If you missed The Vampire Lestat‘s appearance at ATX TV Festival last month, now’s your chance to catch up. The festival marked the premiere screening of the new season of the series (formerly titled Interview with the Vampire), and attendees were treated to the first viewing of Lestat’s takeover as the central narrator.

Showrunner Rolin Jones was on hand after the screening to answer questions from both moderator Damian Holbrook (TV Guide Magazine) and fans, give a behind-the-scenes look at the series’ journey from page to screen.

The conversation touched on everything from the season’s ambitious musical approach to the challenge of shifting the series from Louis’ perspective to Lestat’s. Jones spoke at length about making viewers feel that Lestat had truly “taken over” the show, praising Sam Reid’s performance and teasing a season centered not just on fame and rock stardom, but on failure, reinvention, and finding a better version of yourself after everything falls apart.

Jones also discussed composer Daniel Hart’s expanded role in shaping the season, offered teases about Daniel Molloy’s new life as a vampire, Jennifer Ehle’s scene-stealing turn as Gabriella, the show’s unique visual approach to exploring Lestat’s inner life, and even dropped a few hints about what’s ahead for Armand, and the possible return of Luke Brandon Field as young Daniel Molloy.

For fans interested in the creative process behind the series, it’s a fascinating look at how The Vampire Lestat came together.

We were on the ground in Austin for the premiere and panel, and you can revisit our coverage from ATX TV Festival while you watch.