Get ready to sink your teeth into The Vampire Lestat, the electrifying third season of AMC’s Interview with the Vampire, set to premiere in 2026. Officially rebranded to reflect Anne Rice’s second novel in The Vampire Chronicles, this season shifts the spotlight to the charismatic and chaotic Lestat de Lioncourt, played with magnetic intensity by Sam Reid. Currently in production in Toronto, the series promises a wild, music-driven ride through Lestat’s rockstar era, blending gothic horror with hedonistic flair. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest updates.
A Rockstar Rebirth for Lestat
After the explosive events of Season 2, where Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) and journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) published a bestselling book that painted Lestat in a less-than-flattering light, the Vampire Lestat is ready to reclaim his narrative. How? By forming a band and embarking on a 50-stop world tour, channeling his vampiric charisma into a rockstar persona. Showrunner Rolin Jones describes it as a “Fellini-ass romp,” with Lestat’s music—composed by Daniel Hart, including the already-teased single “Long Face”—serving as the heartbeat of the season. Hart’s 16-song album, crafted with Reid’s vocal stylings, draws inspiration from David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and T. Rex, promising earworms that weave into the story’s emotional arcs
Star-Studded Cast Expansions
The series welcomes a slew of new faces to bring Lestat’s world to life. Jennifer Ehle (Zero Dark Thirty) stars as Gabriella (renamed from Gabrielle in the books), Lestat’s mother, whose arrival Jones teases will “destroy everything in her wake.” Christopher Heyerdahl (Under the Banner of Heaven) plays Marius, Armand’s maker and Lestat’s mentor, while Damien Atkins (Slings & Arrows) takes on Magnus, Lestat’s terrifying creator. Ella Ballentine (Black Conflux) joins as Baby Jenks, and Jeanine Serralles (Apples Never Fall) portrays Christine Claire, Lestat’s lawyer. Noah Reid (Schitt’s Creek) also appears as a member of Lestat’s band, adding to the rockstar vibe. Returning cast members include Jacob Anderson as Louis, Eric Bogosian as Daniel, Assad Zaman as Armand, and, surprisingly, Delainey Hayles as Claudia—despite her tragic demise in Season 2. Will she haunt Lestat’s narrative as a spectral presence? Fans are buzzing with speculation.
A Sexy, Traumatic Pilgrimage
The Vampire Lestat dives deeper into Rice’s mythology, exploring Lestat’s origins in 1700s France alongside his 1980s rockstar reinvention. The season promises a “sexy pilgrimage across space, time, and trauma,” with no auto-tuning or trigger warnings—just amplified emotions. Expect flashbacks to Lestat’s past, intertwining with his present-day quest to correct Louis’ version of their story. The dynamic between Louis and Lestat, inspired by the messy breakup anthems of Frankee and Eamon, will fuel the drama, with their complicated love story remaining the show’s beating heart. Jones has hinted at pulling from later Vampire Chronicles books, potentially teasing the enigmatic Akasha, though her casting remains under wraps.
Behind the Scenes and Fan Hype
Filming kicked off in Toronto in June 2025, with a projected release in May 2026, based on previous season timelines. At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, fans were treated to a behind-the-scenes teaser showcasing Reid’s transformation into a leather-clad rock god, complete with merchandise tables and tour shirts. Composer Daniel Hart performed live, riffing Lestat’s theme on guitar, while Reid’s two years of vocal training were praised by co-star Anderson, who promised “everyone is in for a treat.” Social media is ablaze with excitement, with posts on X calling the season a “game-changer” for Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe.
Why It Matters
AMC’s The Vampire Lestat is poised to elevate the gothic horror genre with its bold adaptation, stunning visuals, and powerhouse performances. By embracing Rice’s queer themes and weaving contemporary relevance into Lestat’s timeless saga, the series continues to captivate critics and fans alike, boasting a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score for Season 2. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Vampire Chronicles or a newcomer seduced by Lestat’s charm, this season promises blood, beauty, and a rock ‘n’ roll edge that’s impossible to resist. Mark your calendars for 2026—this is one tour you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for more updates as The Vampire Lestat takes the stage. For the latest, follow AMC’s Immortal Universe on social media or check out Interview with the Vampire Seasons 1 and 2 on AMC+ and Netflix.
