FX has given a 13-episode order to The Strain, an adaptation of the vampire horror novels written by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. Production is expected to begin this month for a July premiere.

Executive produced by del Toro and Carlton Cuse (Lost, Bates Motel), who serves as showrunner, the drama follows the efforts of Centers for Disease Control epidemiologist Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll of House of Cards) to save New York City from a vampiric virus introduced after a mysterious plane lands at JFK with 200 corpses and just four survivors.

"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 in a statement. "Working with FX has yielded an amazing experience with total creative freedom and support."

Del Toro co-wrote the pilot with Hogan and will also direct. The Strain also Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, Kevin Durand, Natalie Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Robert Maillet, Jack Kesy, Ben Hyland, and Miguel Gomez. The role of Professor Abraham Setrakian, previously played by John Hurt, is being recast.