A new cast member has been added to the cast of the upcoming FX series The Strain. The oscar-nominated John Hurt has been set to co-star opposite Corey Stoll and Mia Maestro in the new drama pilot that was created by Guillermo Del Toro. Hurt has previously been nominated for Oscars for his roles in The Elephant Man and Midnight Express. His previous television work includes BBC's The Alan Clark Diaries, and he also played a small role on the HBO film Recount. The series is being considered for a 13-episode pickup and is based on a series of graphic novels that were written by Del Toro. The series is directed by Del Toro, who also co-wrote the script with Chuck Hagan.
The series tells the story of Ephraim Goodweather (Stoll), who is the head of the CDC's Canary Team in New York City. His team is called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak that seems to have a trace of an ancient strain of vampirism. Hurt will play the character of Professor Abraham Setrakian, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to the U.S. after World War II and has since opened a pawn shop in Spanish Harlem. He may be the only one with any answers after the outbreak spreads, if he can get anyone to listen to him. In a statement from Del Toro, on choosing Hurt for the role, said "I am incredibly happy to be reunited with John, who is one of the greatest actors in the world and one of my favorite people ever." Stay tuned for more info and a premiere date sometime next year.
