It's nigh impossible to believe at this point that we're still talking about Guillermo del Toro's forthcoming FX-adapted pilot 'The Strain' without an official series order, though it seems the vampire drama has continued casting for recurring parts all the same. '24' and recent 'Revolution' star Leslie Hope is the latest to catch 'The Strain,' but whom will she play if the FX series finally gets off the ground?

According to TVLine, Hope bears the largely non-descriptive character identity of Joan Luss, one of the few initial survivors of the outbreak. Presumably, her character would receive more spotlight in subsequent episodes, as the role is identified to be recurring.

Based on Del Toro’s 2009 novel trilogy, ‘The Strain’ follows Dr. Ephraim “Eph” Goodweather (‘House of Cards‘ star Corey Stoll), a CDC operative who investigates 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.

Also present among the cast are Roger Cross (‘24‘), Robert Maillet (‘Pacific Rim‘), Mia Maestro (‘Alias’), John Hurt (‘Hellboy,’ ‘Doctor Who‘), Lauren Lee Smith, Miguel Gomez, Kevin Durand (‘LOST‘) and Richard Sammel (‘Inglorious Basterds’). Former ‘LOST’ and current ‘Bates Motel‘ showrunner Carlton Cuse will helm FX’s adaptation from a screenplay by Del Toro and novel co-writer Michael Hogan. Hogan and Gary Ungar will also serve as executive producers.

Even without an official series order. FX president John Landgraf told reporters at the recent TCA press tour that del Toro's vision had included adapting his novel trilogy over up to five seasons, anywhere between 39 and 65 total episodes. What say you? Do you think continued casting is a sure sign that FX will catch a full spread of Guillermo del Toro's 'The Strain'?

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