Fans of Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe, get ready for something new! The first two series were direct adaptations of The Lives of the Mayfair Witches (“Mayfair Witches“) and The Vampire Chronicles (“Interview with the Vampire“). Now, AMC is set to explore a new story, “Anne Rice’s Talamasca.” The new series won’t be based on a specific novel. Instead, they’re diving deep into the mysterious secret organization that connects Rice’s vampire and witch worlds: the Talamasca.
AMC shared exciting news at the recent ATX TV Festival, revealing first-look photos of “Anne Rice’s Talamasca” and announcing new cast members.
A Killer Cast
John Lee Hancock and Mark Lafferty, executive producers of “Talamasca,” unveiled the new characters and cast updates. Joining the previously announced Elizabeth McGovern, William Fichtner, and Maisie Richardson-Sellers is Celine Buckens (Showtrial), who will round out the series’ regular cast. And in a cool guest star role, we’ll see Jason Schwartzman!
Buckens plays Doris, described as a “strong-willed and old soul” who lives with a coven of witches on a houseboat. Meanwhile, Schwartzman will portray Burton, a “charming, rakish vampire, leading a cloistered life in a luxurious Upper West Side penthouse.” Both of these characters seem to be original creations for the show, not directly from any of Anne Rice’s existing novels, which opens up a lot of exciting possibilities!
Unraveling the Talamasca
In Anne Rice’s novels, the Talamasca is an ancient and enigmatic psychic order. They monitor supernatural events worldwide, and sometimes are forced to intervene. While they never received their dedicated novel, Rice unveiled their origins in her 2014 novel, Prince Lestat.
However, it’s worth noting that the AMC shows have taken liberties with Rice’s established mythology for the television format. So, it remains to be seen how much of that intricate backstory will remain canon in the series.
So, when does “Anne Rice’s Talamasca” premiere? It is set to debut this October.
