Ian Somerhalder Nearly Give up The Vampire Diaries Over One Storyline

Ian Somerhalder has revealed he was so upset a couple of The Vampire Diaries storyline that he tried to give up. The present targeted on a teenage woman named Elena Gilbert discovering herself in a supernatural world after getting concerned with vampire brothers named Damon and Stefan Salvatore. The Vampire Diaries initially aired on The CW between 2009 and 2017.

The supernatural younger grownup drama sequence was an enormous hit with followers for a lot of causes, together with that its characters have been beloved. That may have made it an enormous disappointment for followers if the present misplaced Somerhalder earlier than The Vampire Diaries’ ending aired. With that in thoughts, it’s fascinating to find out how shut he got here to leaving the present.

Selection printed an excerpt from Samantha Highfill’s e book, I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral Historical past of The Vampire Diaries. The excerpt quoted Somerhalder and Julie Plec, one of many builders, showrunners, and govt producers. Whereas talking for the e book, Somerhalder defined why he nearly give up The Vampire Diaries:

Somerhalder: I used to be so upset in regards to the trajectory of Damon, a lot in order that at one level I used to be sitting throughout from Julie in her workplace in Atlanta nearly in tears—truly, my eyes have been fairly misty—and requested out of the present. I used to be so offended about it. I wished off. As a result of I noticed the writing on the wall.

Damon was heading towards the love-interest function. I used to be like, “S—t, I’m in my early thirties, I’ve received a variety of this warmth due to this present, I’m certain I may go discover one thing that’s actually cool and darkish and edgy.”

Plec was quoted as describing the assembly she had with Somerhalder after studying how sad he was with the trajectory of his character. Plec additionally defined her understanding of why the actor was so upset that he wished to exit the sequence:

Plec: All I saved listening to have been rumblings like, “Ian’s not glad; Ian doesn’t like this season.” I’ve a sit-down with him once I lastly get to Atlanta, and that’s what he was upset about, it was as a result of it had turn into such an Authentic-centric season and since Stefan was attending to be Ripper Stefan, so Damon needed to be the hero.

He simply was so unhappy that Damon needed to be the hero and that Stefan received to be the villain and that Klaus was the villain and all people else was the villain, and it felt like an id disaster. That’s what was bumming him out.

Somerhalder and Plec describe their dialogue that led to the actor staying on The Vampire Diaries. Plec satisfied Somerhalder to remain by reminding him about his contract standing and making the actor really feel higher about his character’s future. Take a look at the remainder of their feedback beneath:

Somerhalder: I used to be like, “They’re going to show me right into a sappy character.” Julie was like, “You’re not leaving the present. Initially, you’re one of many stars and one of many components of the beating coronary heart of the present; and two, you signed a six-year contract, in order that’s not occurring; and three, don’t fear, there needs to be layers.”

Plec: I mentioned, “If one’s going darkish, the opposite has to go mild, there’s a steadiness within the narrative that we need to be taking part in round with these characters and supplying you with all thrilling and attention-grabbing issues to do, and that is Paul’s time. Let Paul have his time.”

Then he’s like, “However why do you write a lot for the Originals?” And I mentioned, “Have you ever heard them speak?” [Laughs] I mentioned to Matt Davis, who had an analogous criticism, I mentioned, “When a bunch of English and Australian actors are studying your phrases, it makes you’re feeling like you’re the greatest author on this planet, and perhaps we simply want somewhat confidence enhance over in LA.” We have been in sequence fatigue with all people else, so it made our jobs a lot extra pleasant than regular. They usually felt it, these boys felt it.

Somerhalder: She mentioned, “Dude, I get it, Damon can’t be a one-trick pony. It is a 100-episode arc of a person, there are ups and there are downs, and there are occasions when he’s the villain, there are occasions when he’s the hero.” I needed to belief in that course of.

What This Means For The Vampire Diaries’ Legacy

Somerhalder and Plec’s feedback about him nearly exiting the present are very revealing for a easy motive. All through tv historical past, there have been many examples of reveals that have been made by individuals who appeared like they weren’t that invested. Based mostly on the feedback about Somerhalder nearly leaving The Vampire Diaries‘ forged, each cared deeply.

Somerhalder made it clear that he cared a lot in regards to the path of his character that he nearly give up. He remarked that he was assured that he may get a brand new function, as he had a number of profitable characters beneath his belt already. Nonetheless, Somerhalder nearly gave up a lead function in successful present over his misery about his character’s portrayal.

Plec defined that the group behind the present put a variety of thought into balancing The Vampire Diaries storylines. Plec additionally revealed that she cared sufficient to take the time to assuage the troubles Somerhalder had about his character. Given how invested these two clearly have been, it is sensible that they made a present collectively that was beloved by tens of millions.

Our Take On Ian Somerhalder Nearly Quitting The Vampire Diaries

Studying how shut Somerhalder got here to quitting The Vampire Diaries could be very stunning. It’s extremely thought-provoking to consider how issues would have performed out if he had insisted on leaving regardless of his contractual standing on the time.

When most individuals take into consideration The Vampire Diaries, they envision Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Somerhalder. In fact, there have additionally been reveals which have survived a star leaving. Nonetheless, the present would have toppled if one of many individuals who made up the present’s basis had prematurely exited.

The Vampire Diaries

Launch Date

2009 – 2017-00-00

Showrunner

Julie Plec

Administrators

John Dahl

Writers

Julie Plec, Kevin Williamson, L.J. Smith