Since sinking its tooth into San Diego Comedian-Con (SDCC) in 2022, Interview with the Vampire has grow to be the crown jewel of the AMC Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe and an unmissable occasion for followers. That first panel gave us our unforgettable intro to the forged — particularly co-leads Jacob Anderson (Louis) and Sam Reid (Lestat) — and set the tone for the plush, bloody chaos to come back. Even in 2023, when the SAG-AFTRA strike dimmed most panels, AMC delivered The Streets of Immortality, a vampire-soaked Gaslamp takeover that followers are nonetheless dreaming about. By 2024, Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe dominated Ballroom 20. We bought shock footage, forged reunions (hello Sam, Delainey, and Assad), and the very first teaser for Season 3.
Now, in 2025, Interview with the Vampire returned as soon as once more, and never simply as a sequence however because the beating coronary heart of AMC’s ever-expanding world. And this yr, it introduced extra blood, extra lore, and extra Lestat than ever earlier than.
But when this universe has taught followers something, it’s the way to be affected person. With lengthy stretches between seasons and plot particulars saved below lock and coffin, Interview with the Vampire has grow to be a sequence that rewards the devoted. Season 2 premiered in Might 2024 after a barely prolonged hiatus, and even because the blood dried on its finale, viewers have been already dissecting each body for clues. Now, with Season 3 formally in manufacturing in Toronto, SDCC 2025 arrived like a lifeline — a uncommon, blessed glimpse into the decadent unknown. Casting bulletins, timeline theories, clues on clues on clues…the fandom frenzy hit a fever pitch. And with its slow-burn storytelling and operatic visuals, the present has solely deepened its grip, constructing a fanbase greater than prepared to line up for hours simply to listen to Sam Reid say “Louis” another time.
When the Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe returned in full power to the comic-con stage this yr, one factor was made crystal clear: the vampires’ story is simply getting began.
After which got here the headline heard ‘around the fandom — AMC confirmed that the sequence is formally altering its identify to The Vampire Lestat. A daring transfer, to say the least.
For longtime readers of The Vampire Chronicles, the title carries mythic weight. The Vampire Lestat isn’t simply the second e-book; it’s the origin story. Lestat’s riot. Lestat’s gospel. Lestat’s legend lastly entering into the highlight. The title change all however confirms that Season 3 will crack open Lestat’s previous, peeling again centuries to reveal the person behind the monster…or, maybe, the monster behind the person.
However whereas the identify might change, Louis’ place on the coronary heart of the narrative stays unshaken. If something, this shift deepens the present’s duality: Lestat often is the solar round which the whole lot now spins, however Louis is the moon — fixed, luminous, and haunting in his perspective. Their story has by no means simply been about blood. It’s about obsession, romance, reminiscence, and ruinous devotion. This rebranding doesn’t overwrite Louis however reframes him. And never as a secondary determine, however as somebody seen extra clearly than ever, by the eyes of the person who loves him past cause.
So what precisely did occur at Comedian-Con this yr? In a weekend full of reveals, interviews, fan moments, and one very game-changing panel, Interview with the Vampire The Vampire Lestat made certain nobody left San Diego with out feeling the warmth. From casting bombshells to the blood-dripping teaser we’re desperately ready on AMC to put up, right here’s the whole lot that went down for AMC’s crown jewel at SDCC 2025.
New Faces, Previous Blood: The Casting Bulletins
AMC didn’t simply tease the longer term — they gave it names. This yr’s panel confirmed the return of key forged members and launched a number of blood-soaked new additions to the Season 3 lineup, sending followers into full meltdown mode. Lestat’s mom, Marius, Magnus…oh my. Whether or not these characters turn into pals, foes, or feral household stays to be seen, but when the forged’s reactions have been any trace, we’re in for one thing depraved.
Returning Favorites:
- Sam Reid as Lestat de Lioncourt – He’s charming, merciless, not possible to overlook, and this season we be taught his previous, his current, and his future. With the title change to The Vampire Lestat, all eyes are on the Brat Prince as he reveals his origins, confronts his demons (each literal and emotional), and possibly learns the price of being worshiped. Should you thought he was dramatic earlier than? Buckle up.
- Jacob Anderson as Louis de Pointe du Lac – Nonetheless the soul of the story, however not at battle together with his nature. This season, Louis gained’t be operating from the blood, the ability, or the ache. Season 2 reveals us he’s embraced the darkness with class, management, and a quiet fury that makes him extra harmful than ever. And Lestat? He’s by no means stopped loving him — obsessively, ruinously, with the sort of devotion that borders on worship. We’re right here for all of it.
- Eric Bogosian as Daniel Molloy – The journalist-turned-fledgling-vampire is again to unleash ranges of chaos that we can’t even start to think about. However I am imagining it.
- Assad Zaman as Armand – Nonetheless reeling from that finale? So is Armand. Armand’s delicate face hides centuries of manipulation. Belief nothing. Count on the whole lot.
- Delainey Hayles as Claudia… or?! – The fandom is buzzing. AMC’s cryptic “reintroducing” tag has followers questioning if we’re seeing flashbacks, hallucinations, or one thing stranger. Claudia could also be gone, however her presence — and Hayles’ efficiency — nonetheless haunts the present.
New Additions:
- Jennifer Ehle as Gabriella de Lioncourt – Lestat’s notorious mom, lastly stepping onto the stage. Sure, “Gabrielle” is now “Gabriella” for her Italian origin, however the ferocity? Untouched.
- Christopher Heyerdahl as Marius de Romanus – A strong historical vampire, a mentor to Lestat — and most significantly, Armand’s maker. The household tree simply bought extra sophisticated.
- Damien Atkins as Magnus – The vampire who made Lestat in probably the most horrific manner conceivable. Count on trauma, fireplace, and actually soul-shattering scares.
- Ella Ballentine as Child Jenks – The younger runaway lady from The Queen of the Damned exhibiting up a bit sooner than anticipated. What does that imply? Issues could also be shifting quicker than we thought.
- Jeanine Serralles as Christine Claire – Lestat’s modern-day lawyer, and probably the one mortal on the payroll. Count on her to be very drained, very stylish, and really carried out.
After all, understanding who’s in Season 3 is just half the joys. Seeing them in motion is one other factor completely. And AMC knew precisely the way to feed us: with an unique behind-the-scenes video straight from the set in Toronto. Lace up your boots and smudge your eyeliner — it’s time to take a look at the making of The Vampire Lestat.
Lights, Digital camera, Immortality: Behind the Scenes of Season 3
At SDCC, AMC dropped an unique behind-the-scenes video from Season 3 and inside seconds, it was clear: this isn’t only a continuation. It’s a full transformation.
The footage, later shared throughout AMC’s socials, provides followers their first electrical have a look at Sam Reid’s Lestat in full rockstar type — commanding the stage with shirtless, velvet-and-venom swagger. However the actual magic isn’t simply within the visuals. It’s within the work. Reid didn’t simply present up in costume — he skilled, rehearsed, and turned the Vampire Lestat. He realized to sing, to play devices, and to carry out stay, not simply convincingly, however with the conceitedness, charisma, and feral grace that Lestat calls for. There’s a uncooked physicality to the live performance scenes: hair wild, physique shifting like a predator, voice pushing into managed chaos. It’s theatrical, seductive, and genuinely haunting.
The video reveals rehearsal footage, band members, and a number of devices in Reid’s palms. Each piece is fine-tuned with nearly obsessive consideration. This isn’t a gimmick. It is a character being reborn in actual time, and Reid is clearly giving the whole lot.
However the clip isn’t all thunder and glam. There’s one quiet, good second the place Jacob Anderson seems in a sure outfit followers of Season 1 will acknowledge immediately. Whether or not it’s a flashback or a Dream Louis, it lands like a intestine punch. Anderson, smiling, tells the digital camera he’s been listening to Reid rehearse by their shared trailer wall “for 2 years,” and that followers are in for a deal with.
He’s proper. This isn’t simply Lestat placing on a present. That is Sam Reid embodying a legend and making it look easy. If the behind-the-scenes is any indication, the ultimate product gained’t simply increase the bar. It’ll stake it proper by the center.
SDCC Will get Its First Chunk of Season 3
But when the behind-the-scenes footage bought hearts racing, AMC actually set the SDCC crowd on fireplace with an electrifying three-minute montage from Season 3 — a tantalizing teaser they’ve but to share with the general public (come on, AMC, it’s time to put up it already). Due to fan footage and buzz, we all know this rapid-fire preview is full of the whole lot followers crave: drug-fueled nights, neon-lit strip golf equipment, splashes of blood, haunting flashes to Lestat’s 1700s origins, wild, reckless live performance scenes, the ominous presence of the Talamasca… and, maybe most electrical of all, a modern-day boardroom showdown between Louis and Lestat. Throughout that desk, their verbal sparring crackles with biting comedy, heartbreaking vulnerability, and that plain sexual rigidity that ignites each time these two are in the identical room. It’s a glimpse that guarantees the season shall be as layered and charged as their sophisticated relationship.
Fandom Frenzy: SDCC Panel Moments That Broke the Web
After that heart-stopping montage, the SDCC panel saved the momentum hovering with jaw-dropping reveals and unforgettable moments that had followers each within the room and the world over hanging on each phrase. Whereas Akasha — the Queen Mom of all vampires — stays a tantalizing thriller for now, simply the trace of her arrival this season despatched ripples of pleasure by the group.
Music took heart stage as composer Daniel Hart confirmed off the brand new customized Fender guitar, the LeStrat: Petit Coup, designed particularly to channel Lestat’s wild rockstar power.
One of many night time’s most memorable moments got here when Jacob Anderson jokingly exited the stage after the present’s identify change was introduced — solely to be chased again moments later by Sam Reid. The 2 sprinted again hand-in-hand, a lot to the delight of followers who stay for these candid behind-the-scenes moments.
True to the present’s rock ‘n’ roll coronary heart, influences like Kurt Cobain and Jim Morrison have been confirmed as key inspirations behind the music’s vulnerability, weaving a wealthy tapestry of riot, ardour, and uncooked emotion that completely suits the season’s temper.
From the packed conference corridor to social feeds across the globe, followers have been electrified — proof that The Vampire Lestat is poised to ship the whole lot the fandom has been craving and extra.
Put together for the Chunk: What’s Coming
As SDCC 2025 got here to a detailed, one factor was crystal clear: AMC isn’t simply teasing a brand new season. They’re unleashing a darker, extra intense, and deeply private chapter for followers of Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe and it’s occurring now. This October, brace yourselves because the world expands with the premiere of Talamasca: The Secret Order on October 26, 2025. The SDCC panel gave followers tantalizing glimpses of eerie secrets and techniques and supernatural thrills, with sturdy hints that The Vampire Lestat’s world will bleed into Talamasca nicely earlier than its 2026 debut.
For longtime followers, this second isn’t nearly new episodes dropping. It’s the start of an unlimited, interconnected universe wealthy with new characters, darkish mysteries, and tales that dig deeper into the mythos Anne Rice constructed and followers have lived for. The SDCC buzz? It’s simply the opening chunk.
So right here’s what it’s worthwhile to do: watch (and rewatch) Seasons 1 and a pair of now to sharpen your fangs, mark your calendars for Talamasca on October 26, and begin counting down the times till The Vampire Lestat returns in 2026. And most significantly, keep locked on iHorror for each unique breakdown, interview, and fan second — as a result of we’ll be there for all of it.
That is the brand new period of Anne Rice’s universe. Don’t blink, otherwise you’ll miss it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
