Exclusive First Look: ‘The Vampire Lestat’ Reveals Bloody Louis and Lestat’s Mother

Key Takeaways

• The Vampire Lestat showrunner Rolin Jones reveals that the series has expanded Louis’ arc from the original novel to give Jacob Anderson more to do onscreen.
• The new season will be "very, very heartbreaking" and will feature Lestat front and center, with a non-linear and contradictory storyline.
• The show has introduced Lestat’s mother, Gabriella, played by Jennifer Ehle, who will add a new dynamic to the show.
• The season will feature a rock and roll tour, with Lestat’s music playing a central role in the storyline.
• The show’s creators are considering a potential Vampire Lestat world tour, with Sam Reid and composer Daniel Hart potentially performing live.

Introduction to The Vampire Lestat
The Vampire Lestat, the third season of the AMC series, is set to premiere in 2026. The show has undergone a name change from Interview With the Vampire, which was the title of the first two seasons. According to showrunner Rolin Jones, the name change is a nod to the original novel by Anne Rice, and it reflects the show’s focus on Lestat’s character. Jones explains that the name change is not a significant departure from the original title, but rather a way to honor the source material and provide a clear indication of the show’s direction.

Expanding Louis’ Arc
One of the significant changes in the new season is the expansion of Louis’ arc. Jones reveals that the show’s creators wanted to give Jacob Anderson more to do onscreen, and they drew from other Anne Rice novels to create a more substantial storyline for the character. The new arc will be "very, very heartbreaking," according to Jones, and it will explore Louis’ relationship with Lestat and other characters in the show. Jones notes that the expanded arc is a result of the show’s desire to provide a more satisfying storyline for Louis, and to give Anderson more opportunities to showcase his acting abilities.

Lestat Front and Center
The new season will feature Lestat front and center, with a non-linear and contradictory storyline that reflects the character’s personality. Jones describes Lestat as a "train wreck of a tour," and notes that the show will be "snotty first before anything else." The season will explore Lestat’s music and his rock and roll tour, which will be a central part of the storyline. Jones explains that the show’s creators wanted to capture the essence of Lestat’s character, and to create a storyline that would be true to the original novel.

Introducing Gabriella
The show has introduced Lestat’s mother, Gabriella, played by Jennifer Ehle. Jones explains that the character’s name was changed from Gabrielle to Gabriella to reflect her Italian heritage and to add tension to the storyline. Gabriella will be a significant character in the show, and Jones notes that she will add a new dynamic to the series. Ehle’s performance will be a highlight of the season, and Jones praises her ability to bring depth and complexity to the character.

Music and Performance
The season will feature a significant amount of music, with Lestat’s songs playing a central role in the storyline. Jones notes that the show’s creators have recorded multiple versions of the songs, and that some will be released as part of the show’s marketing campaign. The show will also feature live performances, and Jones hints that a potential Vampire Lestat world tour may be in the works. The music will be a key part of the show’s storyline, and Jones explains that it will be used to explore Lestat’s character and to advance the plot.

Conclusion
The Vampire Lestat is set to premiere in 2026, and it promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season. With Lestat front and center, the show will explore new themes and storylines, and it will feature a significant amount of music and performance. The introduction of Gabriella and the expansion of Louis’ arc will add new dynamics to the show, and Jones’ comments suggest that the season will be a thrilling and emotional ride. As the show’s creators continue to develop the storyline, fans can expect a season that will be true to the original novel, while also offering something new and exciting.