Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The Vampire Diariesis based on a book series of the same name by L. J. Smith. When it comes to cross-media adaptations, it is not easy to find the perfect actor to play fictional roles with which fans are already familiar. The process becomes even more arduous when it comes to casting ‘Vampires,’ creatures who are supposed to be perfect in every way.
And this was the challenge that the production faced while developingThe Vampire Diaries. While most people would normally think that Damon would have been harder to cast given his suave and charismatic demeanor, it wasn’t the case. Rather there was another character whose casting even had the production push back the schedule since they couldn’t find any actor perfect enough for the role.
The Vampire Diariescharacter that was near-impossible to cast
The Vampire Diarieswas not an easy one to cast since the show deals with ever-lasting and immortal vampires, they had to make sure that not only did an actor fit the role but was also not as old. However, while the production managed to find their perfect Elena Gilbert and Damon Salvator fairly quickly, the other vampire brother was the toughest to cast.
The Vampire Diaries Almost Had a Shot at Real Immortality With Taylor Swift as Per Nina Dobrev: ‘That was a surprising one’
The production even had to push back the shoot a bit since they were unable to find the perfect actor for Stefan Salvator. In an oral history of the show, viaEntertainment Weekly, co-creator Julie Plec remarked,
Stefan was the hardest to find. It’s the kind of role that you can’t just cast the smoldering pretty boy because there’s such depth and layers of loss and loneliness living in that character. So you really need a true actor. But you also can’t just hang your hat on a great theater-trained actor who doesn’t also make people’s hearts go pitter patter.
Meanwhile, co-creatorKevin Williamsonremarked that the book destroyed them sincethat person doesn’t existas per the description. Hence, they had to find an actor who could not only show Stefan’s blood lust and struggles but also show the little bit of humanity left in him. Shockingly, what is funny about this whole ordeal is that the production passed on Paul Wesley several times before casting him mere days before the shoot.
Paul Wesley was almost never cast for Stefan Salvator
As per the oral history of the show,Paul Wesleywas one of the first to audition forThe Vampire Diaries. However, initially, they had him audition for Damon due to his age. But when they castIan Somerhalder(which is another interesting casting story), who was older than Wesley, he was called back for Stefan thanks to one casting director Lesli Gelles-Raymond.
Julie Plec revealed, that she and Kevin Williamson just never saw Wesley as a heartthrob even though he could act the part, which was the biggest challenge for them. Even though others were adamant about him, they just never saw him as a worthy male lead. But it all changed whenNina Dobrevwas cast, and director Marcos Siega had her and a couple of other guys come to his house for a chemistry read.
“It allows me to be something other than Stefan”: The Star Trek Role Paul Wesley Accepted to Escape The Vampire Diaries’ Shadow
During the chemistry read while every other guy was busy flirting with Dobrev between reads, Paul Wesley was the only one who didn’t even look at her since he wanted her to meet him during their first read. Williamson, after seeing their chemistry read, revealed that it wasn’t until he read with Nina did they saw him as their Stefan Salvator. So while Wesley’s plan did work, he almost did not get the job due to the creators’ lack of vision.
After the casting was done and the shoot started, Plec recalled having theArrowversecreator Greg Berlanti state—I firmly believe that every actor has the role that they are meant to play that opens the lock to the power of their career and this is that role for Paul Wesley.Well, even Plec admitted that once Paul Wesley became Stefan, he did make their hearts gopitter patter, just as they wanted.
The Vampire Diariesis available to be streamed on Max.
Maria Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2703
Maria Sultan is a dedicated News Content Writer at FandomWire. With over five years of professional experience and hundreds of published articles, she brings a wealth of expertise to her coverage of Marvel, K-dramas, and the latest on streaming platforms.Her work is not just about reporting news; it’s about providing insightful perspectives on the entertainment trends that matter most.
More from Maria Sultan
The Diplomat Season 3: Does Hal Survive the Explosion in Season 2?
When Is The Diplomat Season 3 Releasing on Netflix?
The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox Season 1: Are Grace Van Patten and Jackson White a Couple?
Recommended
Dark Crime Shows With Mike-Like Antiheroes to Watch Before Mayor of Kingstown Season 4
Did Dustin Hoffman Really Slap Meryl Streep in Kramer vs Kramer – Entire Fight Explained
Helldivers 2 Major Order Update: Arrowhead’s Last-Minute Assist Helps Complete Impossible Charger Challenge
Real Reason Why Minx on Starz Will Not Return for Season 3
Honey Don’t! Cast: Is Chris Evans Playing a Villain in Margaret Qualley’s Upcoming August 22 Release
NYT Wordle Hints and Solution for August 13, 2025
Ian SomerhalderKevin WilliamsonNina DobrevPaul WesleyThe Vampire Diaries
