FX has place a 13-episode order for the drama series The Strain from Academy Award nominee Guillermo del Toro, author Chuck Hogan and writer/producer Carlton Cuse, which is based on the best-selling vampire novel trilogy of the same title written by del Toro and Hogan.Co-creators and executive producers del Toro and Hogan co-wrote the pilot, which was directed by del Toro. Emmy-winning writer and producer Cuse will serve as executive producer/showrunner. Gary Ungar will also serve as executive producer. The series is produced by FX Productions. The Strain will begin production later this month in Toronto and is scheduled to premiere in July 2014.
The Strain is a high concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll), the head of the Center of Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers wage war for the fate of humanity itself.
"The Strain books are near and dear to my heart and now, Chuck and I have the blessing of a partnership with Carlton and FX that holds great promise," said del Toro. "Working with FX has yielded an amazing experience with total creative freedom and support."
Cuse added, "Working with visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and the team at FX has been a dream come true for me. Guillermo's epic, cinematic pilot for The Strain starts a chilling and compelling story that will upend everything you thought you knew about vampires."
The ensemble cast stars Corey Stoll, Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, Kevin Durand, Natalie Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Robert Maillet, Jack Kesy, Ben Hyland and Miguel Gomez. The producers and FX Productions are recasting the role of "Professor Abraham Setrakian," which was previously held by John Hurt.
