Some months back, we learned legendary author Anne Rice had in mind to shepherd a Vampire Chronicles TV series of “the highest quality,” and it looks like Paramount is ready to sink their teeth in. All eleven novels have officially been optioned for TV adaptation with Anonymous Content, and a familiar writer at the helm.

As announced in Paramount’s official release, Christopher Rice will write the as-yet-unattached new series, serving as executive producer alongside mother Anne, and Anonymous Content’s David Kanter and Steve Golin. The Vampire Chronicles adaptation will feature Lestat de Lioncourt (once played by Tom Cruise), while Paramount said:

It is undeniable that Anne Rice has created the paradigm against which all vampire stories are measured. The rich and vast world she has created with ‘The Vampire Chronicles’ is unmatched and sophisticated with 90’s gothic undertones that will be perfectly suited to captivate audiences. The series is full of compelling characters led by Lestat, arguably one of the greatest original characters, literary or otherwise. We are thrilled to collaborate with Anne, Christopher and the team at Anonymous Content on this epic series.

Added Rice herself:

I’m thrilled beyond words to be working with Paramount TV and Anonymous Content –known for extraordinary cutting edge series such as “True Detective,” “Quarry,” and “The Knick.” In this unique golden age of television, I couldn’t ask for a finer or more passionate team to help bring my beloved vampire hero, Lestat, alive in a series of the highest quality. This is a dream come true, both for me and for Christopher and for the fans who have been asking to see the Brat Prince in this medium for years.

Warner Bros. previously held the theatrical rights, first adapting the series into 1994’s Interview with the Vampire (also starring Brad Pitt and Kirsten Dunst), and later recasting for 2002’s Queen of the Damned. Imagine Entertainment attempted to adapt Tale of the Body Thief, with Universal trying again in 2014, but similarly stalling.

Rice previously invoked Game of Thrones to suggest “a faithful rendering of this material,” but stay tuned for the latest details on a TV Vampire Chronicles.

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