THE STRAIN’s executive producer Carlton Cuse has told TV critics that FX’s new vampire series promises to be a “really original re-imagining of vampire lore,” and that it, “says something about the precariousness of our modern world.” He also stated the series was about the intersection of “empiricism and religion.”

Cuse explained that THE STRAIN’s vampires have nothing in common with what viewers have become accustomed too. “They’re not the sparkling, brooding dudes,” he commented, nor will they sport creased foreheads a la BUFFY and ANGEL. They are savage, relentless creatures with a hive mind like intelligence, acting primarily on instinct rather than thought.

Based on a trilogy of books co-authored by Chuck Hogan and genre maestro Guillermo del Toro (who is also serving as the show’s executive producer and pilot episode director) THE STRAIN tells the story of Dr Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll), the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City, investigating a plane that arrives at JFK airport and everyone on it appears to be dead. The plane turns out to be carrying a mysterious cargo which is this strain of vampirism that will spread through New York City and ultimately the world. Cuse explained that “The books are well represented in the show, but the show is a deeper and richer experience. We’ve added a lot of new stuff, gotten deeper into characters, invented new situations.”

The first season is expected to premiere July in the States on FX. Cuse hopes that the series will run three to five seasons but promised that it has a definite end just as the books do.

“You’ll never look at vampires the same way,” concluded Cuse. “They’re scary creatures.”

Share your comments below or on Twitter @STARBURST_MAG

Find your local Starburst Magazine stockist HERE, or buy direct from us HERE.

CLICK COVER FOR OUR LATEST ISSUE!