AceShowbiz -

FX takes on vampires with a new show from Guillermo del Toro. The network has ordered a 13-episode freshman season of vampire drama series "The Strain", which will be executive produced by the "Pacific Rim" helmer, Chuck Hogan and Carlton Cuse.

The show is based on del Toro and Hogan's best-selling novels of the same name. " 'The Strain' books are near and dear to my heart and now, Chuck and I have the blessing of a partnership with Carlton and FX that holds great promise," del Toro says. "Working with FX has yielded an amazing experience with total creative freedom and support."

"We could not be more excited to be moving forward with Guillermo, Carlton and Chuck on 'The Strain'," says FX Networks and FX Productions presidents of original programming Eric Schrier and Nick Grad. "This is an epic story with stunning visuals and remarkable acting. The Strain totally reimagines and reinvents the genre."

Dubbed a high-concept thriller, "The Strain" tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of the Centers for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called on to investigate 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.

Corey Stoll is cast in the lead role of Eph, with Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, Kevin Durand, Natalie Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Robert Maillet, Jack Kesy, Ben Hyland and Miguel Gomez taking other roles. Filming will begin this month in Toronto for a July 2014 premiere.

del Toro directed the pilot and co-wrote it along with Hogan. Cuse, who currently shepherds A&E's "Bates Motel" with Kerry Ehrin, will also serve as showrunner for the upcoming FX series.