AMC Networks’ series adaptation of “Interview With the Vampire” is undergoing a massive casting change. Bailey Bass, who played teenage vampire Claudia in season 1, will not be returning for season 2. The character will now be portrayed by Delainey Hayles for the upcoming season, which starts production in Prague next week. With plans to shoot in both Paris and New Orleans, as well.
“Bailey Bass is a talented actor who did a remarkable job bringing the character of Claudia to life in Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire.” the network said in a statement. “For a variety of reasons, Delainey Hayles will appear as Claudia in season two. We are grateful for Bailey’s unforgettable performance in season one and wish her nothing but the best.”
Bass issued a statement as well but left the reason(s) for her departure just as cryptic as AMC’s statement. “Due to a variety of unforeseen circumstances I’m unable to return to Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire for the second season,” she said. “Playing Claudia has been a dream role and an incredible ride. I wish Delainey the best of luck in taking over. I cannot wait to watch. I’m extremely appreciative of AMC, the producers, Jacob, Sam, the crew and, of course, the wonderful fans.”
Playing Claudia in “Interview with the Vampire” is Bass’ first series starring role. Kirsten Dunst originally played the part in the 1994 film adaptation of the late Anne Rice’s novel. Bass also recently played Tsireya in the James Cameron blockbuster “Avatar: The Way of Water.” She will reprise her role in the third installment of the series. While this may have to do with her departure from “Interview,” there is no way to verify that.
What makes the recast strange is the character of Claudia is (in the book) a 5-year-old child vampire, who cannot physically age. We see her live 89+ years, and she begins to develop anger for her form. In the film, she is 10, and in the television series, she is 14. Theoretically, this recast would allow the actress to appear on the younger side for longer.
“Interview With the Vampire” follows Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson), Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid), and Claudia’s epic story of love, blood, and the perils of immortality. As they tell it to journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian). The eight-episode 2nd season will also have Armand (Assad Zaman) and Santiago (Ben Daniels) returning. The series is executive produced by Mark Johnson and Showrunner Rolin Jones.
Season 1 is currently streaming on AMC+, as well as “The Mayfair Witches.”
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