Following up on rumors that Robert Downey Jr. could be tapped to play the vampire Lestat in an adaptation of one of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles novels, BSC contacted the author for her reaction. Although Rice wasn't able to confirm or deny the rumor, she was very upbeat about the casting suggestion:
I have not received official word as to the truth of it yet. But I can say without hesitation that I love Robert Downey Jr. and I think he would make a fabulous Vampire Lestat. He is a major actor, a powerhouse of talent and personality, and he evinces an irrepressible and seductive charm. He would bring great energy and skill to the role. I would love to see this happen. I've loved Robert Downey Jr. ever since I saw him in Restoration years ago, and I thought he was magical and powerful in Iron Man. So I hope the rumors are true.
I've posted on my Facebook "fan" page saying pretty much the same thing. Some are saying he is too old to play the part. This is absolutely not true. He is quite youthful. Besides, Lestat is a man when he is made into a vampire. A twenty year old man in the 18th century is the equivalent of an older man today. Age just shouldn't be an issue here, not with an actor of this scope and charisma. I'm thrilled at the prospect that this rumor might be true.
She also went on to explain that more cinematic adaptations of her Vampire Chronicles novels are possible now because of a recent change in the ownership rights.