Acclaimed actor David Bradley has been cast in the role of Professor Abraham Setrakian in the FX drama series “The Strain,” from Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, author Chuck Hogan and writer/producer Carlton Cuse, which is based on the best-selling vampire novel trilogy of the same title written by del Toro and Hogan.
In “The Strain,” Setrakian is a holocaust survivor who immigrated to the United States after World War II and now runs a pawn shop in Spanish Harlem. As the outbreak spreads, he may be the only one with answers if anyone will listen. This role was previously held by John Hurt, but was recast by the producers and FX Productions.
Bradley joins an ensemble cast that features Corey Stoll, Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, Kevin Durand, Natalie Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Robert Maillet, Jack Kesy, Ben Hyland, and Miguel Gomez.
Bradleys notable television credits include HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” the BBC series “Doctor Who,” the drama “Broadchurch,” “Mount Pleasant,” and “The Tudors.” Bradley was a mainstay in the hugely successful “Harry Potter” movie franchise in the role of Argus Finch. For his work in theater, Bradley was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theater Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1991 for his performance in King Lear at the Royal National Theatre.
“The Strain” is a high concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll), the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon 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 itself.
“The Strain,” which received a series order earlier this week, begins production later this month in Toronto and the series is scheduled to premiere in July of 2014 on FX.
Co-Creators, Executive Producers and Writers del Toro and Hogan co-wrote the pilot script for “The Strain,” which was directed by del Toro. Emmy Award winning Writer and Producer Carlton Cuse (“Lost,” “Bates Motel”) will serve as Executive Producer/Showrunner and Writer. Gary Ungar will also serve as Executive Producer. The series is produced by FX Productions.
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