Robert Downey Jr to play Lestat?

[rcrush]

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/17082

We've been scrambling all week to confirm the following report, especially since it came from a very reliable source and is insanely logical considering the popularity of vampires these days. I guess something good has come from the success of Twilight as Bloody Disgusting has learned exclusively that Universal Pictures is looking to restart Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles, which tells the tale of the vampire Lestat Du Lioncort (through his narration), a nobleman-turned-vampire in the late 18th century. No word yet on how they plan on unrolling this franchise, but we did find out who they are talking with to replace Tom Cruise and Stuart Townsend. Read on for the skinny.

We have confirmed this afternoon that ROBERT DOWNEY JR. is in close talks to play the vampire Lestat in Universal Pictures' The Vampire Chronicles, a newly rebooted franchise based on Anne Rice's popular novels.

Lestat appears as a major character in both motion picture adaptations of The Vampire Chronicles novels. In Neil Jordan's 1994 film adaptation of Interview with the Vampire, he is portrayed by Tom Cruise. In the 2002 film adaptation of Queen of the Damned, he is played by Stuart Townsend.



Well its got to be better than "Queen of the Dammed" no? Does Lestat love cocaine?

[joeybee12]

1. And he's got to be better than Tom Cruise at the role...n/t

[MilesColtrane]

2. He would kill in this role.

[Monk06]

7. He stole In Dreams and he only had a few scenes in the end. He would define Lestat period stop.

[arbusto_baboso]

3. I don't really picture him in this role, but he's surprised me before.

Downey is a damn good actor. The more of his work I see, the more I'm convinced of that. He could surprise us all.

[Love Bug]

4. Johnny Depp would be better

but what the hell do I know?

[Sannum]

5. As long as it isn't Tom Cruise.

Tommy can't seem to get a role in a Burger King commercial these days...

[kiva]

6. Sounds like an interesting fit.

Years ago I read that Anne Rice said that she had envisioned Rutger Hauer as Lestat; don't know if it true, but if so Downey would be closer to that type than Cruise.