First Published: November 19, 2013 8:26 PM EST Credit: Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- 
Caption Director Guillermo del Toro attends the premiere Of Warner Bros. Pictures And Legendary Pictures’ ‘Pacific Rim’ at Dolby Theatre on July 9, 2013 in HollywoodThe 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.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
