‘The Vampire Diaries’ Heartthrob Who Completely “Tanked” His Audition Despite Years of Acting Experience but Got the Role Anyway
- Ian Somerhalder admits to bombing his audition for The Vampire Diaries.
- Julie Plec revealed they had initially rejected Paul Wesley because he looked too old for Stefan Salvatore.
- The co-creator noted they carefully plan to give the audience what they want by not giving what they want.
Regarded as one of the most popular and successful supernatural teen dramas, The Vampire Diaries was developed by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec for The CW. The show starred Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, Nina Dobrev, and more. And over the years, the show has set up a loyal fan base.
Upon release in 2009, The Vampire Diaries became the most-watched series on the network. Fans across the world are deeply attached to the characters they see on-screen, which are in fact based on the book series of the same name by L.J. Smith. The co-creator of the show revealed some behind-the-scenes secrets about the casting of the lead pair.
Julie Plec reveals Ian Somerhalder ‘tanked’ his The Vampire Diaries audition
In a cover story interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Julie Plec, co-creator of The Vampire Diaries, was asked if there were any contenders for the roles of Elena, Damon, and Stefan apart from Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, and Paul Wesley. She said that the roller coaster of casting the leads was sort of hilariously well documented because they struggled with all three roles.
Plec goes on to share that Nina Dobrev came early in the process but was sick, so she had to fight to be seen again. The actress had to put herself on a tape for the makers to look at her again, and once they did, it felt right. Talking about Damon, she said,
We were instantly interested in Ian [Somerhalder] because I had been a fan of Young Americans, anyway, so he tanked, and he knows he tanked, and everyone knows he tanked. But we had a moment where we were like, ‘Well, if he’s not our Damon, then who is?’
Ian Somerhalder had also been a part of The Rules of Attraction, Lost, The Tournament, and a couple more. The actor shared in an interview in 2024 that he had retired from acting after he relocated outside of L.A. Somerhalder shared during a panel that he bombed his audition and had to go back and retest. The actor added that he went in and did it, and oddly enough, he did get a callback, but it was 10 days of virtual hell for him. (via US Magazine)
Julie Plec then finally went on to share that Paul Wesley came in amidst a sea of 10 possible Stefan. The co-creator recalled that he seemed ‘too old’ for the part, and they almost declined him. But then they were convinced that they made the right choice after they witnessed his acting on the first day of filming, and he and Dobrev’s characters met. She added,
I know we were chasing in one way or another all the possibilities with the covenants: you know, Steven Strait, Sebastian Stan, Taylor Kitsch, but it turned out to be—I don’t think we could have done a better job.
Plec recalled watching Wesley perform and instantly thinking that they were so wrong in rejecting her, adding that it was embarrassing because he was perfect for the part.
Julie Plec talks about the challenges of writing for on-screen couples on The Vampire Diaries
During the interview with THR, Plec was asked how they managed to create a balance between the on-screen couples, making sure that they did not overshadow each other. The co-creator of The Vampire Diaries said that building a successful relationship on television is equal parts math, chemistry, and fan reaction. She explained,
I decided at the end of season two that eventually Stefan and Caroline would be getting together, and this was the beginning of a long, long, long arc for them. And then literally one season later, Klaus comes along without any of us doing anything, other than Rebecca Sonnenshine writing a really great monologue.
She noted that Klaus, played by Joseph Morgan, had undeniable chemistry with Caroline, played by Candice Accola. She added that the chemistry between the two almost completely derailed the plans to get her and Stefan together. Plec explained that the beauty of broadcasting is that one can be writing an episode a month and a half earlier filming it three weeks earlier and watching it on air.
Plec mentioned that they do let the fans take some time to react and make adjustments according to the response. The co-creator added that it’s a very complicated dance; like when the audience has decided Damon and Elena are going to end up together, no matter what they do, the audience wants them together.
She lastly added they are trying to catch up and figure out how to give the audience what they want without giving them what they want. That’s the beauty and challenging part of writing on-screen couples.
The Vampire Diaries is available to stream on Peacock.
