‘The Vampire Lestat’ Actor Discusses Lestat’s Disturbing Serial Killer Traits
Sam Reid’s portrayal of Lestat in ‘The Vampire Lestat’ is captivating, but the character of Magnus, played by Damien Atkins, is leaving a significant mark on the audience. Atkins delves into the unsettling obsession that drives Magnus and the twisted bond he shares with the iconic vampire.
The current season reveals a new dimension to Lestat’s narrative, following two seasons of ‘Interview with the Vampire’. With the story now centered on Lestat’s perspective, viewers gain insight into his past, particularly the fateful night when Magnus transformed his life forever.
Magnus is no ordinary vampire. Before he turned Lestat, he became fixated on him while observing his musical performances. This obsession culminated in Magnus kidnapping Lestat and taking him to his concealed abode, where Lestat uncovers Magnus’s disturbing pattern of collecting victims who resemble him.
In the universe of Anne Rice, vampires are inherently dangerous beings that survive by preying on humans. However, Atkins notes that Magnus is distinctive due to his selective choice of victims. In an interview with CBR, he described Magnus as having a very particular type. “He has quite a type,” Atkins remarked.
Atkins found one of the most compelling moments in the episode “Toronto,” where Magnus observes Lestat performing his song “The Loneliness.” He explained that Magnus doesn’t merely see Lestat as his creation; he regards him as his crowning achievement.
“This feels awful to say, but because I’m being Magnus, I felt important,” Atkins shared. “Here’s this rock-star god. I think Magnus can’t help but feel proud and a little bit responsible. A little bit of ownership, which is terrible, right? It’s awful.”
This sense of ownership is precisely what Lestat grapples with. Even years later, the repercussions of Magnus’s actions linger. The performance becomes a poignant moment as Lestat strives to reclaim his identity, refusing to be defined by the vampire who created him.
Atkins also explained that embodying a character like Magnus necessitates understanding his mindset, even when his actions are grotesque. “It’s so funny when you talk about the psychology of a character like this, because it can’t help but sound like an apologist,” he noted. “He does awful things. I’m the one person who has to go in and find a reason to do them. When you talk about it out loud, you think, ‘Oh God, I sound like a psycho.’”
The episode further illustrates the profound emotional impact Magnus has had on Lestat. Their relationship sheds light on some of Lestat’s more dramatic behaviors and his complex feelings surrounding love, loneliness, and control.
The song “The Loneliness” holds significant meaning as it encapsulates the anguish both vampires endure. Lestat resonates with the feeling of isolation after losing vital relationships, particularly his intricate bond with Louis. In many respects, the song symbolizes Lestat’s journey toward breaking free from the loneliness imposed by Magnus.
In Anne Rice’s original novel, Magnus’s narrative concludes shortly after he creates Lestat, leaving many questions regarding his final actions and motivations. The series enriches this story by illustrating the lasting influence he continues to exert over Lestat’s life.
Atkins concludes that while Magnus may have been a monster, he also perceived Lestat as something extraordinary. This complex relationship between creator and creation continues to influence Lestat’s quest for his own identity.
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