Did you know that the iconic show The Vampire Diaries almost looked very different? For fans of both the series and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Paul Wesley’s role as Stefan Salvatore is unforgettable. But there was a point when Sebastian Stan from Marvel fame was a strong contender for the role!
This tidbit comes from an upcoming oral history titled I Was Feeling Epic by Samantha Highfill, featured in Entertainment Weekly. Highfill reveals that Stan was considered for one of the Salvatore brothers due to his popularity from the 2006 film The Covenant, which also led to discussions about then-unknown Steven Strait as a candidate for Stefan.
However, Stan eventually dropped out to pursue a role in NBC’s Kings. Ironically, Stan would later become famous as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
With these casting decisions falling through, casting directors Greg Orson and Lesli Gelles-Raymond turned their attention to Wesley, who they felt passionately about. Although the co-creators, Plec and Kevin Williamson, initially didn’t see Wesley as heartthrob material, Plec later admitted she was “dead wrong.”
Finding the Right Fit for Damon
Choosing an actor for the darker role of Damon Salvatore proved even trickier. In fact, the casting team auditioned around 400 actors for the role. At that time, Ian Somerhalder, fresh off his exit from Lost, was looking for “edgier” material and was skeptical about auditioning for what he initially perceived as a “Twilight on TV.” After reading the script, his perspective flipped, and casting directors recognized his potential as their Damon, despite a rough first audition that nearly resulted in his removal.
After a lot of behind-the-scenes support—like a pep talk from Williamson in the hallway—Somerhalder solidified his place in vampire lore, and the duo of the Salvatore brothers was born.
Curious about other casting secrets? The full excerpt is available here. If you’re a dedicated fan, mark your calendar for the release date of Highfill’s book, I Was Feeling Epic, on September 9!
What were some of the other actors considered for The Vampire Diaries?
Several actors were auditioned for the roles of the Salvatore brothers, but specific names beyond Stan and Strait aren’t disclosed in the upcoming book.
How did Wesley and Somerhalder ultimately get chosen for their roles?
The casting directors felt an immediate connection to Wesley, while Somerhalder impressed creators with his audacious interpretation of Damon after initially doubting the script.
What impact did The Vampire Diaries have on the CW network?
The show was pivotal in defining the CW’s genre programming and opened doors for various supernatural-themed series that followed.
Excited about The Vampire Diaries? There’s a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes information just waiting for you to explore. For more insights on your favorite shows, check out Moyens I/O.