Delainey Hayles on Claudia Being Louis’ Second Choice, Meeting Madeleine, and Joining in INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE Season 2

Interview with the Vampire season two begins with an elegant title card that reads: “The role of Claudia will now be played by Delainey Hayles.” And, without giving too much away, Hayles is an exceptional choice to take over as Claudia in the second season of the beloved series. Her chemistry with Jacob Anderson’s Louis and Assad Zaman’s Armand is absolutely unparalleled. And Hayles’ perfect, nuanced rendition of an ageless being trapped in the body of a young girl is perfectly gutting. Thanks to Hayles, Claudia is very much a star in Interview with the Vampire season two.

And so, it was our pleasure to chat with Hayles about stepping into the role of Claudia at the New York premiere of Interview with the Vampire season two. Hayles shed some light on Claudia’s, in a sense, unrequited love of Louis, and the relationships she forges for herself in the second season. Of course, we can’t forget the specter of Lestat that hangs on Claudia in Interview with the Vampire season two. Let’s take a look at everything Hayles had to say.

Nerdist: Can you share a little bit about what it was like to step into Claudia in Interview with the Vampire season two?

Delainey Hayles: I was so excited to step into the role of Claudia. It didn’t escape me the family that I’ve joined, the coven that I’ve joined, and Anne Rice’s writing is ridiculous. This season is ridiculous too. I’m so excited for everybody to see it. Claudia means a lot to me.

Claudia always seems to be chosen second by Louis—how does that drive her in Interview with the Vampire season two?

Hayles: Yeah, it beats her up. It’s terrible for her. I think she thinks there’s a bit of him that will pick her this time, and it’s something that’s always played in the back of her mind. And then, finally, he does pick who he picks, and it’s not her, and I wouldn’t say it’s a dramatic shock for her, but it’s definitely heartbreaking.

And how do you think Claudia feels about Louis? Do you think she sees him as her “end all, be all” person, or do you think he’s just the only person she has?

Hayles: She loves Louis, but I don’t think he’s her… What did you say it was? Be all, end all? No, I think that’s why she’s desperate to find others. She knows there’s more to life than New Orleans.

We see Lestat manifest in Louis’ mind throughout season two, but what kind of relationship is Claudia still holding onto with Lestat after she’s left him for dead in Interview with the Vampire?

Hayles: Lestat is always there, whether it be in Claudia’s behavioral mannerisms, or she’s gone to a place where he said do not go, and she goes there. So I wouldn’t say, yeah, he’s definitely escaped her mind. It’s a similar situation to Louis, but not obviously the same love sense, but in a way that I think it’s becoming apparent that she realizes he’s right about Paris.

Claudia seems to have a deep yearning to be seen as she is, and in season two of Interview with the Vampire, she finds that in Madeleine, a social outcast and dressmaker whom Claudia meets in France. Can you describe their bond and what it means to Claudia?

Hayles: Their bond is very pure. It’s one that they both kind of have a mutual understanding in the beginning, and their energies go together, but it’s not really clear why. And then they realize that they both have been through some stuff and they see it in each other’s eyes, and yes. And that becomes apparent, I think, in episode three.

It’s a lot, and I have my version of what it is specifically, but I want people to decide their own version of it because it’s such a pure relationship that anyone can take away what they want from it.

And did you have a particular scene that was your favorite to film this season?

Hayles: Yes, but I won’t say what it is.

Very mysterious. We guess we’ll have to catch up with you after!

Delainey Hayles’ turn as Claudia and the rest of Interview with the Vampire season two premieres on AMC and AMC+ on May 12, 2024 at 9/8c.