Anne Rice Endorses Robert Downey, Jr. for Lestat

I don't know whether or not Anne Rice has any stroke when it comes to the proposed Vampire Chronicles movie in which Robert Downey, Jr. is rumored to be playing Lestat. Some writers, like James Ellroy, sign the check and never look back. Rice wrote the screenplay for Interview with a Vampire, but has never served as a producer. Whether or not she'll be in an official capacity on the next movie, Rice is nevertheless voicing her approval of the rumor. "I have not received official word as to the truth of it yet," Rice said in an e-mail to BSC Scoop. "But I can say without hesitation that I love Robert Downey, Jr. and I think he would make a fabulous Vampire Lestat." The author is very complimentary of Downey, even saying that his age (44) shouldn't be a problem in playing the younger Lestat.

"Some are saying he is too old to play the part. 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."

I'm not completely sold on the idea, not because Downey couldn't do it but because I'd rather put together a list of who could and see where he ranks in that regard. Since this news broke at the end of last week, I've really been picturing Cillian Murphy as Lestat. He's younger, has a pale, haunted look, and really needs that breakthrough role. Just my two cents.

Comments

[W]

I love the idea of Cillian Murphy. I thought after 28 Days Later he would blow up more than he has. Why do you think he didn't?

[Get The Big Picture]

Because he takes himself seriously, I guess. I mean, he's been in a few big things (or big enough), but he's never really gone for a showstopping role in a studio movie.

[Esmeralda]

NO IF HE PLAYS LESTAT THE MOVIE WILL SCREW UP RDJ IS TOO OLD TO PLAY HIM! LESTAT WAS IN HIS 20'S WHEN HE WAS MADE I PREFER CHACE CRAWFORD OR JEREMY DUFOUR IT'S HIM AT O:10 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjynuL3h2mw AND TOM STURRIDGE AS LOUIS POINTE DU LAC.PLEASE ANNE RICE CHANGE YOUR MIND WE NEED A MOVIE THAT WILL BEAT ALL THE TWLIGHT MOVIES!

[darklarter]

Cillian Murphy is a great actor. but to play Lestat. I have doubts. I would see the film regardless.

[Mari]

well, i think Cillian Murphy will be good.Robert Downey Jr is just not suit Lestat.And i agree with Esmeralda, we need a movie that will beat that Twilight franchise

[well,]

I think that even if the age of 20 was considered older than it does today, that can hardly mean they used to look older back then.