Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe: It’s not the Dark Universe we were promised, but it is absolutely the one we deserve. Like the MCU, but for gay goths, AMC’s ambitious interconnected project has gone all in on some of the most deranged intellectual property out there, first with the Grand Guignol splendors of Interview With the Vampire (the best show on TV), followed by Mayfair Witches, a show that made the audacious decision to have Harry Hamlin lead a coven. Next up, Anne Rice’s Talamasca: The Secret Order, just in time for spooky season. Do you think Anne Rice gets AMC+ in the afterlife? Below, what we know.
The trailer abuses colored contact lenses
The trailer for Talamasca: The Secret Order gives us a teensy peek at the secretive supernatural watchdog agency through the eyes of new recruit Guy Anatole (Nicholas Denton), who appears to be able to hear people’s thoughts. He is brought into the fold by Helen (Elizabeth McGovern), leader of the Talamasca’s New York Motherhouse, to help snuff out an infiltrator in the organization. The whole concept of the Talamasca reminds me a bit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Watchers, but with less stab-y aim. The trailer has strong international espionage-thriller vibes mixed with supernatural horror and action.
Who’s in the cast?
William Fichtner, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, and Celine Buckens co-star alongside Denton and McGovern, and the trailer shows off guest star Jason Schwartzman, who plays Burton, “a charming, rakish vampire leading a cloistered life in a luxurious Upper West Side penthouse.” Fabulous.
Will it cross over with Interview With the Vampire?
You bet. Eric Bogosian and Justin Kirk round out the cast, reprising their roles as Daniel Molloy and Raglan James from Interview With the Vampire. In the trailer, Molloy gives Guy a warning that the Talamasca might not be all that it seems: “They’re using you, kid,” he says, pointing up at the CCTV with his nasty vampirized fingernails. Also, some mysterious figure points a gun at Raglan James. Any violence committed or even threatened against Raglan James will not be tolerated on this website. If you have yet to catch up on Interview With the Vampire, season two is now on Netflix, so you have no excuse not to watch.
So this is also based on an Anne Rice book?
Yes and no. Unlike Mayfair Witches and IWTV, Talamasca is an original story with original characters, but it is based on an organization that features in many of Rice’s books. The Talamasca first appeared in 1988’s Queen of the Damned and has had a strong presence in the Mayfair Witches series and later Vampire Chronicles books.
Will Lestat be there?
On the one hand, it’s hard to imagine Lestat sharing the spotlight with an ensemble of monsters-of-the-week like this. On the other hand, in The Vampire Chronicles novels, it does seem like Lestat has beef with the Talamasca. However, we’re too early in the timelines of both of these series for Lestat to pull any fuckery just yet.
Marius: do NOT fuck with the talamasca
Lestat: okay ☺️
And the entire plot of the next book is just “Lestat fucks with the talamasca” pic.twitter.com/XFWyp3w1JS
— lesbian de romanus 🔞 (@nickimandstat) December 12, 2024
Where can I watch it?
All 500-year-old vampires will be able to watch Talamasca on their television sets in linear fashion on AMC. Mortals can also watch on AMC+.
When does it premiere?
Talamasca: The Secret Order premieres Sunday, October 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, and will come out weekly. Sunday-night appointment viewing is back, baby.
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