When the world thinks about Louisiana, one of the first things that may come to mind is the state’s connection to the gothic and seemingly occult, including stories of ghosts, witchcraft and, of course, vampires.
In a sea of folk tales and pop media references, there is a story and author that stands out and has shaped the way the world thinks about Louisiana, especially New Orleans, and vampires.
Anne Rice, a Louisiana native, is well known in the book world for creating one of the most popular vampire series of all time, “The Vampire Chronicles.” Released in 1976, the debut novel “Interview With the Vampire” follows Louie de Pointe Du Lac, a Louisiana slave owner that meets the vampire Lestat and becomes a vampire.
“Interview with the Vampire” starts in Louisiana and evokes the aesthetic and stories thought about Louisiana and vampires. The books, subsequent film, and now television show share Louisiana with the world and spark the imagination and love of the spookier bits of the state.
The newest adaptation of the series that shifts the plot is releasing its third season. In the AMC show released in 2022, the story moves from antebellum Louisiana to 1920s Louisiana, with Louie being a black man that is trying to support his family.
The television show was filmed in New Orleans, bringing the vibrant history of Louisiana to the world. The show presented what 1920s Louisiana would’ve looked like and showed some of the most treasured places in New Orleans, like the Saenger, St. Maurice Church and the Masonic Cemetery.
Moria Gauthier is a sophomore at Loyola University of New Orleans, and she’s been a fan of “Interview with the Vampire” for quite a while, especially the TV show. Season three focused on “The Vampire Lestat” is set to release next year.
Gauthier said, based on the recent teaser trailers released by AMC, she’s excited.
“I have high hopes because Sam Reid is possessed with the spirit of Lestat,” Gauthier said. “I feel that his adaptation of Lestat is on-par emotionally with how he behaves in the books.”
As someone who enjoys vampire media, Gauthier said it historically represents the rich preying on the poor. That’s shown in the books and film, and the idea is developed and complicated in the new series, she said.
Louie in the 2022 adaptation is a Creole man in New Orleans who is brought up in status by Lestat’s wealth but still has to live with being an outsider because of his race.
“They use vampirism as a metaphor for the white upper class gaining their opulence and wealth off of the struggles of black people,” Gauthier said.
The story is complicated by the writers introducing more of Louisiana’s historical reality and the introduction of race into Lestat and Louie’s relationship.
Gauthier said “Interview with the Vampire” shows the cultural image of Louisiana and especially New Orleans.
“I enjoy the fact we’re known for the supernatural, like vampirism, witches and magic,” Gauthier said. “But it comes at a cost, because you have all these people who place a supernatural stereotype on Louisiana.”
Gauthier said Rice did a great job representing and depicting the cultural parts of Louisiana.
“I feel that it is a huge part of Louisiana Literature, and that everyone should be required to read at least the first book,” Gauthier.
Via Lofton is from Louisiana but goes to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. She is what some might call a superfan of “The Vampire Chronicles,” having a fan account for the series on TikTok called @leslutstuff where she posts jokes and talks about show news.
Lofton was introduced to “Interview with the Vampire” by her mom who is from New Orleans, and ever since, she’s been obsessed.
For Lofton, the show does a great job at representing Louisiana and its history.
“I’m a huge fan of the dark side of our history,” Lofton said. “I love vampires and the history around voodoo. I think it’s a cool side of history Louisiana has to offer, and I think the show does a great job of portraying that.”
Lofton said the plot and the message of the show were what drew her to it.
“I really fell in love with this series because it takes the typical monster and really dives deep into looking past the monster and finding the human,” Lofton said. “I always found that really beautiful.”
Lofton said the show has the message that “even if you don’t fit in, there are people out there who can accept you and understand you, and love you for who you truly are,” which speaks to her as a queer person.
The first season of “Interview with the Vampire” is available on Netflix. Both seasons are on AMC+, and season three is set to air in 2026.
