Fans of Interview With the Vampire can now mark their calendars. After the dramatic conclusion of the second season, star Jacob Anderson, who plays Louis de Pointe du Lac, has indicated that the highly anticipated third season is expected to arrive in April 2026. The new season will bring a massive shift in the story, officially changing its title to The Vampire Lestat and placing the charismatic and complex Lestat de Lioncourt squarely at the center of the narrative.
The Major Release Timeline Hint
The exciting news about the potential premiere window came directly from the cast during San Diego Comic-Con 2025. While the panel was discussing the upcoming season, Anderson chimed in with a simple but telling comment: “In Aprilโฆ” This strongly points to an April 2026 release for the next chapter. While AMC had previously confirmed a 2026 return, this is the first specific month to be suggested, giving fans a much clearer idea of when to expect the show’s return. The second season concluded in June 2024, making the wait for new episodes a long one, but now a light is visible at the end of the tunnel.
A New Title and a New Storyteller
Season 3 is not just a continuation; it is a reinvention. The series will formally be subtitled The Vampire Lestat, signaling a major change in perspective. The story will move away from Louis’s point of view and instead be told through Lestat’s eyes. Showrunner Rolin Jones explained that this shift will be felt immediately, comparing it to Lestat suddenly taking control of the wheel.
The season will adapt the second book in Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles, also titled The Vampire Lestat. In this new narrative, unhappy with how he was portrayed in Louis’s account, Lestat decides to tell his own story his own way. He forms a band and goes on a rock tour, using the stage to share his version of events. This plot point was confirmed by Rolin Jones, who revealed a thrilling detail about the season’s opening:
“He basically has to explain to the world why a particular rock album almost destroyed the entire planet. So, you know, it starts there. How about that?”
Jones clarified that this is “not a spoiler” as it happens in the very first minute of the season. This sets the stage for a season that is more theatrical and explosive, moving from intimate confessions to a full-blown rock spectacle.
Meet the Cast and New Characters
The core cast from previous seasons will return, but with new dynamics. Sam Reid is back as the scene-stealing Lestat, now promoted to the main protagonist. Jacob Anderson returns as Louis, and Assad Zaman will continue his role as the cunning Armand, whose villainous actions were revealed at the end of Season 2. Eric Bogosian also reprises his role as the journalist Daniel Molloy.
The new season will introduce several key characters from Lestat’s past. The most significant is his mother, Gabrielle de Lioncourt, who will be played by Jennifer Ehle. In the story, Lestat transforms his mother into a vampire, and their complex relationship is described as a central force in the new season. Other new cast members include Christopher Heyerdahl as the ancient vampire Marius and Damien Atkins as Magnus, the vampire who originally turned Lestat. The season will also feature Ella Ballentine as the fan-favorite character Baby Jenks.
A Shift in Style and Sound
Interview With the Vampire is known for its gothic tone, but Season 3 will boldly embrace a glam rock aesthetic. With Lestat now a rock star, music will become a central character. Composer Daniel Hart has written multiple original songs for the season. Actor Sam Reid confirmed he does a lot of singing, with the music being inspired by a variety of provocative artists like David Bowie, Prince, and Chappell Roan. The show’s format is also expected to change, blending stage performances, backstage drama, and flashbacks to Lestat’s early life in France, including his abusive childhood and his transformation into a vampire.
While the scale is getting bigger, the show will not abandon its core relationships. The fractured dynamic between Lestat, Louis, and Armand will remain a crucial part of the story. Additionally, the plot will delve deeper into the “Devil’s Minion” storyline between Armand and Daniel, exploring the full history of their relationship.
What This Means for the Series
The move to April 2026 sets the stage for the biggest season of the show yet. The shift to Lestat’s perspective and the rock and roll narrative is a daring creative decision that stays true to the spirit of Anne Rice’s novels. For fans, it promises a deeper understanding of one of literature’s most famous vampires, exploring his origins, his pain, and his flamboyant personality in a way that has never been done before on screen. The show is poised to transform Lestat from a gothic aristocrat into a modern pop culture icon.
Credits: The Direct, Comicbook.com
