By MICHAEL GINGOLD

This new incarnation involves something of a change of emphasis from the modern-classic novel and film.

Variety reports that Demián Bichir (pictured), whose credits include THE HATEFUL EIGHT, THE GRUDGE, THE NUN, ALIEN: COVENANT and the soon-to-open GODZILLA VS. KONG, has been cast in the lead of a LET THE RIGHT ONE IN pilot for Showtime. Andrew Hinderaker, creator of the Netflix series AWAY and a writer on PENNY DREADFUL, is showrunner and executive producer on the series, with Seith Mann (BLINDSPOTTING, HOMELAND, NEW AMSTERDAM, ELEMENTARY) directing the pilot and also executive-producing. John Ajvide Lindqvist’s 2004 novel, Tomas Alfredson’s 2008 film and Matt Reeves’ 2010 Americanization LET ME IN focused on a young vampire girl who forges a bond with a bullied human boy, while her father protects her and provides her with human blood. Showtime’s version seems to put the emphasis on Mark (to be played by Bichir, who will also be a producer) and his efforts to protect and feed his 12-year-old daughter Eleanor, who was turned into a vampire 10 years earlier.

“The series is both a love letter to the original film, and a story entirely our own,” says Hinderaker. “And casting a true artist like Demián epitomizes our bold aspiration to be one of the most terrifying shows on TV, and one of the most moving.”

“LET THE RIGHT ONE IN quickly establishes itself as a thrilling, high-stakes drama that asks the question: How far would you go to save your child from the monsters out there–would you risk becoming a monster yourself?” says Amy Israel, executive vice president of scripted programming for Showtime. “Demián Bichir is one of the world’s most dynamic and engrossing actors, and his charisma and vulnerability will surely bring Andrew Hinderaker’s exquisite script to life, guided by Seith Mann’s deft direction. We couldn’t be more excited about the potential of this show.”