One day after FX gave a series order for Guillermo del Toro's The Strain, the cable network has announced that David Bradley will replace John Hurt in a key role, The Hollywood Reporter said.

The Strain, executive produced by Bates Motel's Carlton Cuse, centers on 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.

Bradley, who played Jack Marshall in British series Broadchurch and Argus Filch in the Harry Potter franchise, will now take on the role of Professor Abraham Setrakian. A Holocaust survivor who immigrated to the U.S. after World War II, Abraham now runs a pawn shop in Spanish Harlem. As the outbreak spreads, he may be the only one with answers -- if anyone will listen.

Hurt was previously set to play the role, but producers and FX Productions opted to recast.

The Strain, aiming for a July 2014 debut for its 13-episode first season, also stars Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, Kevin Durand, Natalie Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Robert Maillet, Jack Kesy, Ben Hyland and Miguel Gomez. Production will begin later this month in Toronto.

Bradley's notable TV credits also include Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, Mount Pleasant and The Tudors. The veteran actor won the Laurence Olivier Theater Award in 1991 for the Royal National Theatre's production of King Lear.

Del Toro and Chuck Hogan co-wrote the pilot, which del Toro also directed. Cuse will serve as showrunner and writer. Gary Ungar will also executive produce the FX Productions series.