Sheila Atim has officially joined the cast of AMC’s The Vampire Lestat, formerly known as Interview With the Vampire, portraying Akasha—the ancient vampire queen whose mythology underpins Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe.
The announcement was made during AMC’s Immortal Universe panel at New York Comic Con, where producers and cast members shared exclusive updates and unveiled a teaser ahead of the series’ 2026 premiere.
Atim, known for The Woman King, The Underground Railroad, and Leaving Ikorodu in 1999, will play Akasha—often referred to as “The Great Mother”—whose bloodline connects every immortal, including Lestat himself. Her arrival was teased at the end of Season 2, when Lestat declared, “I have the blood of Akasha in me,” hinting at her long-awaited introduction.
Joining Atim in the third season are Sam Reid, Moses Sumney, Ryan Kattner, Seamus Patterson, and Sarah Swire. The new season follows Lestat (Reid) as he attempts to reclaim his story by forming a rock band and taking his truth on tour.
Returning cast members include Jacob Anderson as Louis, Delainey Hayles as Claudia, Eric Bogosian as Daniel Molloy, Assad Zaman as Armand, and Jennifer Ehle. Previously announced additions include Christopher Heyerdahl, Jeanine Serralles, Ella Ballentine, and Damien Atkins.
The series is executive produced by Mark Johnson, who oversees AMC’s Immortal Universe, alongside showrunner Rolin Jones, Mark Taylor, Hannah Moscovitch, Christopher Rice, and the late Anne Rice. Based on Rice’s second novel in The Vampire Chronicles, the new season explores a sweeping tale of music, myth, and immortality.