Before filming begins on Season 2 of Interview with the Vampire , star Jacob Anderson is wary of repeating familiar mistakes — after all, many fans have read about the AMC series' adaptation of Anne Lai Anne Rice's book, or watch the 1994 film starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise.
In season 1, the show introduced Louis as a centenarian Vampire living in Dubai, 2022. He tells his life story to reporters with the help of his long-term partner Armand (Assad Zaman); the audience travels with Louis back in time as he relives his personal history, starting with his time as a vampire. The first year begins, living with his hedonistic lover Lester (Sam Reid) and his vampire child Claudia (Delaney Hales). In season two, Louis continues his story at the end of World War II, when he and Claudia are searching Europe for others of their kind. With Leicester dealt with (for now), Luiz starts to take center stage in the new issue.
"Obviously, I knew where the story was going. But especially in Dubai, I had no idea where the story was going and actually found it to be completely different from season one," Anderson, who plays Gray Worm on "Game of Thrones, " told Bustle". "It's like making a different show."
Anderson's new partner adds a unique feel to the season. In a last-minute casting change, Bailey Bass left the show and Hales took over the role of Claudia. "(Hiles) has this confidence and drive," he said of the actor. The actor joins the show after playing Lucy in London's West End production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe . "People will see when they watch this season that she's the hero of season two." Two episodes in, Hales has proven herself to be a standout among the show's growing ensemble, deftly portraying Claudia's love for Paris. Coven obsession. She's drawn to the crew's openness and bloodthirsty flamboyance - though Louise is wary of joining them.
Anderson admitted he enjoyed the show off the field as well. Although he's eager to mix it up in season two, his focus is on his work. "Theatre gatherings [actors] go out a lot, have dinner and stuff like that, and have a lot of fun. [But] I don't get involved in that," he admits with a laugh. "To me, there's nothing I can do but be boring, homely Louis."
Below, Anderson discusses Louis' relationship with Leicester, choosing Armand, and whether he'll return to Game of Thrones .
How does it feel to put on the fangs again in Season 2?
It was exciting to have the fangs back on. I was a little nervous at first, but it turned into a completely new experience. We start with [Episode 5], which is very different from the other episodes. So it's like a trial by fire.
In an interview in Season 1 , you said your relationship with humans was like Louis' relationship with vampires. Do you still feel the same way after filming Season 2?
No, Louis and I are both similar and different. One of the cool things about Louis is that he denies his worst instincts, which is something we do all the time as humans. We are constantly fighting against our instincts. Some instincts are very important, especially those of self-destruction. But it can also have serious consequences. It can stop you from not accepting yourself or liking yourself. I definitely felt that a lot when I was a kid and teenager. I don't like myself very much. In that sense, I feel very connected to him.
This has to do with the fact that Louis can't age, so he probably doesn't feel like he can mature.
Yes, he was arrested in many ways. But he's definitely changing over time because of the people he associates with, whether it's his seemingly transactional relationship with Daniel, his romantic relationship with Lester, or even with Claudia's parents Brotherly relationship. He changed for those people.
Do you think Louis has any power? He was possessed by Leicester, and then he seemed to be possessed by Armand.
He has a lot of power. He realizes the control he has over the two vampires in these relationships. His interactions with Armand are hilarious. After they've been together for some time, Louis begins to discover his place in the relationship, while Armand's is very complicated.
It's important to remember that we get to know a lot of the characters through Louis' memories of them, and this season is very much about reframing some of those relationships.
How does season 2 change Louis' relationship with Lester?
Lester represents the hidden side of Louis. They were like shadow versions of each other. Lester is a shadow all season long - like Louis' imaginary friend. He brings him with him and Lester tells him about himself, like how he really feels about people and certain things.
What is his relationship with Armand like?
They are not comparable. His relationship with Lester is almost primal. It’s a very passionate, exciting, intense thing. Because Lester is Louis' creator, it's in the fabric of their lives. This is a big reason why it's nearly impossible for Louis to kill him.
But for Armand, Louis required a very different kind of energy. He needs a calm person around him [to make him feel] more in control. He discovered this in Armand. He calmed down a bit. This is something explored later in the season - how Armand feels about Louis keeping his ex with him.
Anne Rice's universe is very different from Game of Thrones . Having done these two things, are there any similarities between them?
Game of Thrones is like a continent spread out across different countries: we tell these stories in different places, so it feels small and intimate. I remember feeling that way a lot on this show. Emotions were running high and we were filming all this crazy stuff. We have fangs and these incredible costumes. But it still feels like an intense family drama.
Speaking of Game of Thrones, would you consider returning for a spin-off?
No. [Laughs] I tried to think of a subtle way to express it, but I wasn't interested in that. I'm happy with how Gray Worm's story ended. Other than that I really don't know what you did to him. I usually have to understand why something is happening in order to do this. I really like Gray Worm, but, no.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
