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Universal Wants to Resurrect “The Vampire Chronicles”. And Our Lestat Could Be…?


interview-with-the-vampireThe remake train has struck again…

According to various websites today, Universal Pictures are looking to reboot Anne Rice’s classic “The Vampire Chronicles” franchise by redoing the first novel/movie in the series, “Interview With The Vampire”. If you haven’t been living under a rock or have astigmatism when it comes to your movies, you would know that “Interview” was first done by Neil Jordan back in 1994 and starred Brad Pitt as Louis, Tom Cruise as Lestat, Kirsten Dunst as Claudia, and Antonio Banderas as Armand. It was then followed by “Queen of the Damned” in 2001, which starred Stuart Townsend as Lestat and late R&B singer Aaliyah as Akasha, the Queen of the Damned and served as a loose sequel to “Interview”. This movie also combined the second and third novels in the Vampire Chronicles (“The Vampire Lestat” and “Queen of the Damned”, respectively) into one movie and was a disaster to many as an adaptation, but a good stand alone film. Both films were under the Warner Brothers banner.

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Neil Jordan’s adaptation is also mostly known for its controversial casting of Tom Cruise, who creator Anne Rice thought was a really bad choice. Mrs. Rice later fell in love with Cruise’s performance in the movie, but wonder what she will have to say about the new Lestat that Universal is hoping to snag.

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Reports are claiming that Robert Downey, Jr is in “close talks” to becoming the new Brat Prince of the Vampire Chronicles, but while I like just about anything RDJ is in lately, I don’t know if he would be a good Lestat, because basically… he’s too old… no offense, Robert. Lestat has always been perceived as an early 20s type character and unless the makeup department can pull some type of miracle, I think they may need to rethink their casting. But another part of me wants to see RDJ tackle Lestat, who is portrayed as evil and mad in “Interview”. RDJ’s performance could possibly rival Cruise’s performance… possibly. So what do you think? Rober Downey, Jr for Lestat? Or go younger?

About Mark O. Estes aka The Anti-Critic

I am an aspiring writer who loves the written word. I'm married to reading, writing, music, TV, movies, and most of pop culture, which means I let my geek flag fly hard.

Discussion

4 thoughts on “Universal Wants to Resurrect “The Vampire Chronicles”. And Our Lestat Could Be…?

  1. Well he should look like he is in his 20s but…
    The thing that is impossible to do in a human is get the wisdom that he would have from his age and he is portrayed somewhat as a brute in the 1st book he is not one. Now how would u put that wisdom in a young actor?? If they do bring some young kid they will just make another twilight. He is ancient specialy when he comes back In my opinion, am afraid that wile a kid of 20 might bring his look into play would just go shallow on the personality. How ever that said i don’t think a old actor should be put just cose he sounds good at the box office. My pick, someone ages 27-35 maybe.

    Posted by Filip | February 22, 2010, 4:28 am
  2. I love Interview With The Vampire! I’ve seen that movie about 7 times! And OMG! Robert Downey Jr.! I freakin’ love him! He’s sooooo cute!

    Posted by Cici | June 8, 2010, 10:39 am
  3. I think Robert would be perfect for the role. Age is not an issue with me. In a historical context, he fits the role because Lestat, who was in his twenties in France 200 years ago would have actually looked older. Twenty was the forty back then. Don’t get me wrong, Tom Cruise kicked the role’s ass when he performed as Lestat in “Interview”. I don’t think anyone could have touched that. But Robert Downey is a damn good actor and when you think about it, perfect for the role. Think about it. Iron Man and Lestat are like two peas in a pod. Peanut butter and jelly. One just fights for Alliance and the other fights for Horde.

    Posted by Nick | March 2, 2011, 7:44 pm
  4. Great post. There is a lot of good info here, although I did want to let you know something – I am running Redhat with the most recent beta of Firefox, and the appearance of your blog is kind of weird for me. I can read the posts, but the navigation doesnt seem to work properly.

    Posted by Cedric Bruin | April 15, 2012, 3:56 pm

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