There’s been quiet progress for awhile now on adapting the Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan novel series (and comic book adaptation) The Strain for FX. The biggest nod that things were getting close was that del Toro talked about scripting the entire first season already and the FX chief talking about how it would be a firm series for between 39 and 65 episodes overall. Now FX has given the nod to go ahead with the first season at thirteen episodes, which will premiere next July on FX. Production is slated to begin this month in Toronto for the series.
Schrier and Grad said, “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.”
“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.
Plot concept: 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.
