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.”