Oscar nominee John Hurt is set to star in FX’s the Strain alongside Corey Stoll (House of Cards) and Mia Maestro (White Collar), Deadline reports.

The Strain was originally envisioned as a television series, but when it failed to find a buyer, Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan chose to write it as a trilogy of novels instead. Those novels are now being adapted into the thirteen-episode FX series, which follows Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Stoll) as he investigates “a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism.”

Hurt’s pivotal role will be that of Professor Abraham Setrakian, a Holocaust survivor who may be able to provide Goodweather’s medical team with answers.

Del Toro, who will direct the pilot and executive produce the series with Carlton Cuse, states that Hurt is “perfect for the part.” He is “incredibly happy to be reunited with John” and is looking forward to working with him again after their collaboration on 2004’s “Hellboy.”

The Strain also stars Kevin Durand, Miguel Gomez, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel and Lauren Lee Smith, and is slated to begin production in September.