Why The Interview With The Vampire Show Should Retcon Anne Rice’s Book

The story Interview with the Vampire is coming to television, and allegedly it may retcon Anne Rice’s novel; although a rumor, the series should rewrite the book on Louis and Lestat. With The Vampire Chroniclesencompassing some of the most definitive horror stories of modern mythology, naturally, any adaptations are going to be met with a kind of skepticism from long-time fans. However, as the series evolves, a different vantage point and some new blood can provide a unique opportunity to explore these characters and reflect Rice’s legacy.

The original novel published in 1976 focused on the memoirs of Louis de Pointe du Lac, a Louisiana plantation owner turned vampire. Including the 1994 movie Interview with the Vampire, Rice’s novel has inspired several sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations, the most recent being two television shows produced by AMC. According to production rumors (via The Illuminerdi) the new series is as much a sequel to the original story as it is a retelling. Supposedly set in the modern-day, the synopsis tells of a second interview with Louis after journalist Daniel Molloy assumedly took some creative liberties with the vampire’s published biography. While this plot remains unconfirmed, the official announcement of Louis’ casting as a creole brothel owner suggests the TV show will still be a new take on the book.

The Vampire Chronicles has a history of being reimagined in dramatic ways, with the movies known to make noticeable changes to the source material. Also, in the original novels, it’s not unheard of or out of place to retcon events through the eyes of different narrators. By reimagining Interview with the Vampire, there’s a tale to be told and something to be said about the art of storytelling. It not only allows for new ideas to be explored, but it leaves room for meta-commentary on the different adaptations of the novels.

In the novels, stories can vary based on who’s telling them. Sequels like The Vampire Lestat respond to the in-universe memoirs penned by Molloy to give context to different characters. During Interview with the Vampire, Lestat is originally portrayed as toxic, sometimes acting as the book’s antagonist. However, in the sequels, it’s only through multiple retcons that the character evolves into an anti-hero. In addition, his relationship with Louis becomes a lot more complex once you understand the character’s past and perspective. Recontextualizing the past in Anne Rice’s novels isn’t anything new, noris it a bad thing. When it comes to retconning the story, there’s potential in the idea, particularly when changing the narrator. Louis’ new Creole heritage presents unique insight and a chance to incorporate more of Louisiana’s diverse culture. Additionally, it’ll allow the series to examine the deeper dynamics between Louis and Lestat or even between Molloy and Louis almost half a century later.

There’s an interesting parallel between Anne Rice’s novel and the in-universe memoirs published by Malloy. By framing this series as a second interview, AMC can explore the impact Interview with the Vampire has had since publication and its place in pop culture. By having Louis tell the “true story,” there’s a chance to address the different interpretations his life story has had and how there’s always going to be something changed in translation. Also, it’s a great premise to celebrate Anne Rice’s legacy in the horror genre. 

While the original Interview with the Vampire movie will always be a classic, AMC should retcon the book. The rumored plot has the potential to create something new and celebrate what came before. Where this interview will go remains to be seen, but hopefully, it’ll be as timeless as Louis and Lestat.

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