The Vampire Diaries holds a significant place in television history, particularly for fans of the CW. It was also the launchpad for famous actor Paul Wesley, who starred as one half of the iconic vampire duo, Stefan Salvatore, alongside Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore. However, what many may not know is that the casting process could have led to a very different outcome, including a potential role for Marvel star Sebastian Stan.
In an intriguing upcoming oral history titled I Was Feeling Epic by Samantha Highfill, which has been excerpted in Entertainment Weekly, it is revealed that Stan was a strong contender for the role of Stefan Salvatore. At that time, the show’s co-creator and co-showrunner, Julie Plec, had her eyes on Stan, thanks to his performance in the 2006 film The Covenant, often described as “The Craft for boys.” Another actor considered for the part was Steven Strait, who ultimately passed on the project.
As fate would have it, Stan dropped out after securing a role in NBC’s Kings. Meanwhile, Paul Wesley was brought in, with the casting directors, Greg Orson and Lesli Gelles-Raymond, feeling very passionately about him. Though Plec and co-creator Kevin Williamson were initially skeptical of Wesley’s leading man status, Plec later admitted to being “dead wrong” about the decision.
Finding the Right Fit for Damon Salvatore
While casting for Stefan was a challenge, the search for Damon proved even more arduous. Orson and Gelles-Raymond auditioned around 400 actors for the role. Ian Somerhalder, fresh off his stint on Lost, initially dismissed The Vampire Diaries as just another “Twilight on TV.” However, after reading the script, he changed his mind, understanding the potential of his character.
During the casting process, Somerhalder faced a rocky start—his first network test could be described as rough at best. Williamson even recalls going into the hallway with Somerhalder to help him calm his nerves before auditioning. They were adamant about getting the right actor for Damon, resulting in Williamson threatening to walk away from the project if another actor was chosen. Their commitment paid off, as Somerhalder soon solidified his place in television history.
If you’re curious to read more about the casting process and other actors who were considered for the memorable roles of the Salvatore brothers, check out the full excerpt in Entertainment Weekly. For die-hard fans, Samantha Highfill’s I Was Feeling Epic releases on September 9, promising plenty of behind-the-scenes revelations.
What do fans often wonder about the casting of The Vampire Diaries? Here are some common questions:
Who were the other actors considered for Stefan Salvatore? Several actors, including Sebastian Stan and Steven Strait, were in the mix for the role, but it ultimately went to Paul Wesley.
How many actors auditioned for Damon Salvatore’s role? The casting directors auditioned roughly 400 actors before Ian Somerhalder secured the part.
What made Ian Somerhalder initially skeptical about The Vampire Diaries? After leaving Lost, Somerhalder viewed The Vampire Diaries as a potential “Twilight on TV.” However, he changed his perspective after reading the script.
How did Paul Wesley prove himself as a heartthrob? Convincing the creative team proved challenging, but his eventual portrayal of Stefan demonstrated that they were mistaken about his leading man capabilities.
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