David Bradley is going from playing William Hartnell, the First Doctor in Adventures in Time and Space (premiering tonight on BBC America), to playing pawn shop owner/vampire expert Professor Abraham Setrakian in FX’s The Strain – the new series based on the bestselling horror trilogy by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan. Bradley joins a cast that already includes 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 scheduled to premiere in July 2014. Check out the press release for further details.
DAVID BRADLEY LANDS KEY ROLE IN THE STRAIN
Bradley to Play “Professor Abraham Setrakian”
Bradley Joins Cast Starring Corey Stoll, Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, Kevin Durand, Natalie Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Robert Maillet, Jack Kesy, Ben Hyland and Miguel Gomez
Drama Series Based on the Best-Selling Novels by Oscar® Nominee Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan Who Are Executive Producers and Co-Wrote The Pilot Which Was Directed by del Toro
Emmy® Award-Winning Writer/Producer Carlton Cuse Also Serves as Executive Producer, Showrunner and Writer
LOS ANGELES, November 21, 2013 – Acclaimed actor David Bradley 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.
Bradley’s notable television credits include HBO’s award-winning series Game of Thrones, the BAFTA® Award-winning BBC series Doctor Who, the acclaimed drama Broadchurch, Mount Pleasant, and The Tudors. Bradley was a mainstay in the hugely successful Harry Potter movie franchise in the role of “Argus Finch.” For his work in theater, Bradley was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theater Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1991 for his performance in King Lear at the Royal National Theatre.
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.
Co-Creators, Executive Producers and Writers del Toro and Hogan co-wrote the pilot script for The Strain, which was directed by del Toro. Emmy® Award winning Writer and Producer Carlton Cuse (Lost, Bates Motel) will serve as Executive Producer/Showrunner and Writer. Gary Ungar will also serve as Executive Producer. The series is produced by FX Productions.
About FX
FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable channel of FX Networks, a business unit of 21st Century Fox. FX Networks is comprised of FX, FXM, and FXX, its newest channel, which launched in early September 2013. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 98 million homes. The diverse schedule features a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas series, including Sons of Anarchy, Justified, The Americans and The Bridge; the miniseries American Horror Story: Coven; and the acclaimed hit comedy series Louie, Archer, and Chozen (Jan. 13). The network’s library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any ad-supported television network. FX’s roster of acquired hit series includes Two and a Half Men, Anger Management and, coming in 2014, Mike & Molly.
About FX Productions
FX Productions (FXP) produces the critically acclaimed hit comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Louie, Archer, Wilfred, Legit, and Chozen (Jan. 13), and the drama series The Strain. FXP co-produces the award-winning hit dramas Sons of Anarchy, Justified, and The Americans, and the acclaimed drama series The Bridge. FXP is also producing the limited series Fargo starring Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman, which debuts early next year on FX.