Vampire Chronicles author Anne Rice has been hinting for a while that an announcement was coming with regards to Universal’s long-mooted Lestat film. Over the weekend, she posted a full update on the project and it’s not what we were expecting; it’s far better.
Rice announced that she and her son Christopher have regained the rights to her legendary vampire saga, and will be moving ahead with a TV series based on her stories. And the Universal film? Yeah, that ain’t happening. The following is Rice’s post in full:
The theatrical rights to the Vampire Chronicles are once again in my hands, free and clear! I could not be more excited about this! — A television series of the highest quality is now my dream for Lestat, Louis, Armand, Marius and the entire tribe. In this the new Golden Age of television, such a series is THE way to let the entire story of the vampires unfold. — My son Christopher Rice and I will be developing a pilot script and a detailed outline for an open ended series, faithfully presenting Lestat’s story as it is told in the books, complete with the many situations that readers expect to see. We will likely begin with “The Vampire Lestat” and move on from there. —– When we sit down finally to talk to producers, we will have a fully realised vision of this project with Christopher as the executive producer at the helm. I will also be an executive producer all the way. —- Again, I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to be able to announce this.
As many of you know, Universal Studios and Imagine Entertainment had optioned the series to develop motion pictures from it, and though we had the pleasure of working with many fine people in connection with this plan, it did not work out. It is, more than ever, abundantly clear that television is where the vampires belong. —- Over the years you all have told me how much you want to see a “Game of Thrones” style faithful rendering of this material, and how much you want for the series to remain in my control. Well, I have heard you. I have always heard you. What you want is what I want. — You, the readers, made these books a success before any movie was ever made based on them, and I will never forget that fact. —- Christopher and I will be posting many questions on the page for your input in the days to come. —– I am filled with optimism this morning about the future for my beloved Brat Prince. What better way to start a tour for the new book!
For fans of Rice’s books, this is phenomenally good news. And indeed, very timely given that Blood Paradise – the sequel to Prince Lestat, that Rice returned to earlier this year following a bout of health issues – is on its way.
Words: Kevan Farrow (@KevanX)
