First and foremost, it’s really wonderful to see the works of the late great Anne Rice still being talked about. AMC has a television series adaptation of “Interview with the Vampire” airing right now, which is probably Rice’s best-known work. But in the midst of the Vampire Chronicles comes another New Orleans tale. That of a family with a long and complicated history of murder, incest, revenge, and magic. “The Lives of the Mayfair Witches” is three main novels, but *does* eventually tie into the Vampire Chronicles after “Blackwood Farm.”
“Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches” is another gothic horror romance, centering on Rowan Mayfair (played in the new series by Alexandria Dadario), and her very strange family. The first trailer for the show finally reveals some of the really important places and people. Things like the iconic Mayfair House, 1239 First Street in the historic Garden District of New Orleans. (Fans of Rice know the fictional House was based on her very real home, even with the same address.)
Other things, like the logo of the Talamasca, shown with the Mother House phone number.
The Mayfair Emerald, which….for some reason, is a freaking key now?
Jack Huston plays Lasher, supernatural being who is both a blessing and a curse to the family.
And perhaps the BIGGEST change- main characters Aaron and Michael- two VERY DIFFERENT PEOPLE- are being combined into one character, Ciprien Grieve (Tongayi Chirisa). Out of everything we know about the series so far, this is perhaps the most baffling change from the book. Michael Curry is the main love interest (later husband) of Rowan Mayfair, and important cog in the machine himself. Aaron Lightner, 70-year old member of the Talamasca, becomes a dear friend to Rowan and Michael. Combining the characters is…just outright strange. These two characters should ABSOLUTELY exist individually, and this difference is rather troublesome from a story perspective.
We’re not sure we’re as excited for this series, now. Maybe we’ll just go watch “American Horror Story: Coven” again. And of course, re-read the series.
“Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches” will hit AMC and AMC+ January 5th, 2023. Check out the trailer now.
