[Updated] Robert Downey Jr. To Play The Vampire Lestat?
Aug 15, 2009 by Ross MillerBloody-Disgusting is reporting that the ever-charming Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr., is in “close talks” to play the vampire Lestat in a “restart” of …
Bloody-Disgusting is reporting that the ever-charming Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr., is in “close talks” to play the vampire Lestat in a “restart” of The Vampire Chronicles, a series of novels by author Anne Rice first written in the ’70s. It (mostly) tells the tale of a French nobleman, Lestat de Lioncourt, who gets turned into a vampire in the 18th century.
[UPDATE: Author Anne Rice has given her thoughts on the possibility of Robert Downey Jr. playing Lestat. Also, it's been revealed which novel the first film will be based on. Bottom of the post for details]
Universal Pictures is reportedly behind the new reboot style film franchise of Rice’s novels. The character of Lestat has appeared twice in adaptations of the popular novels: in 1994 with Interview with the Vampire (also the first novel in the series), portrayed by Tom Cruise, and again in 2002 with Queen of the Damned, this time played by Stuart Townsend. There’s no news on which book from the series this new “franchise” would be based on – will it start with Interview and, if successful, work its way in series order? Here’s the list of the books (from Wikipedia):
- Interview with the Vampire (1976)
- The Vampire Lestat (1985)
- The Queen of the Damned (1988)
- The Tale of the Body Thief (1992)
- Memnoch the Devil (1995)
- The Vampire Armand (1998)
- Merrick (2000)
- Blood and Gold (2001)
- Blackwood Farm (2002)
- Blood Canticle (2003)
There’s little surprise that a studio would turn their interest towards another popular vampire series of books with the recent and ongoing success of Twilight. As with Twilight, The Vampire Chronicles has a fanbase to fall back on, albeit not of rabid teenage girls who’ll buy everything with the franchise name on it. And it also has the current popularity of “hot vampires” to play off of. The potential casting of Downey Jr. doesn’t exactly hurt the studio either – in case you hadn’t noticed he’s both a talented and a very popular actor at the moment (the latter, I don’t think, could have been said 10 years ago).
I wouldn’t have thought of it without having heard this possible casting (very reminiscent of when he was announced as playing Iron Man), but I think Downey Jr. would play a great vampire. Especially one like the character of Lestat, who requires someone charismatic and a particular and precise manner of speaking – Downey Jr. fits that perfectly, I think you’ll agree.
UPDATE: Bloody-Disgusting has found out that the first film in the “reboot” will be based on the second film in the Chronicles, The Vampire Lestat (looks like I was spot on with my header 
).
Also, The Vampire Chronicles author Anne Rice has given her thoughts on Downey Jr. portraying her vampire character, Lestat. And it appears she agrees with me that he would be a great fit for the role. Here’s what she had to say:
“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.”
The author also commented on people’s (including commenters on Screen Rant) dislike for someone as old as Downey Jr. playing Lestat. She talks much sense:
“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.”
Screen Rant will keep you up-to-date on whether or not Downey Jr. is cast in the role of Lestat. For now, what do you think of this news? Are you up for another adaptation of The Vampire Chronicles?
Source: Bloody-Digusting and Wikipedia
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Iron man, Sherlock, and now Lestat my God Downy is going to be the lead in almost all future blockbuster films
No, this would be so wrong, they need someone younger to play Lestat like JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS. Lestat was 21 years old not nearly 50.
The movie would be screwed up if RDJ plays him.I mean look at the man he’s like in his 40′s.Lestat was made into a vampire in his 20′s.Thinking either chace crawford or the french model jeremy dufour http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3_sxOXQ_kU at 0:10 it is him
I agree with Ann Rice BIG time. Like how she wants RDJ to play Lestat. I think he would be just perfect for the roll. Ann Rice knows the character better than anyone. We CANNOT judge ANYTHING. RDJ’S age doesn’t matter, the acting does and he is a really, really, REALLY good actor. So he will be GREAT and will NOT disappoint.
P.S.
They have people that can fix the age stuff. So it doesn’t matter.
That is all I have to say, FOR NOW, about this.
I agree with Ann Rice BIG time. Like how she wants RDJ to play Lestat. I think he would be just perfect for the roll. Ann Rice knows the character better than anyone. We CANNOT judge ANYTHING. RDJ’S age doesn’t matter, the acting does and he is a really, really, REALLY good actor. So he will be GREAT and will NOT disappoint.
P.S.
They have people that can fix the age stuff. So it doesn’t matter.
That is all I have to say, FOR NOW, about this.
As much as I love RDJ I still think he’s too old to play Lestat now, besides weren’t they going to make some of the other books into movies as well. If they do he’ll be about 60 when they’re finished. Would much rather see Kyle Schmid play Lestat as he has youth, good looks and incredible acting talent on his side. He showed us by his portrayal of Henry Fitzroy in Blood Ties that he can carry off a role that requires that sense of arrogance and aristocracy that the role of Lestat would require.
I think Rupert Friend should play lestat. He looks the part, he’s a fantastic actor, and he’s the right age aswell. I love RDJ but he’s just far too mature looking for the character, and I just cannot picture it…
I love Robert and I love Anna Rice’s books, I have read them many times.I’ve fallen in love with every character everytime I read the books. Robert belongs in action movies and comedies, he does an amazing job! Yet playing Lestat De Lioncourt seems rather wrong, it’s not only the age difference but it’s the looks. Unless they are willing to put a shoulder length blond wig on him and blue/violet eyes. I also hope that they don’t slaughter the storyline as they did in Queen of The Damned. I don’t understand why Anna Rice agrees that he is perfect, but I know one thing, in all due respect and love I know that she is wrong. Lestat seems to have changed in her mind, altered actually. She is an amazing writer and I know people change and bloosm during time, but I pray that they find a actual young, beautiful, actor to play Lestat De Lioncourt.What would Lestat want I wonder?
I think RDJ will make a very great, awesome, sexy vampire!! Better than the other dude from Twilight! He did a good job but I couldn’t really get into it. I like 18th century vampires!! Tom Cruse and Brad Pitt vampires!!
yea!
I have been waiting for them to start up again with the Lestat franchise for some time. I have read the books over and as long as the movies are done right I am REALLY looking forward to it. I only feel that they should be done in the style of ‘Interview’ as they are supposed to be seen. ‘Interview’ followed the books so well that the parts that were left out were not a huge let down. And on that note it would be great if Neil Jordan directed film. He did such an amazing job with ‘Interview”.
I just hope it stays true to the novels
Shawn
Umm, no, sorry Robert – YOU’RE TOO OLD! You’re almost 50 – Lestat was only 21 when he was made immortal – Lestat looks EXACTLY like this; http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f250/Archangel_Lestat/a3.jpg?t=1301907250
I hope they don’t stop completely. I like Twilight but I would much rather see Lestat, Louie,Claudia and all the other vampires come back into the spot light
I GOT TWO WORDS FOR YOU
MARTIN ROLINSKI.
THANK YOU!!
if no one knows who Martin Rolinski is Google him, he’s only 29 to RDJ’s almost fifty. He is by far the most beautiful man-boy I have ever seen in my life. Perfect for Lestat, in every way he even has the eyes. Anne Rice must be mad to cast Downey. He’s too dark looking!