Acclaimed actor David Bradley (pictured; “Game of Thrones”, Harry Potter) 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.

” ‘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.