Tom Cruise’s Insane Preparation for ‘Interview With the Vampire’—Even Anne Rice Was Shocked!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Tom Cruise’s relentless commitment to his craft is well-documented, from the death-defying stunts in Mission Impossible to his high-flying role in Top Gun: Maverick. However, this dedication to becoming his character is not a new phenomenon—it began long before the 21st century. One of the most striking examples of his unwavering approach to preparation occurred in 1994 when Cruise took on the role of Lestat in Interview With the Vampire.
At that time, Cruise was better known for his heroic and often charming roles, such as in Top Gun and Risky Business. The idea of him portraying a villainous, supernatural being like Lestat was initially met with skepticism—most notably from Interview With the Vampire author Anne Rice, who was vocal about her doubts. Rice had crafted Lestat as a tall, blonde, and enigmatic figure, which did not align with Cruise’s physical appearance. In fact, she went as far as suggesting other actors—like John Malkovich and Peter Weller—who she felt would better embody the character.
“I think Tom could do Louis,” Rice said, referring to the brooding and reflective role of Louis, Lestat’s fellow vampire. “But Lestat? I just can’t see it.” The criticisms stung, and Cruise, though hurt, channeled the negative feedback into a fierce determination to prove her wrong.
Cruise immersed himself in the world of Interview With the Vampire in a way few actors might. He read every book in Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles series that had been published up to that point, learning about the nuances of Lestat’s character and the complex world he inhabited. The actor even took up piano lessons to better portray Lestat’s musical talents. In preparation for the role’s extravagant and party-loving aspects, Cruise moved to France with then-wife Nicole Kidman to immerse himself in the lifestyle that would help him understand Lestat’s lavish, decadent existence. Additionally, Cruise lost 12 pounds to achieve the gaunt, otherworldly look associated with the character.
When the film was released, the results spoke for themselves. Cruise’s portrayal of Lestat captivated audiences with his intensity, charm, and underlying menace. His performance was so compelling that, even though Rice had initially criticized his casting, she was forced to acknowledge Cruise’s success. In an interview after the film’s release, she said, “Tom did a wonderful job, I really do… He got the essence of Lestat—his power, his charisma, his charm.” Rice’s only critique was that Cruise’s Lestat was so charismatic that it made it hard to believe that Louis (played by Brad Pitt) could hate him so deeply.
Pitt’s experience on set was less than ideal. The actor admitted that he received the script only two weeks before shooting and felt that the film was overly focused on Cruise’s character, leaving little for him to do. His frustrations grew so intense that he considered quitting the film entirely, only to be reminded by executive producer David Geffen that backing out would cost him a hefty $40 million.
Despite the behind-the-scenes tension, Interview With the Vampire was a massive commercial success, grossing $223.7 million worldwide. It also received Oscar nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Original Score. However, critical reception was mixed. While Cruise was widely praised for his performance, some critics felt the film lacked the subtlety of the novel and expressed disappointment in the performances of the other actors, particularly Pitt and a young Kirsten Dunst.
Over the years, Interview With the Vampire has garnered a loyal fanbase, but some argue that the recent TV adaptation on AMC has more faithfully captured the sexual undertones of Rice’s novel. Still, for those who watched the 1994 film, Tom Cruise’s unforgettable turn as Lestat remains a defining moment in his career—one that proved his ability to transform for a role in ways that no one, not even Anne Rice, expected.
In the end, Tom Cruise’s relentless dedication to the craft and willingness to defy expectations made his portrayal of Lestat one of his most memorable—and it turned out, one of the most iconic vampire performances in cinema history.
