Over the weekend I noted a news item that revealed that Robert Downey Jr. was hovering around a film adaptation of Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles. In that post I noted the actors who have previously assumed the role of Lestat (Tom Cruise in Interview with the Vampire, and Stuart Townsend in Queen of the Damned), and the question that entered my mind was what did Anne Rice think of the possibility of Robert Downey Jr. in the role? I asked Anne Rice, and she graciously responded to that query and more.
On the possibility of Downey Jr. in the role:
I’m delighted to comment. First off, I cannot confirm or deny the rumor. I have not received official word as to the truth of it yet. But I can say without hesitation that I love Robert Downey Jr. and I think he would make a fabulous Vampire Lestat. He is a major actor, a powerhouse of talent and personality, and he evinces an irrepressible and seductive charm. He would bring great energy and skill to the role. I would love to see this happen. I’ve loved Robert Downey Jr. ever since I saw him in Restoration years ago, and I thought he was magical and powerful in Iron Man. —- So I hope the rumors are true. — I’ve posted on my Facebook “fan” page saying pretty much the same thing. Some are saying he is too old to play the part. This is absolutely not true. He is quite youthful. Besides, Lestat is a man when he is made into a vampire. A twenty year old man in the 18th century is the equivalent of an older man today. Age just shouldn’t be an issue here, not with an actor of this scope and charisma. — I’m thrilled at the prospect that this rumor might be true.
We then got on t the subject of why there had not been more on-screen adaptations of her (very successful) work, and she added this:
The rights were controlled by one studio for a very long time; and though there was constant interest, that one studio controlled whether or not something got made. The rights are no longer with that studio. And my agents are working diligently on the new possibilities. —– I have often wondered why so few movies have been made from my work. I think the problem lies in the fact that I wrote rather long series of books. If a studio buys one of a series, that studio wants to tie up the whole series. It is a built in problem. — I can’t complain. Had there been more movies, maybe I wouldn’t have written so many books. And I loved writing the books. I hope now that the series can really take off, with one high quality film after another.
Much thanks to Ms. Rice for the time and thoughts!
Geez I hope most (if not all) the vampire chronicles gets made into movies. I’ve started reading the series (just about to finish The Vampire Lestat) and I’d have to say Anne Rice is an absolute genius on vampire fiction. I thought Robert Downey seemed old too to play Lestat, but Anne Rice does have a point about his youthfulness. The concern I have is how he’ll pull off the blonde hair, his flirtation with this didn’t work so well in Tropic Thunder (as the gay monk). We have technology on our side though so if its all true lets wait and see. If I had a wish a good one for film adaptation would have to be Blackwood Farm, then sequeled by Blood Canticle as per the books. Another thought, Leo DiCaprio would make an awesome Lestat if he’s up for it. Not sure if vampire roles are his thing though. Or Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore in Vampire Diaries), he has the Lestat arrogance and charisma.
I think Downey may have missed this one by a few. If only they can find someone younger just like Downey. Whoever they cast it has to be perfect. And I hope they consult with Ms Rice for her approval. Only the right cast can do justice for this Materpiece of Fiction!
Sick to death of Robert Downey Jr. The same actors crop up time and time again. Lets see some less well known actors get these roles for a change. Downey jr is also developing a Perry Mason franchise. Then you have his Sherlock Holmes and Iron man franchises. Hogging the screen way too much