Sheila Atim is ‘Akasha’
The Queen has arisen
Friday, October 10 during the Anne Rice Immortal Universe panel at New York Comic Con, executive producer of the Immortal Universe series’ Mark Johnson announced to a roaring crowd that Akasha, the Queen of the Damned, will be played by Sheila Atim. This character is one of the most anticipated character announcements of the series, since the character mention in Season 2 of Interview With the Vampire. Most recently known for her role as Amenza in The Woman King, her entrance into the unholy family is one of awe, admiration, and love.
Akasha’s identity was first teased this summer at San Diego Comic Con by showrunner Rolin Jones, saying “she’s been cast but the ink isn’t dry yet.” Jacob Anderson enthusiastically mouthed “she’s good.” With the announcement of Sheila, the enthusiasm from Sam Reid was palpable at NYCC, as he delightedly bounced in his chair at the thrill of it all. Knowing the depths in which the relationship between Lestat and Akasha reach, fans are in for an extremely dark and steamy ride.
The Torch is Passed
Famed and beloved singer/actress Aaliyah was cast as Akasha, in the 2002 film, Queen of the Damned. Her rise in the film industry culminated to her being recognized as one of the most iconic vampires in the history of supernatural vampires with arguably the most iconic look of all time. While the movie did not present an accurate depiction of the source material it pulled from (The Vampire Lestat and Queen of the Damned), the time she spent on screen are moments never forgotten by fans of the books and Aaliyah alike.
One of the most anticipated feelings fans are looking for is chemistry. The casting department at AMC is known for finding talent that makes you believe every morsel of emotion portrayed on screen. In the face of the incredible chemistry between Sam Reid and Jacob Anderson, many wonder how the dynamic will shift with Sheila given Akasha takes Lestat on a dark ride full of lust, sex, power, and destruction. Do not fret! This is not the first time Sheila and Sam have shared space. Both performers worked together in the 2017-2018 musical Girl from the North Country and if we know anything about how Rolin does chemistry tests—and the validated excitement from both Jacob and Sam—then we know that we are in more than capable hands.
Checkout the extended release trailer below and be ready for The Vampire Lestat, coming to AMC and AMC+ 2026.