Trivia

Christina Ricci, Dominique Swain and Erin Moore auditioned for the role of Claudia.

Author Anne Rice wrote the part of Lestat with Rutger Hauer in mind. Upon learning that Tom Cruise had been cast, she was quite disappointed and expressed concern that Cruise could not carry the part. After attending a screening, Rice wrote a letter of apology, quite pleased with Cruise’s portrayal.

Tom Cruise wanted a private set, and hence tunnels were built to escort the actors to and from the set. This was done so that the vampire’s makeup effects would remain a secret.

Tom Cruise was placed on an elevated platform during some scenes to reduce the height difference between his character and other vampires.

The scenes set on the riverfront in New Orleans (including the infamous “Chat Noir”) were filmed on a false front built on the levee downriver from the actual French Quarter. The entire set was constructed around the old section of Jackson Barracks, a National Guard post.

The river scenes were done by removing such modern items as the Greater New Orleans Bridge and radio towers and replacing them with 18th century sailing vessels in post-production.

Many buildings and street lights were darkened for the filming by agreement with the companies and the city. The set was immediately torn down after the filming.

The character Lestat’s full name is Lestat de Lioncourt. He was based on Anne Rice’s husband Stan Rice, and even given Stan Rice’s birthday of 7 November.

The character Louis’ full name is Louis de Pointe du Lac. Louis was based on Anne Rice as she grieved for her deceased daughter, Michelle. Lousi was even given Anne Rice’s birthday of 4 October.

The estate of Louis (Brad Pitt) in the beginning of the film was the historic Oak Alley Plantation located on the Mississippi River in Vacherie, Louisiana, which is near New Orleans. The plantation’s “guest book” is on display and was signed by Pitt and Tom Cruise.

Stephen Rea (Santiago) makes regular appearances in Neil Jordan’s films.

Johnny Depp was offered the role of Lestat.

Evan Rachel Wood auditioned for the role of Claudia.

Heathcote Williams was going to be in this film but was replaced

Author Anne Rice was so pleased with this adaptation that she took out a two page ad in both Vanity Fair and the New York Times endorsing it as “a masterpiece”.

The Old Coliseum Theatre in New Orleans, seen when Louis goes to see Tequila Sunrise in 1988, burned down on 3 February 2006.

During the cinema montage sequence (depicting the passage of years) towards the last part of the film, where Louis exalts about being able to “see” the sun for the first time in centuries, the clip of a rooster crowing to indicate the coming of dawn is from the silent vampire film Nosferatu the Vampire.