FX thriller drama The Strain is recasting the role of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather’s (Corey Stoll) son heading into Season 2. Max Charles, just seen in American Sniper opposite Bradley Cooper, has been cast in the part as a regular. He replaces Ben Hyland, who played Zach Goodweather in Season 1.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Max Charles to the cast,” The Strain executive producer/showrunner Carlton Cuse said in a statement to Deadline. “We recast this part due to some specific story needs we have downstream. We are sad to see Ben go. He is a very talented actor and a wonderful person. We will all miss him and thank him for his great work.”

Working with kid actors on a series is always tricky as they grow, change and mature as seasons go by. I hear the second season of The Strain features a deeply emotional storyline involving Zach’s character, and the producers looked for a young actor with a range that can accommodate that.

The Strain, created/executive produce by Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan for FX Prods., tells the story of Dr. Goodweather, 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.

Charles, who also played young Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and was a regular on the ABC comedy The Neighbors, is repped by Symington Talent Management, Cunningham Escott and Stone Meyer.