The Film Version of "Interview with the Vampire" Almost Included an Unbridled Vampiric Scene Involving Brad Pitt
The Film Version of "Interview with the Vampire" Almost Included an Unbridled Vampiric Scene Involving Brad Pitt
Today, when you ponder over Interview With the Vampire, the smoldering AMC series adaptation that's been popping into mind lately is what comes to mind. However, as viewers patiently anticipate diving into Lestat's rock-n-roll era in the show's upcoming third season, it's Neil Jordan's 1994 film adaptation of Anne Rice's tale that's celebrating its 30th birthday.
In a recent interview, the director discussed the controversy surrounding Tom Cruise's casting as Lestat, Kirsten Dunst's enchanting child-star performance as Claudia, the film's groundbreaking special effects, and the edgy queer undertones – all with a juicy sneak peek into a scene that would have put Brad Pitt's Louis in the spotlight.
Jordan shared these insights with Variety, mentioning that he was aware Pitt had some difficulties during filming and attributed some of the bad vibes to the downbeat nature of Louis' character. He also revealed his desire to release his director's cut of the movie.
"We had a lengthier version where Brad actually confesses, and the priest becomes so alarmed by what he's hearing that he retreats towards the altar. Brad drains the priest's blood under this massive Dali-inspired crucifix," Jordan explained. "There could be a director's cut of the movie, and I'd be delighted to do it. But the challenge with adapting the book was its episodic narrative – the 'and then, and then, and then' structure that doesn't build tension between characters like a classic third act."
He added, "When I’d edited the movie, I thought it was too long, and our test audience agreed. So, I trimmed it down a week later. I'm not sure if enough fans would support a longer version, but I'd be happy to release it if the opportunity arises."
Season three of the hit show will tackle The Vampire Lestat, and the book was also a part of the 2002 film Queen of the Damned, which Jordan didn't contribute to. He candidly shared with Variety why he only stayed in the Vampire Chronicles universe for one film.
"I was asked to pen a script for The Vampire Lestat, which I did. But it all boiled down to Tom not wanting to reprise the character. It hadn't been discussed, and at the time, he wasn't doing sequels."
Years have passed since then, but unfortunately for fans, Cruise's Lestat remains a creation of 1994.
Are you eager to see Jordan's director's cut of the film? What are your thoughts on season three of the AMC series? To stay up-to-date on the latest from your favorite franchises, don't miss our guides to the next releases of Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
The discussion about the future of 'Interview With the Vampire' has extended beyond the AMC series, with director Neil Jordan expressing his interest in releasing a director's cut of the 1994 film, featuring extended scenes and additional edgy queer undertones. The advancement of technology in movie-making might potentially make this vision a reality, as seen in the enhanced special effects and storytelling in modern movies featured on io9.
As technology continues to shape the future of movies, fans and critics alike await the third season of the AMC series, hoping it will bring new depth and layers to Anne Rice's tales, much like how technology has allowed for more immersive storytelling experiences in films.