The long wait between television seasons can be agonizing for fans, but for the immortals in AMC’s Interview with the Vampire, time holds a different meaning. As the show gears up for its highly anticipated third season, showrunner Rolin Jones is determined to deliver a chapter that will be worth the wait.
Following the critical acclaim of the second season, which left fans clamoring for more, Jones promises that this next installment will be all about Lestat, the self-absorbed, chaotic, and seductive force at the center of Anne Rice's Immortal Universe.
Lestat, portrayed by Sam Reid, is stepping into the limelight like never before. According to Jones, in an interview with Den of Geek, "The big deal here is that Lestat is taking over the show."
This season, viewers will witness Lestat’s character arc evolve into something even more daring and powerful. Jones likens the shift to Louis’ portrait of Lestat, describing it as a version of the character that’s "70-80 percent right" but now fully taking control.
Lestat’s journey aligns perfectly with his transformation into a rockstar, a fitting analogy for a character who is as performative and otherworldly as any musician. Reid elaborates on this connection, saying, “Rock stars are inherently vampiric,” citing iconic performers like Freddie Mercury and David Bowie as influences.
Rock stars, pushing the envelope and living on the edge, mirror Lestat’s own thirst for personal discovery and deeper meaning.
“If you push far enough out there, is there peace on the other side?” Jones muses, highlighting the existential journey Lestat embarks upon in this season.
Music will play a pivotal role in season 3, with series composer Daniel Hart becoming even more integral to the storytelling. The songs will not only emphasize Lestat's emotional depth but also reveal his vulnerabilities, providing a narrative framework that builds toward a larger, more complex story.
Jones praises Hart’s work, saying, “I got a composer at the height of his powers and absolutely unleashed.” As the songs come to life, they will shape the direction of the season and intensify the stakes for Lestat and his fellow vampires.
While Lestat may be the focal point, there’s still plenty of drama ahead for Louis, Armand, and Daniel. Reid teases that Louis (played by Jacob Anderson) will experience a personal evolution that might bring him closer to his past but not necessarily lead to a rekindling of romance. "Louis wants to have his ‘companion enough for himself’ era," Reid reveals, signaling further growth for the tortured vampire.
Exciting new developments are also expected with the introduction of familiar faces from The Vampire Chronicles, including Lestat’s enigmatic maker, Magnus, and mentor, Marius. However, Jones teased a character from the books that will surprise fans: Baby Jenks, a motorcycle-loving vampire, will make an earlier-than-expected appearance. This character, who has a pivotal role in The Queen of the Damned, is being introduced sooner than in the novels, adding an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative.
Jones has also been teasing the arrival of Akasha, the powerful vampire queen, whose role has been hinted at since the first season. Reid calls the upcoming reveal "ingenious," hinting at a jaw-dropping conclusion that fans won’t want to miss. And for those of us old school fans who watched the Queen of the Damned film starring Aaliyah as Akasha and Stuart Townsend as Lestat, it will be interesting to see how the story is adapted to screens this time around.
"When you see Sam in costume, under the lights, singing these songs in the context of Lestat’s story, you’re gonna be absolutely knocked out,” Jones says with excitement.
The third season of Interview with the Vampire is scheduled to return to AMC in 2026.