Jason Schwartzman Stars as Unique Vampire in AMC’s ‘Talamasca’
AMC’s latest addition to the world of Anne Rice adaptations, Talamasca: The Secret Order, presents a fresh twist on vampire lore with the character of Burton, played by Jason Schwartzman. This series, which airs new episodes on Sundays, offers viewers an unconventional interpretation of the vampire mythos, setting itself apart from its predecessor, Interview With the Vampire.
The narrative centers around a young recruit named Guy, portrayed by Nicholas Denton, who encounters a vampire unlike any other. Co-showrunner John Lee Hancock describes Burton as an “unexpected vampire.” In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Hancock elaborated on the decision to present a character that defies traditional vampire stereotypes. He wanted to create a scene that was not merely about the dark ambiance typically associated with vampires.
Hancock explained, “We’ve got this skeptic [Guy] who’s going to meet a vampire, and who is that vampire? I wanted it to be complicated.” He expressed a desire to introduce Burton in a way that felt genuine rather than through the usual tropes of menacing shadows and velvet chairs. Instead, viewers will see Burton living in the Dakota, an iconic building in New York City, where he enjoys a lavish lifestyle, yet grapples with loneliness and distrust toward the Talamasca, the organization that supports him.
Burton’s character is a departure from classic vampire portrayals. Hancock noted, “In my mind, all those televisions that are up on the wall—he doesn’t have a lot of friends, so he and the woman who runs his life, along with Helen [played by Elizabeth McGovern], probably sit on Tuesday nights and watch reality television on Bravo. That’s not a vampire that I’ve seen, and I like that.” This commentary underscores the character’s modernity and relatability, inviting audiences to connect with him on a personal level.
The emphasis on Burton’s image is also significant. Hancock remarked that he is highly aware of how he presents himself, especially as he meets Guy for the first time. “I told Jason, ‘Here’s the thing I can tell you about this character: he changed clothes five times in anticipation of this meeting to be just right,’” Hancock recounted. Schwartzman embraced this portrayal, stating, “That’s a character I can play.”
The series aims to expand the vampire mythology, offering viewers a different angle on the genre. As the stories unfold in Talamasca: The Secret Order, audiences can expect a blend of humor, intrigue, and a fresh perspective on what it means to be a vampire in the modern world.
AMC continues to broaden the universe of Anne Rice’s characters, contributing to the growing popularity of vampire narratives in contemporary television. The combination of Schwartzman’s unique character and Hancock’s creative vision positions this series as a noteworthy exploration of the classic vampire tale. Viewers are encouraged to tune in for a fresh take on familiar themes, as new episodes of Talamasca: The Secret Order become available each Sunday on AMC and AMC+.
