The new horror series The Strain has been given a 13-episode order by FX. The series is based on the bestselling books by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan and will have del Toro, Hogan, and Carlton Cuse shepherding it as creators/executive producers. Production is expected to begin in Toronto this month, and FX is eyeing a July 2014 premiere.
Eric Schrier and Nick Grad, the Presidents of Original Programming for FX Networks and FX Productions, announced the 13-episode order, saying, “We could not be more excited to be moving forward with Guillermo, Carlton, and Chuck on The Strain. This is an epic story with stunning visuals and remarkable acting. The Strain totally reimagines and reinvents the genre.”
Del Toro directed the series pilot from a script he co-wrote with Hogan. “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 cast of The Strain includes Corey Stoll, Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, Kevin Durand, Natalie Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Robert Maillet, Jack Kesy, Ben Hyland, and Miguel Gomez. John Hurt had been attached to the project. However, his role is currently being recast.
The Plot: The Strain is a high-concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll), the head of the Center for 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.
