AMC is going all in on what it calls the "Immortal Universe," a series of shows based on the work of horror author Anne Rice. Interview With The Vampire is a bloody, sexy, exciting reinvention of the classic tale, and if you're not watching it I recommend you give it a try. There's also Mayfair Witches, based on another of Rice's book series. And now, AMC has greenlit an Immortal Universe show called The Talamasca, according to Variety.
In Rice's mythology, the Talamasca is a secret society that keeps tabs on all things supernatural, which is a full-time job when you live in this world. The Talamasca played a big role in the first season of Mayfair Witches and has also featured in the second season of Interview With The Vampire. John Lee Hancock and Mark Lafferty will serve as co-showrunners on the new series, with Hancock directing.
“This is a story we’ve been developing and wanting to tell from the earliest moments of this franchise, focused on a fascinating and compelling secret society that has already appeared in both of our existing Anne Rice series, the Talamasca,” said AMC executive Dan McDermott. “As with all of these shows, we are thrilled to have such a high level of talent involved, represented here by John Lee Hancock and Mark Lafferty, and of course working closely with producer Mark Johnson as the creative head of our Anne Rice Immortal Universe.”
Hancock threw in his two cents as well. “I was intrigued by the idea of an organization that, to me, had more than a passing resemblance to the CIA or MI6, which are necessary but not always necessarily transparent. An organization with its own secrets," he said. "Thankfully, Dan McDermott liked the take and so did Mark Lafferty, who is so talented and accomplished in the world of television. Many thanks to everyone from Gran Via to Mark Lafferty, to our talented writers and everyone at AMC, who have been supporters, advocates and cheerleaders from day one. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be involved and look forward to presenting a third series in the Anne Rice Immortal Universe.”
Is AMC spreading itself too thin with the Immortal Universe?
I'm really enjoying Interview With The Vampire. I think it's a great show that not nearly enough people are talking about. But I'm nervous about all these spinoffs and side stories. Mayfair Witches didn't get as warm a reception as Vampire, and unlike either of the other two Immortal Universe shows, The Talamasca won't be based on any one book, but rather cobbled together from mentions in multiple Vampire Chronicles and Mayfair Witches books.
In its rush to create a cinematic universe, AMC may well be in danger of making multiple, interconnected shows that too few people are interested in. Maybe The Talamasca will turn out great, but for now I think I'd prefer AMC focus on promoting Interview With The Vampire, which is burning up the stage week after week. New episodes air on Sundays.
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