The first two series in AMC’s Anne Rice Immortal Universe were based directly on Rice’s series of novels, The Lives of the Mayfair Witches and The Vampire Chronicles. But for the third series, AMC is branching out into more unknown territory. Instead of basing it on a book, they are making a show about the secret organization of the Talamasca. That mysterious order ties Rice’s vampire world and her world of witches together. At a panel at ATX TV Festival, AMC Networks revealed first look photos of Anne Rice’s Talamasca, which is currently in production, and announced new cast members as well.
John Lee Hancock and Mark Lafferty, executive producers on Anne Rice’s Talamasca, revealed the new characters and cast updates. Joining the already-announced Elizabeth McGovern, William Fichtner, and Maisie Richardson-Sellers is Celine Buckens (Showtrial) rounding out the series’ regular cast. Joining as a guest star is Jason Schwartzman. Buckens stars as Doris, described as “Strong-willed and with an old soul, she lives with a coven of witches on a houseboat.” Meanwhile, Schwartzman portrays Burton, “A charming, rakish vampire, leading a cloistered life in a luxurious Upper West Side penthouse.” Both seem like original characters created for the show, and not from any one Anne Rice novel.
In Rice’s novels, the Talamasca is a very ancient and mysterious psychic order. They study (but never interfere) in supernatural happenings across the globe. Well, they rarely interfere, we should say. Although they never received their own novel, Rice finally revealed their origins in her 2014 novel Prince Lestat. She tied the beginnings of the Talamasca more strongly to the vampire species. However, the AMC shows often change much of the mythology Rice created for the television format. So it remains to be seen if any of that backstory will still be canon in the series. Anne Rice’s Talamasca still does not have a premiere date on AMC.
Content shared from nerdist.com.