Late last week gave us our first look at FX's forthcoming Guillermo del Toro-driven vampire drama 'The Strain,' but with a July premiere fast approaching, we'll need more than pictures. Fresh details of the adapted horror series have emerged straight from del Toro and showrunner Carlton Cuse themselves, along with an early look at the opening scene!

FX had only a brief bit of time to introduce 'The Strain' from its ongoing Television Critics Association press tour, though the network showed off an early sizzle reel that teased in iconic moment from del Toro and writer Mike Hogan's novel, the origins of the outbreak on an airplane full of dead passengers. “We’ve gotten deeper into our characters and we’ve invented new situations,” promised Cuse of any adaptation changes. “The books are well represented, but the series is a deeper and richer experience.”

Cuse also confirmed that should FX renew the series, 'The Strain' would likely run between three and five seasons to stay true to its source material, and certainly wouldn't romanticize the vampires on any level, sticking with the biological approach. “These are not sparkly brooding dudes with fangs and romantic problems,” said Cuse. “This is a really original re-imagining of vampire lore...there is sex in the show, but the vampires themselves are not having sex. They are not romantic creatures, believe me.”

Based on del Toro’s 2009 novel trilogy, ‘The Strain’ follows Dr. Ephraim Goodweather ('House of Cards' Corey Stoll), a CDC operative who investigates 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. FX’s adaptation will see a run of 13 episodes beginning in July 2014.

Also present among the cast are Regina King, Sean Astin (‘Lord of the Rings‘), Roger Cross (‘24‘), Leslie Hope, Robert Maillet (‘Pacific Rim‘), Mia Maestro (‘Alias’), Lauren Lee Smith, Miguel Gomez, Kevin Durand (‘LOST‘), David Bradley (‘Game of Thrones,’ replacing John Hurt) and Richard Sammel (‘Inglorious Basterds’). Former ‘LOST’ and current ‘Bates Motel‘ showrunner Carlton Cuse will helm FX’s adaptation from a screenplay by del Toro and novel co-writer Michael Hogan.

Well, what do you think? Does 'The Strain' sound worth catching? Check out the latest photos from Guillermo del Toro's gruesome FX drama above and below, and give us your predictions for the series in the comments!