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The Vampire Lestat stars Sam Reid and Jacob Anderson reveal why they "pushed back" on certain scenes

The hotly anticipated new episodes arrive on BBC Two and iPlayer later this month.

Published: Saturday, 18 July 2026 at 12:00 pm

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The Vampire Lestat stars Jacob Anderson and Sam Reid have addressed times that they've had to "push back" on certain scenes in the fantasy drama.

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Formerly known as Interview with the Vampire, and inspired by the works of the late Anne Rice, the series follows the tumultuous relationship between vampires Louis de Pointe du Lac (Anderson) and Lestat de Lioncourt (Reid).

As the new title suggests, the third season shifts perspective from Louis to Lestat, catching up with the centuries-old undead being as he fronts a rock band – and amasses a legion of devoted fans.

In-keeping with the commonly seductive portrayal of vampires, Lestat takes many lovers throughout the series, a habit only fuelled by his newfound celebrity status. Although it asks a lot of actor Reid, he views it as an essential inclusion.

"That is who the character is," he told Radio Times in an exclusive interview. That said, the Aussie breakout star also alluded to times when he's put his foot down regarding certain suggestions for his wild role.

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"I definitely am, usually, the first person to be like, 'Hmm, I think let's not pigeonhole him'," continued Reid. "But I think these are fundamental elements of the characters. They're built in there by Anne Rice."

Reid also relishes in the fact that The Vampire Lestat, and Interview with the Vampire before it, doesn't feel the need to show its LGBTQ+ characters in a "perfect light" – as can sometimes be the tendency in other stories.

He said: "I think the most human thing you can do is show all your faults and all your problems. [Lestat is] as queer as you can be. I think that's a beautiful thing."

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Reid wouldn't reveal precisely which moments in The Vampire Lestat he'd asked to be changed, but did confirm that "there were a couple" in the latest run.

Likewise, Anderson told Radio Times that he too would "push back on certain things," with particular concern for "falling into any kind of stereotypes" – whether relating to Louis's queerness or "Blackness" across the historical periods in which he's lived.

The actor also clarified that he hasn't often needed to make such amendments on The Vampire Lestat, but would do so to ensure Louis remains a "full person" and not in any way a broad archetype.

The Vampire Lestat comes to BBC Two and iPlayer on Tuesday 28 July 2026.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of David Craig, smiling against a lime green background.

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

Louise GriffinSci-Fi and Fantasy Editor

Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.

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