‘Vampire Lestat’ Season 3 Unveils First Look and Louis’ Emotional New Arc

The upcoming third season of The Vampire Lestat promises to dive deeper into the story of Louis du Pointe du Lac, and fans of Interview With the Vampire will not be disappointed. Showrunner Rolin Jones told Entertainment Weekly that Louis’ role has been expanded beyond what’s in Anne Rice’s second novel to give Jacob Anderson more to do on screen.

But he warned viewers to brace themselves because Louis’ new journey will be “very, very heartbreaking.”

Jones explained that season 3 is taking a fresh approach. “You can’t really tell another origin story — so many of the beats are shared beats that we’ve already done with Louis — so it’s been a thrilling, exciting challenge so far,” he said. He also hinted that the season will be an “absolutely iconic season of television” with surprises for longtime fans.

This season will put Lestat (Sam Reid) front and center while also exploring Louis’ emotional arc. Jones noted that the show has leaned into Anne Rice’s source material but added new elements to expand Louis’ story. “We wanted to provide a really good arc for him, so there’s stuff there… it is crystal clear and it’s really divine and very, very heartbreaking,” he said.

Fans will also get their first look at Lestat’s mother, Gabriella, played by Jennifer Ehle. Jones explained that the name change from Gabrielle to Gabriella was a small but meaningful adjustment to reflect her Italian background and personal story.

“She’s incredible. She is adding something that the show didn’t have after two years. She’s a monster and really, really goes for it,” Jones said, praising Ehle’s performance.

Other returning characters, like Delainey Hayles, will have more screen time this season. Jones teased that her role will show new range and depth, adding to the dramatic intensity of the series.

Season 3 will also have a strong musical element. Jones described it as a rock-and-roll tour experience, with multiple performances and original songs built into the story. He said, “There will not be a show with more music on it than our show.”

The third season is set to return in 2026 on AMC. New images from the season, released exclusively by Entertainment Weekly, hint at Louis’ struggles and Lestat’s chaotic, larger-than-life presence.

It’s clear that Louis’ story is at the heart of season 3, promising emotional depth and tragedy alongside Lestat’s daring adventures. With new characters, expanded arcs, and a heavy dose of music, fans can expect a season full of surprises.

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