The interview with Sam Reid in FAULT Magazine delves into his portrayal of Lestat in AMC’s “Interview with the Vampire.” Reid discusses the challenges of embodying such a beloved and complex character, particularly balancing Anne Rice’s original vision with fans’ interpretations. He reflects on the mental challenges of the role, the importance of switching off after filming, and his evolving creative process. Reid also touches on the advice that has shaped his career and his unique approach to choosing new projects.
In the @amc_tv adaptation of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, Sam Reid takes on the complex role of Lestat de Lioncourt—a character beloved and deeply rooted in the imaginations of fans worldwide. Balancing the original vision of Anne Rice with his unique interpretation, Reid delves into the intricate dynamics of Lestat, blending charm, darkness, and vulnerability. In our exclusive interview, Reid opens up about the challenges of portraying an iconic figure, his personal creative journey, and the quirks of navigating a character that exists in the hearts of many. Sam Reid, This is your FAULT.
FAULT Magazine: When you look back on your creative journey, what would you say has been the most challenging hurdle to overcome?
Sam Reid: I think when I started out I was very obsessed with archetypes and using them to develop characters. As I got older, I realised that there is no cookie-cutter version of anyone, so a lot of my ways of working flew out the window. It was quite liberating creatively, though, as I wasn’t making things from wood anymore—everything was made from mess. The messier the better. The hurdle was allowing myself to be trashy and make mistakes and look like an idiot. It gets easier and easier each time until eventually…you’re laughing at yourself with everyone else.
FAULT Magazine: At the start of the project, were you ever fearful about taking on a project when the original has such an established fanbase?
Sam Reid: Definitely. It’s a surreal experience taking on a role that already exists in people’s minds. Fear can be helpful though; it makes you approach a thing with caution. I spent a lot of time looking at fan art before we started filming the first season and trying to gauge how he existed in people’s minds. I would cross-reference that with interviews with Anne Rice about the character. That was an interesting process; her original vision developed into something quite different through the eyes of her fans and, at times, I would find it a bit confusing trying to reconcile that. In the end, I had to let go of trying to define him too much as he is lots of things to many different people.
In this exclusive interview, Sam Reid discusses his intense portrayal of Lestat in AMC’s ‘Interview with the Vampire,’ sharing insights on character complexity, creative challenges, and the personal impact of the role.
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