The other day we were exhaustively relieved to learn that FX's Guillermo del Toro vampire pilot 'The Strain' had officially been picked up to series, following a long development process. However, scheduling conflicts forced out del Toro regular and 'Doctor Who' star John Hurt, which is why 'Game of Thrones' baddie David Bradley has now joined the cast!

Following Hurt's exit, Bradley will take the role of Professor Abraham Setrakian, a holocaust survivor who immigrated to the United States after World War II and now runs a pawn shop in Spanish Harlem.  As the vampiric outbreak spreads, Setrakian may be the only one with answers, if anyone will listen. In addition to his role as 'Game of Thrones'' Walder Frey, Bradley is regarded for his part in the 'Harry Potter' series, and will be seen in this Saturday's 'Doctor Who' biopic 'An Adventure in Space and Time.'

Based on del Toro’s 2009 novel trilogy, ‘The Strain’ follows Dr. Ephraim “Eph” Goodweather (‘House of Cards‘ star Corey Stoll), a CDC operative who investigates 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. FX’s adaptation will see a run of 13 episodes beginning in July 2014.

Also present among the cast are Sean Astin (‘Lord of the Rings‘), Roger Cross (‘24‘), Leslie Hope, Robert Maillet (‘Pacific Rim‘), Mia Maestro (‘Alias’), Lauren Lee Smith, Miguel Gomez, Kevin Durand (‘LOST‘) and Richard Sammel (‘Inglorious Basterds’). Former ‘LOST’ and current ‘Bates Motel‘ showrunner Carlton Cuse will helm FX’s adaptation from a screenplay by del Toro and novel co-writer Michael Hogan. FX President John Landgraf previously told reporters del Toro’s vision had included adapting his novel trilogy over up to five seasons, anywhere between 39 and 65 total episodes.

Not bad, but what say you? Even without John Hurt, are you looking forward to FX's adaptation of 'The Strain?'

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