A couple of updates out of the camp of FX pilots.  Unfortunately, it looks like Oscar-winning director Ang Lee will be tapping out of production on the drama pilot Tyrant, citing exhaustion from filming and promoting Life of Pi.  The story centers on an unassuming American family drawn into the workings of a turbulent Middle East nation; Tyrant's pilot may be shooting in Morocco.  The search for a replacement is currently underway.

For more on what Lee had to say about his departure from the project and for casting information on Guillermo del Toro's FX pilot, The Strain, hit the jump.

THR reports that Lee had the following to say in a statement regarding his departure from Tyrant:

"It is one of the most brilliant ideas for a series that I’ve seen and one about which I was very excited. However, after spending over four years making and promoting Life of Pi, I have recently realized that I need some rest. Because I cannot give 100 percent to this exciting project at this time, I cannot allow myself to do anything that may affect the potential for this exciting new series."

Meanwhile, Deadline reports that Mia Maestro (Frida) will star opposite Corey Stoll in The Strain, an adaptation of del Toro’s vampire novel trilogy.  The project formally has a pilot order, but is also on the list for a possible 13-episode season pick-up.  The thriller that tells the story of "Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Stoll), the head of the Centers 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."

Maestro will play Dr. Nora Martinez, who works so closely with Ephraim and winds up stumbling into an affair with him.  "A brilliant biochemist, Martinez cares more about people than the diseases that threaten them, but she will soon be forced to embrace a new identity as a ruthless warrior." Del Toro will direct the pilot from a script co-written with Chuck Hogan.  Carlton Cuse also executive produces alongside del Toro and will serve as showrunner, overseeing the potential series with del Toro.

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