‘Vampire Lestat’ Season 3 Releases New Images & Teases New Role for Louis

The upcoming third season of The Vampire Lestat is set to give fans a deeper look at Louis du Pointe du Lac, while keeping Lestat de Lioncourt at the center of the story.

Sam Reid returns as Lestat, and Jacob Anderson reprises his role as Louis. Showrunner Rolin Jones recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly about what viewers can expect in season 3, which will premiere in 2026 on AMC.

According to Jones, Louis’ storyline has been expanded beyond what’s in Anne Rice’s second novel, The Vampire Lestat, to give Anderson more to do on screen. “We wanted to provide a really good arc for him, so there’s stuff there,” Jones explained. However, he warned fans that Louis’ journey this season will be “very, very heartbreaking.”

The show will continue to follow Lestat and Louis, but season 3 also introduces Lestat’s mother, Gabriella, played by Jennifer Ehle. Jones explained that Gabriella’s Italian background and early life experiences shape her personality, adding new tension and drama to the series. “She is adding something that the show didn’t have after two years. She’s a monster and really, really goes for it,” Jones said.

Jones teased that this season would explore Louis’ inner struggles more deeply, giving him moments of emotional complexity and pain that were not fully explored in the previous seasons or the book. “Out of all the stories that we’re throwing up this year, it’s the one that’s working the best and quickest, and it is crystal clear and really divine and very, very heartbreaking,” he said.

The new season is also set to showcase Lestat in the spotlight, with a chaotic and musical “rock and roll tour” feel that departs from the more linear storytelling of the past seasons. “It’s a show about rock and roll, a rock and roll tour, just this train wreck of a tour… it’s snotty first before anything else,” Jones explained.

Entertainment Weekly released the first look images from season 3, including shots of Louis covered in blood, signaling the intense and emotional arc he will face. Jones hinted that while he could not reveal all the details, Louis’ story will explore his relationship with Lestat and highlight his struggle to come to terms with his own identity and pain.

Season 3 promises to expand the world of The Vampire Lestat while staying true to Anne Rice’s vision. Jones noted that the show will continue to honor the source material but take creative liberties to keep the story fresh and dramatic.

With Louis’ role growing this season, fans can expect more emotional depth, more challenges, and a story that fully tests his relationship with Lestat. The series is shaping up to be a dramatic, emotional, and visually striking continuation of the saga.

From my perspective, expanding Louis’ character was a smart move. It gives the series a strong emotional core and allows Jacob Anderson to shine in new ways. I think fans will appreciate seeing more of Louis’ inner life and how it intersects with Lestat’s chaos. What do you think about Louis’ expanded role this season? Share your thoughts in the comments.