Queen of the Damned (2002)
12-month trend
12-month trend
Monthly article views
2025-09 to 2026-08
A vampire who becomes a rock star is hunted by the ancient progenitor of all vampires.
The story
The vampire Lestat de Lioncourt awakens in the modern world and becomes a famous singer in a nu metal band. After gaining international success and revealing the existence of vampires, he is sought out by Akasha, the ancient progenitor of all vampires. Meanwhile, a researcher for the paranormal studies group Talamasca, Jesse Reeves, becomes intrigued by Lestat's music and begins to investigate his true identity. As the two supernatural entities converge, the conflict between the modern vampire's public persona and the ancient power of Akasha begins to unfold, while Jesse attempts to uncover the truth behind the supernatural occurrences.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Lestat de Lioncourt awakens in the modern world and becomes a rock star, attracting the attention of Akasha, the first vampire. Jesse Reeves, a Talamasca researcher, discovers Lestat's true nature and is warned by her mentor, David Talbot, not to pursue him. However, she tracks him to a club in London. In Los Angeles, Marius warns Lestat that his fame has awakened Akasha. Akasha eventually finds Lestat and takes him to her home. Jesse, seeking to know what it is like to be a vampire, spends time with Lestat. During a concert in Death Valley, Lestat is attacked by other vampires but is rescued by Marius, only to be taken by Akasha. He becomes her servant and gains immunity to sunlight. Later, the Ancient Vampires attempt to destroy Akasha by draining her blood. Akasha orders Lestat to kill Jesse, but he breaks her control, kills her, and shares his blood with Jesse. Jesse becomes the new Queen of the Damned, and the film ends with her and Lestat walking together as vampires.
- First release year
- 2002
- Runtime (minutes)
- 101
- Production countries
- Australia; United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Michael Rymer
- Writers
- Scott Abbott · screenplay; Michael Petroni · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Stuart Townsend · Lestat; Aaliyah · Akasha; Marguerite Moreau · Jesse; Vincent Pérez · Marius; Lena Olin · Maharet; Paul McGann · David Talbot; Matthew Newton · Armand
- Genres
- horror; fantasy
- Themes
- identity; power; immortality
- Tone and mood
- campy; supernatural
- Premise and plot tags
- vampire; rock star; supernatural
- Source material / true-story basis
- The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice
- Franchise connections
- The Vampire Chronicles
- Reception
- The film was panned by critics and was a commercial disappointment.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 17% · scale: percentage · review count: 130
- Production trivia
- The film is dedicated to Aaliyah.; The film was shot in Melbourne and Los Angeles.; Over 3000 goths were recruited as extras for the concert scene.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
Your lists
Loading your lists…