Elizabeth McGovern, best known for her role as Cora Crawley in Downton Abbey, is almost unrecognisable in the new Netflix supernatural spy thriller Talamasca: The Secret Order. The series, inspired by the works of Anne Rice, landed on Netflix on December 1 after airing in the US.
The six-part show follows a secret organisation that monitors supernatural entities such as vampires and witches. The plot centres on Guy Anatole, a struggling law graduate who discovers he has a unique ability after being drawn into the Talamasca.
McGovern plays Helen, a high-ranking figure in the organisation, sporting a bright blonde bob that contrasts sharply with her Downton Abbey character's dark hair. She stars alongside William Fichtner, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, and Celine Buckens, with a guest appearance by Jason Schwartzman.
Unlike other Anne Rice adaptations, Talamasca is not based on a specific book series. Executive producer Mark Johnson noted that while fans may know about the organisation, there is no Talamasca book. The series arrives ahead of the third season of Interview with the Vampire, expected in 2026.
