Thirty years ago, Interview with the Vampire became a sensation.
Director Neil Jordan’s sumptuously macabre big-screen adaptation of Anne Rice’s 1976 novel was a daring swing, pairing two of Hollywood’s biggest heartthrobs (Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt) as slyly homoerotic undead companions raising their eternally young bloodsucking daughter (Kirsten Dunst).
But even before its Nov. 11, 1994, release, the film was making headlines. There was the author’s reported displeasure over Cruise being cast as her beloved anti-hero, the Vampire Lestat. And Oprah Winfrey was reportedly so disturbed by an advance screening of the film that she walked out after only 10 minutes and considered canceling an interview with Cruise.
The film ultimately received generally favorable reviews, two Oscar nominations and was a box office success. But with so much advance buzz, it’s no wonder so many A-listers turned out for Interview with the Vampire‘s red carpet premiere. See them here.
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise’s transformation into the blond-haired, blue-eyed Lestat was one of the film’s most striking. But on the red carpet with then-wife Nicole Kidman, the actor looked much more recognizable.
Brad Pitt
Similarly, Brad Pitt was back to his scruffy-faced, beach blond self after sporting a brown wig, luminous green contacts and lots of 18th century lace in the film.
Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten Dunst had reason to smile on the red carpet. Her riveting turn as tragic child vampire Claudia remains arguably one of the most impressive performances by a child actor ever.
Christian Slater
Christian Slater — seen here attending the premiere with film producer Nina Huang — anchored the film as the boy reporter conducting the titular interview.
Antonio Banderas
Antonio Banderas attended the premiere with then-wife Ana Leza looking like a ’90s version of his immortal character Armand in black velvet.
Stephen Rea
Stephen Rea, on the other hand, went for a much more subdued look, in drastic contrast to his dastardly vampire character, Santiago.
Jodie Foster
She may have eschewed the film’s goth vibe, but Jodie Foster looked nevertheless lovely and laid back at the premiere.
Stevie Nicks
Of course, if you really want romantic goth vibes, you invite Stevie Nicks to your film premiere.
Raquel Welch
Clearly Hollywood legend Raquel Welch also got the black velvet memo.
Arye Gross and Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen costars Arye Gross and Ellen DeGeneres made a chummy pair on the red carpet.
Jim Carrey
One can only imagine what funnyman Jim Carrey made of Interview with the Vampire‘s intensely creepy melodrama.
Jared Leto
Doesn’t seeing My So-Called Life-era Jared Leto at the Interview with the Vampire premiere make you wonder which of Anne Rice’s many undead characters he could have played in a true sequel to the film?
Louis Malle and Candice Bergen
French film director Louis Malle and wife Candice Bergen showed up for some gothic thrills.
White Zombie
Rock band White Zombie gave the Interview with the Vampire red carpet some much needed edge.
Queen Latifah
A fierce and fabulous Queen Latifah strutted onto the red carpet like she owned it.
Kim Basinger
Kim Basinger showed up to support her Cool World costar, Brad Pitt.
Kim Cattrall
Basinger wasn’t the only blonde bombshell named Kim on the red carpet. Kim Cattrall was there too!
Tim Curry
The Rocky Horror Picture Show‘s Tim Curry obviously couldn’t keep himself away from another future cult classic.
Kelly Preston
Two years before she would costar with Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, Kelly Preston came out to see him in Interview with the Vampire.
Eriq La Salle
With all the blood loss in the film, it’s a shame Eriq La Salle only played a doctor on ER.
Faye Dunaway
Of course a film about the eternally young attracted ageless beauty Faye Dunaway, accompanied by talent agent Ed Limato.
Yasmine Bleeth
Yasmine Bleeth flashed her famous smile for the cameras.
Will Smith
Fresh Prince met Brat Prince, as Will Smith caught Lestat’s silver screen debut with then-wife Sheree Zampino.
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