FX orders new vampire TV series 'The Strain' from 'Pacific Rim' director Guillermo del Toro

FX has this week ordered a 13-episode series called The Strain, based on the book of the same name by filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. This new series focuses on a virus that turns humans into vampires, thus the name. Carlton Cuse (Lost, Bates Motel) has been brought on as showrunner and the first episode will air in July of 2014.

Actor Corey Stoll (House of Cards, Midnight in Paris) is set to star in the new FX series

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

Hogan and del Toro's 2009 novel spawned two sequels, The Fall and The Night Eternal. The two creators of the series will

"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 said.  "Working with FX has yielded an amazing experience with total creative freedom and support."

 The Strain will join a roster of original FX dramas that also includes The Bridge, The Americans, Justified and Sons of Anarchy. Clearly the vampire aspect will be enough of a draw for many viewers, but the more serious approach could make it a cult hit like The Walking Dead.

What do you think of this new show announcement?