of Walter is described as an eccentric but amusing recluse in high demand for his ability to find anything. He is skeptical of everything—he suffered brain damage while overseas, which explains his constant paranoia—and known for asking offensive, seemingly irrelevant questions to get to the truth.[31] Production on the episode was scheduled to begin in December 2010, but was delayed to early 2011, due to creative differences. Creator Hart Hanson posted on Twitter (in a humorous manner) regarding the notes he got from the network, "I received studio notes on the Bones spin-off idea. They want it to be better. Unreasonable taskmasters. Impossible dreamers. Neo-platonists."[32] During Fox's TCA press tour, executive producer Stephen Nathan revealed production on the episode featuring The Locator is scheduled to start in February 2011, with the episode airing in April. In the episode, Booth and Brennan will travel to Key West, Florida, where the spin-off is said to take place. Nathan went on to say regarding the casting of character, "You want to find people you want to see every single week do one unique character. That's why when you have Hugh Laurie, who is essentially playing a very unlikable character, you love to see him. And that is a rare, rare quality to find. And the finder won't be an unlikeable character, but because it is a unique character, it's difficult to find just the right person."[33] Geoff Stults has been cast as the lead character and Michael Clarke Duncan has been cast as the lead character's partner, Leo. They will both appear in episode 19 of the season to introduce their characters.[34][35] Saffron Burrows has been cast as the female lead in the series.[36]
