We were already on board with FX's forthcoming pilot adaptation of Guillermo del Toro's vampire novel series 'The Strain,' but the latest casting might prove its most inspired yet. 'Hellboy' and recent 'Doctor Who' star John Hurt has officially joined the cast in an important role, deepening the mystery of 'The Strain's lack of series order.

The two-time Oscar-nominated Hurt will portray Professor Abraham Setrakian, a holocaust survivor who immigrated to the United States after the second World War and opened a pawn in Spanish Harlem. As the vampire outbreak spreads, Setrakian may prove the only one with answers to the ongoing mystery.

"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,” said del Toro in a press release. “Chuck [Hogan] and I always visualized him while writing The Strain novels and he is absolutely perfect for the part!"

‘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. Also present among the cast are Mia Maestro ('Alias'), Lauren Lee Smith, Miguel Gomez, Kevin Durand (‘LOST‘), Jonathan Hyde (‘The Mummy’) 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. Hogan and Gary Ungar will also serve as executive producers. Surprisingly, FX has yet to issue a series order for the buzzworthy adaptation, despite the impressive pedigree of its cast and crew.

What say you? Does John Hurt's casting put your interest over the edge to catch 'The Strain?' What do you hope to see from the series when production begins in Toronto this September?

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