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Some returning and new characters from AMC’s Mayfair Witches took the stage at New York Comic Con, last week. After the audience got a special viewing of episode 1 for Season 2, they announced the show will officially return on January 5, 2025.
The Mayfair Witches Universe
The series, Mayfair Witches, is based on the trilogy of novels by Anne Rice, called Lives of the Mayfair Witches. The series takes place in the same world as the AMC series, Interview with the Vampire. Which was also based on a book series by Anne Rice, of the same name. Both shows premiered within months of each other and both have been renewed for a second season. While there have been no crossovers yet, it was teased at the panel that we can be expecting that soon.
Mayfair Witches is a story of the Mayfair family. A family of witches cursed or blessed (depending on your view), by a creature named Lasher. Flashing from the past to the present, we see the struggles this family has faced for generations. Many have been gifted powers, with which wealth, manipulation, murder, or healing can occur. As the 13th witch has been found, they now face the reality of a long foretold prophecy. Nothing says family drama like a curse, some magical powers, and a prophecy come to fruition.
*Spoilers for season ONE below.
Mayfair Witches stars Alexandra Daddario as Rowan Fielding, Harry Hamlin as Cortland Mayfair, Tongayi Chirisa as Ciprien “Sip” Grieve, Jack Huston as Lasher, and more. This season we will see the addition of two new characters: Sam ‘Lark’ Larkin and Moira Mayfair. These parts will be played by Ben Feldman and Alyssa Jarrils, respectively. During the premier of episode 1 for season 2 at New York Comic Con, we learned that Lark is an old love interest that Rowan asks for a favor from. While Moira is the (none too happy) sister of Tessa, who didn’t make it out of season 1.
NON-Spoiler review of Season 2, Episode 1
Last we saw Rowan she had just given birth to baby Lasher. She seemed very committed to the baby, but not necessarily in her right mind. Rowan also showcased her newfound powers, as she took Lasher and walked away. Season 2, episode 1 kicked right off with a very quickly growing Lasher who’s not sure who or what he is. At first we see Rowan struggle with motherhood in almost a way you would expect any first time parent to. However, she’s not raising a human. Yet, she can’t help but view the problem from a medical standpoint still.
As Rowan’s problems get both literally, and metaphorically, bigger by the day the mystery behind Lasher and the Mayfair family curse grows. Rowan may be all powerful now, but she has never been so helpless.
Check out how the rest of Day One at NYCC went.
Wayward Witches at New York Comic Con 2024
In attendance at the panel were: Tongayi Chirisa (‘Sip’), Esta Spalding (showrunner), Mark Johnson (executive producer), Harry Hamlin (Cortland Mayfair), and Alyssa Jirrels (Moira Mayfair).
FUN FACTS
At the end of season 1 we saw Cortland was turned to stone by Rowan. The actor, Hamlin, was unaware that he would be turned to stone in post production, and asked if it was a nod to his previous role in Clash of the Titans (1981). He was told yes.
One of the differences in the books verse the show is the book deals with sexual assault with Lasher. Spalding and Johnson commented on how they didn’t feel it had a place in the show, which primarily takes place in present day. Further stating in stories we create the world we live in, but also a world we want to live in.
In season one there is a scene during a funeral where we see a parade of people in costumes, celebrating the deceased. The audience learned that many were New Orleans locals who showed up in their own costumes.
Teasers for Season 2
There is a lot to look forward to in season 2. In addition to crossovers beginning, we can also expect another Hocus Pocus actor to show up (hint: she was named after the God of Thunder). While filming takes place in New Orleans, we will see some characters show up in Scotland (which is actually Ireland). The panel praised the views and the shots that were filmed in Ireland, and seemed very excited for the audience to get to see those.
Jirrels informed us that her character does not trust Rowan, while Hamlin is very excited for what is to come for his character, Cortland. We will get to know Cortland’s father, Julian, and get a glimpse of what their relationship was like. Hamlin mentioned more than once he was very excited, as Ted Levine was cast to play his father. Ted Levine is very well known for his portrayal of Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs, to which Hamlin referenced for part of his excitement.
Season one of Mayfair Witches is currently streaming on AMC+ and Netflix. Season 2 will kick off on AMC January 5, 2025.
Lauren is half of the podcast: Hops GEEK News. It’s a weekly podcast that discusses all things geek pop culture, while enjoying a craft beer of the week. They also interview many different people from the comic book world and beyond.
