Anne Rice's Immortal Universe Explodes with New Shows and Vampire Rock!

The Anne Rice Immortal Universe is getting even bigger and bolder! Get ready for a rock 'n' roll Lestat and a brand-new supernatural spy agency show, Talamasca: The Secret Order, coming your way soon from AMC and AMC+.

TL;DR

• Talamasca: The Secret Order premieres October 26 on AMC/AMC+, diving into a secret organization tracking supernatural beings with major Interview With the Vampire crossovers.
• The Vampire Lestat (aka Interview With the Vampire Season 3) arrives in 2026, featuring Lestat on a global rock tour, new cast like Sheila Atim as Akasha, and returning fan favorites.
• New York Comic Con 2025 panels dropped tons of casting news, extended trailers, and juicy plot teases for both anticipated series.

Alright, Anne Rice fans, buckle up because the Immortal Universe is seriously heating up! New York Comic Con 2025 just wrapped, and AMC brought some seriously thrilling news for those of us obsessed with vampires, witches, and everything in between. We're not just getting more of our favorite bloodsuckers; there's a whole new supernatural spy series joining the party, and it's looking pretty epic. Let's dive into all the deets on Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order and the highly anticipated third season, now officially titled Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat.

“He’s a bad daddy.”

— Hannah Moscovitch, Executive Producer on The Vampire Lestat, teasing Assad Zaman’s Armand

Unveiling the Supernatural Spy World of Talamasca: The Secret Order

First up, let’s talk about the brand-new player in the Anne Rice sandbox: Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order. This isn't just another vampire tale; it's a supernatural spy thriller that will connect all the dots in AMC's Immortal Universe. Think of it as the shadowy intelligence agency keeping tabs on all the spooky stuff we've already seen in Interview With the Vampire and Mayfair Witches.

The series follows Guy Anatole (played by Nicholas Denton), a law school student who suddenly finds himself recruited into the mysterious Talamasca organization. These folks are tasked with monitoring and containing vampires, witches, and other monstrous beings to protect humanity. But, as with any good secret society, there's always a question of whether they're truly the good guys, or if there's some corruption lurking behind the scenes. Executive producer Mark Johnson even hinted that there might be "corruption calling from inside the house." Sounds like Guy is in for a wild ride!

Deep Dive into the Intriguing Cast and Their Intertwined Roles

The NYCC panel gave us a glimpse of the fantastic cast joining Denton. Leading the New York Motherhouse of the Talamasca is the mysterious Helen, played by the amazing Elizabeth McGovern (yes, Downton Abbey's own!). John Lee Hancock, co-showrunner and executive producer, praised McGovern’s "calm yet righteous attitude" and "maternal instinct," suggesting Helen is a formidable figure who's not afraid to "hack truths when necessary." We’re already picturing her laying down some serious law!

We'll also see William Fichtner as Jasper, a mysterious American who has taken control of the Talamasca’s London Motherhouse, Maisie Richardson-Sellers as the "beguiling and ambitious" agent Olive, and Celine Buckens as Doris, a strong-willed witch living on a houseboat. And for a truly delicious crossover, Jason Schwartzman plays Burton, a charming, rakish vampire living a cloistered life in an Upper West Side penthouse. Imagine the chaos he could cause!

Perhaps the most exciting aspect for existing fans is the direct link to Interview With the Vampire. Eric Bogosian will reprise his role as Daniel Molloy, the journalist who became a bloodsucker himself in the Season 2 finale of Interview. Justin Kirk will also return as Talamasca agent Raglan James. A clip shown at NYCC featured Guy confronting Daniel about his mother's name appearing in one of Daniel's books, only for Daniel to reveal that the Talamasca, not him, put it there. This instantly sparks curiosity about how these worlds will collide.

Behind the Scenes of Talamasca's Production Journey

Creating a show about creatures of the night often means working... at night. Nicholas Denton shared that many scenes for Talamasca were shot from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., which, while "a heavy hit," helped the cast bond and get into that "loopy stage where everything feels kind of possible." Sounds like the perfect environment for a supernatural drama! Unlike other Anne Rice adaptations, Johnson and Hancock noted that Talamasca isn't based on a single book, giving them creative freedom to weave their own spy narrative. This promises a fresh, unpredictable take on the universe that still feels authentically Rice.

The first two episodes of Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order drop on October 26 on both AMC and AMC+. With a total of six episodes planned, we can expect a tight, intense season that will undoubtedly leave us craving more connections to the larger Immortal Universe.

Prepare for the Return of the Rock Star: The Vampire Lestat

But wait, there's more! While Talamasca introduces us to a new corner of this universe, our favorite vampires are also making a grand return. Season 3 of Interview With the Vampire has officially been retitled Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat, and it's set to premiere in 2026. If you thought Lestat was dramatic before, just wait. Showrunner Rolin Jones teased that this season is going to "feel like Lestat just hijacked the show," and we wouldn't have it any other way!

This season will draw heavily from Anne Rice's novel of the same name, focusing on Lestat de Lioncourt's (Sam Reid) flamboyant, poetic perspective as he sets his story straight by — what else? — starting a rock band and going on tour! Get ready for a "sexy pilgrimage across space, time, and trauma," as the official synopsis promises.

Epic Casting for Lestat's New Band and the Queen of the Damned

One of the biggest announcements from NYCC was the casting of Sheila Atim (known for The Woman King) as Akasha, the ancient progenitor of all vampires, famously known as the Queen of the Damned. Fans will recall Aaliyah's iconic portrayal of Akasha in the 2002 film. Atim's casting promises a powerful new take on this pivotal character.

And what's a rock star without his band? Lestat is getting a full ensemble for his immortal tour! Noah Reid (Schitt's Creek) joins as Larry, Ryan Kattner as Salamander, Seamus Patterson as Alex, and Sarah Swire (The Boys) as TC. We can't wait to see this band of vampires hit the stage and undoubtedly cause some immortal mayhem.

The returning cast includes Sam Reid as the titular Lestat, Jacob Anderson as Louis de Pointe du Lac, Eric Bogosian as Daniel Molloy, Assad Zaman as Armand, and Delainey Hayles as Claudia. But the additions don't stop there! Jennifer Ehle (Lioness) will play Gabrielle, Lestat's formidable mother; Christopher Heyerdahl (Under the Banner of Heaven) joins as Marius; Damien Atkins (Slings & Arrows) is Magnus, Lestat's maker; Ella Ballentine (Black Conflux) is Baby Jenks; and Jeanine Serralles (Apples Never Fall) plays Christine Claire. There was even a surprise appearance in the trailer by Damon Dauno, who played the violent vampire Bruce in Season 1.

Thrilling Teases from the New York Comic Con Panel

The NYCC panel gave fans an extended first look at The Vampire Lestat season, showcasing various chapters of Lestat's saga, from glimpses of Jennifer Ehle's Gabrielle to the aftermath of Daniel Molloy publishing Interview With the Vampire. There were quick cuts of new and familiar faces, hinting at highly anticipated book scenes. We also saw some classic bickering between Louis and Lestat, naturally about Armand.

When asked for one-word summaries of their season-long arcs, the cast offered intriguing insights: Assad Zaman (Armand) said "hungry," Eric Bogosian (Daniel) went with "revenge," Jennifer Ehle (Gabrielle) embraced "manipulative," Jacob Anderson (Louis) offered "unresolved," and Sam Reid (Lestat) hilariously described Lestat as a "failure" — a response that got a good laugh from the crowd. These hints suggest a season packed with emotional depth and intense character journeys.

“I wouldn’t mind knowing what a Simpson tastes like.”

— Sam Reid, on which fictional character Lestat would kill or eat

And speaking of laughs, Sam Reid truly closed out the panel with an epic one-liner. When asked which fictional characters the cast would kill or eat, he delivered this gem: "I wouldn't mind knowing what a Simpson tastes like." Bart Simpson, you've been warned! This season promises all the fury and fabulosity Lestat is known for, perhaps even earning the show more Emmy attention after Interview With the Vampire Season 2 secured nods for makeup and hairstyling.

The Ever-Expanding Universe of Anne Rice's Immortal Tales

With both Talamasca: The Secret Order and The Vampire Lestat on the horizon, AMC's Anne Rice Immortal Universe is growing in exciting ways. Mark Johnson, who oversees the entire Immortal Universe for AMC Networks, continues to guide this sprawling narrative. The decision to have a dedicated series for the Talamasca organization allows for a deep dive into the broader supernatural world, setting the stage for even more intricate crossovers and interconnected storylines.

The synergy between these shows is already apparent, with Eric Bogosian's Daniel Molloy making appearances in both. This kind of thoughtful universe-building means that every new detail and character could have ripple effects across the entire franchise, making the viewing experience richer and more rewarding for dedicated fans. Get ready to lose yourself in the gothic grandeur, the intense drama, and the sheer supernatural spectacle that only Anne Rice's world can deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions About AMC's Immortal Universe Shows

When Does Talamasca: The Secret Order Premiere?

Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order will premiere its first two episodes on Sunday, October 26. You can watch it on both AMC and AMC+.

How Many Episodes Will Be in the First Season of Talamasca?

The first season of Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order will consist of six episodes in total.

When Will The Vampire Lestat (Season 3) Be Released?

Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat, which is the third season of Interview With the Vampire, is scheduled to premiere sometime in 2026 on AMC.

What Crossovers Can I Expect Between the Anne Rice Shows?

You can definitely expect crossovers! Eric Bogosian's Daniel Molloy, a key character from Interview With the Vampire, will appear in Talamasca: The Secret Order. Justin Kirk's Raglan James also reprises his role in Talamasca. These appearances signal a deeply interconnected universe, suggesting other characters or organizations from one show could pop up in another.

Is Talamasca: The Secret Order Based on an Anne Rice Book?

While set in Anne Rice's universe and featuring her characters, Talamasca: The Secret Order is not a direct adaptation of a single Anne Rice novel. Showrunners confirmed it was developed as an original spy story based on the concept of the Talamasca organization from Rice's books, allowing for new narrative directions.

Sources

• ‘Talamasca: The Secret Order’ Teases Its Anne Rice Universe Crossovers
• ‘The Vampire Lestat’ & ‘Talamasca’ Stars Take Over Our NYCC Portrait Studio (PHOTOS)
• AMC’s ‘The Vampire Lestat’ Adds To Cast For Season 3
• ‘The Vampire Lestat’ Has Cast Its Queen of the Damned
• Talamasca: The Secret Order Clip: Does Daniel Molloy Have the Answers?
• The Vampire Lestat trailer and new cast revealed at NYCC 2025
• Interview With the Vampire Casts ‘Queen of the Damned’ Akasha for Season 3 — Watch Extended Trailer for The Vampire Lestat
• ‘I wouldn’t mind knowing what a Simpson tastes like’: Sam Reid and Jacob Anderson preview ‘The Vampire Lestat’
• AMC Networks News Roundup from New York Comic Con 2025