Sheila Atim was born to be a queen!
Ugandan-British actress Sheila Atim will play Akasha in The Vampire Lestat. The series serves as Season 3 of AMC’s Interview with the Vampire.
Akasha is the First Vampire in Anne Rice’s immortal universe. She first appeared in Queen of the Damned, the third book in The Vampire Chronicles series.
Fans have eagerly awaited the character’s return to the screen. Akasha has already appeared in a previous adaptation. Singer and actress Aaliyah played her in the 2002 film Queen of the Damned.
Atim’s casting has received a strong response from fans. The cast and crew have also praised her ability to bring the powerful character to life.
Atim recently appeared alongside Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis in The Woman King. She also worked with Sam Reid, who plays Lestat, in the musical Girl from the North Country. Atim won a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for her performance.
What to expect in the new season
The new season will mainly adapt Anne Rice’s The Vampire Lestat. However, the writers also used material from Merrick, The Vampire Armand, and Queen of the Damned.
Executive producer and writer Hannah Moscovitch explained the approach at New York Comic Con on October 10. The story will explore Lestat’s memories and his struggle with the past.
Moscovitch said the team focused on the memories Lestat wants to keep. They also explored the memories that return against his wishes.
Executive producer Mark Johnson teased an unpredictable season. He described the story as surprising, emotional and dark. Johnson also promised romance, humour and plenty of unexpected moments.
Who else will be joining ‘The Vampire Lestat’?
Atim will join several new cast members in the upcoming season. Noah Reid will play Larry, while Ryan Kattner will portray Salamander. Seamus Patterson will play Alex, and Sarah Swire will take on the role of TC.
Jennifer Ehle will appear as Lestat’s mother, Gabriella. Christopher Heyerdahl will play Marius, while Damien Atkins will portray Magnus.
Sam Reid will return as Lestat, the central character of the new season. Jacob Anderson will reprise his role as Louis. Assad Zaman will return as Armand, with Eric Bogosian as Daniel Molloy and Delainey Hayles as Claudia.
The Vampire Lestat is expected to premiere in 2026.
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