Robert Downey Jr to Star in Vampire Chronicles?
By Krystal Clark
More vampire movies, NOOO!!!! It’s so sad that I react so strongly to news that another bloodsucking film series is in the works. Now that I’ve composed myself, Latino Review is reporting that the tales of famed author Anne Rice are headed back to the big screen. Starting from 1976′s Interview with a Vampire, she wrote a succession of books called The Vampire Chronicles. Not only will another adaption be done, but Tony Stark, I mean Chaplin, I mean Robert Downey, Jr. might get in on the action!
More after the jump…
Besides Interview With a Vampire there has been one other feature adaptation from the Vampire Chronicles, Queen of the Damned. In both films the character of Lestat Lioncourt was front and center, and portrayed by Tom Cruise and Stuart Townsend. Universal is looking to, for lack of a better word “revamp” the film franchise, and they want to start with the leading man.
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.
What is going on right now? I love RDJ, and I think he can do anything he sets his mind to, but I don’t know about this role. I feel confused about this on so many levels. He’s such a talented man, and I don’t want him pulled into the come and go trend of vampires that Hollywood has become obsessed with as of late. It kind of makes my stomach turn. What do you think?
Do you think Robert Downey Jr. can pull off playing Lestat the famed vampire?
Saturday, August 15, 2009 5:57AM
Actually, I think Robert Downey Jr can pull off anything he puts his mind to. And pull it off extremely well. The only problem is, are there too many vampire stories coming out now? It seems Hollywood is obsessed! But if anybody can (if you'll excuse the pun) inject fresh blood into a overused genre, Robert can.
Saturday, August 15, 2009 5:58AM
no way should robert downey, jr. play lestat. for one, lestat was much younger. two, lestat was BLONDE. i'm not sure who should…but it shouldn't be him.
Friday, September 11, 2009 12:28AM
Tom Cruise wasn't blonde either… I think this is a great choice. He will be able to embody the arrogance that is Lestat. As far as him looking too old, there are many ways to make him look younger. Hell! They made him look black for Tropic Thunder. I'm just curious what they will do as far as which story to use. They need to have a good supporting cast, also. I have very little faith in Hollywood, and what they will do to the storyline. I hope they go "by the book" on this one.
Sunday, September 13, 2009 8:26AM
RDJ is going to be great in this role, I think people are overthinking which way the direction of the movie will go.
Plus as of late RDJ seems like he can do any role they throw at him.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 8:27AM
[...] see him starring as the James Stewart character a lot easier than I can see him playing Lestat in The Vampire Chronicles. I’m really having a hard time wrapping my mind around that [...]
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 9:50AM
NO i don’t think RDJ has what it takes to be LESTAT. Staurt Townsend is the best one to be Lestat. He was an Awesome Lestat in QUEEN OF THE DAMNED. Tom cruise was a good Lestat too. S.Townsend is my fav.
Friday, October 9, 2009 3:05PM
noooooooooooo!!!!!!!! if this is true i am in outrage by this because i love the books and love the Vampire Lestat and in my opinion i just can not see Downy jr in this role he is completly wrong for the Character and too old for the role,
If this is to be true then its just another case of the studio wanting the big name to bring in the money, which is really depressing these stories are good and the Vampire Lestat such an iconic character best ever performed by Tom Cruise
id rather see an unknown name who is more like lestat and who could pull it off better than see the role ruined by a big named star who isnt right for this role
Sunday, November 8, 2009 9:45PM
HELLs NO!!! He can not pull lestat. Lestat is to be for ever blonde, forever young, beautiful, and untamed. Robert is a great actor but he cannot pull off blond hair! hes good in action movies and stuff, but a vampire movie like The Vampire Lestat, it'll mess it up, and oh so many fans who did really read the book will be beyond pissed off!!!! and those who said they read the book and agree he should play Lestat< you don't know crap about Lestat De Lioncourt!!!
Monday, November 9, 2009 3:52PM
Please no!!! Dont let them take this beautiful REAL literacture about vampire into the whirlwind of Twilight bullshit. The Vampire Chronicles are not for following a trend just to profit from it, the Vampire Chronicles are literature, beauty. Then taking an actor like robert downey what ever his name is. Why dont they at least try making it similar to the novels, and get a somewhat 20 year old blond guy that looks simliar to Lestat. Noe some thirty something almost 40 year old guy with dark eyes and dark hair who is not even attractive. Gosh, at least get it right. The saddest thing is they're only doing this for the money not for the love of the Vampire Chronicles. Why is Anne letting them butcher her art ?
Thursday, October 7, 2010 9:50AM
RDJ will bring a new twist to Lestat. Depending on how the script is written, RDJ can just about act in any role he wanted, he is such a talented guy with a huge screen presence to boot….