Duck and Cover

We've been scrambling all week to confirm the following report, especially since it came from a very reliable source and is insanely logical considering the popularity of vampires these days. I guess something good has come from the success of Twilight as Bloody Disgusting has learned exclusively that Universal Pictures is looking to restart Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles, which tells the tale of the vampire Lestat Du Lioncort (through his narration), a nobleman-turned-vampire in the late 18th century. No word yet on how they plan on unrolling this franchise, but we did find out who they are talking with to replace Tom Cruise and Stuart Townsend. Read on for the skinny.

We have confirmed this afternoon that ROBERT DOWNEY JR. is in close talks to play the vampire Lestat in Universal Pictures' The Vampire Chronicles, a newly rebooted franchise based on Anne Rice's popular novels.

Lestat appears as a major character in both motion picture adaptations of The Vampire Chronicles novels. In Neil Jordan's 1994 film adaptation of Interview with the Vampire, he is portrayed by Tom Cruise. In the 2002 film adaptation of Queen of the Damned, he is played by Stuart Townsend.

The Vampire Chronicles is a series of novels by Anne Rice that revolves around the fictional character Lestat de Lioncourt, a French nobleman made into a vampire in the 18th century.

S4ur0n27 wrote:I really don't understand why they didn't go on with Neil Jordan, Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt; Interview was a very good flick. I hope they don't try to be "cool" in the next movie like they did in Queen of the Damned, which was a sack of shit.

Dutch wrote:Have you read the books susan? Tom Cruise would be a horrible Lestat. In Interview with a Vampire, Anne Rice made the decision to make Lestat a villain, but then thought "Wait, he's cool, I'll try again," and wrote the rest of the series trying to make up for her mistake in Interview.

S4ur0n27 wrote:I'v only read The Vampire Lestat, and I thought he was way too gay.

Heading into the weekend Bloody Disgusting hit you with the monster news that Robert Downey Jr. was in talks to play Lestat Du Lioncort in Universal's reboot of Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles. Before we dive into official word from Rice, we learned over the weekend exclusively that the plan is to first adapt The Vampire Lestat, the second novel in the adult vampire franchise. Now, beyond the break you can read what Rice had to say about our breaking news.

After reading our news here on Bloody Disgusting, website BSC got in touch with author Anne Rice who talked a bit about the possibility of Downey Jr. in the role and addresses those complaining that Downey Jr. is too old ('cause he's not).

"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," she tells the site, although Bloody Disgusting can in fact confirm the validity of our story.

"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.

"Some are saying he is too old to play the part," she continues. "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."