FX orders 13 episodes of Del Toro drama series 'The Strain'

photo In this June 26, 2013 file photo, Mexican director Guillermo del Toro speaks about his new film "Pacific Rim" during an interview in Miami. FX has ordered 13 episodes of "The Strain," the drama about a viral outbreak with links to vampires. The series will be produced by the books' authors, filmmaker del Toro and Chuck Hogan, FX said Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013. It's scheduled to premiere in July 2014 on FX. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

The FX channel says it's ordering 13 episodes of a drama series based on "The Strain" trilogy of vampire novels.

FX said Tuesday that the series will be produced by the books' authors, filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.

Del Toro, whose film credits include "Pan's Labyrinth" and "Hellboy," co-wrote and directed the pilot episode. Writer-producer Carlton Cuse of "Lost" and "Bates Motel" will be the producer in charge.

FX says the series follows a New York disease control team investigating a mysterious viral outbreak that's linked to "an evil strain of vampirism."

Corey Stoll of "House of Cards" and "Midnight in Paris" plays the head of the team. Others in the ensemble cast include Mia Maestro and Sean Astin.

"The Strain" is scheduled to debut next July on FX.

Upcoming Events