Uncovering The Vampire Diaries’ Juicy Secrets: Love Triangles, Contract Drama, and More

As a seasoned entertainment journalist with a knack for cutting through the noise, I’m here to give you the lowdown on The Vampire Diaries’ behind-the-scenes secrets. It’s hard to believe it’s been 16 years since the show first premiered on September 10, 2009, captivating audiences with its intricate love triangles and supernatural drama.

The CW hit, based on the book series by L.J. Smith and created by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, followed the lives of Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley), and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) in the small town of Mystic Falls. As I dug into the show’s history, I discovered that Nina Dobrev almost didn’t land the role of Elena, with Ashlee Simpson, Jessica Simpson’s younger sister, initially considered for the part. However, after finding Nina, the network eventually cast Ashlee on their Melrose Place revival.

Interestingly, Ashley Tisdale, fresh from her High School Musical days, was also offered the role of Elena but turned it down to star in Hellcats, which aired for just one season on The CW. Nina later revealed to E! News that the casting competition was fierce, with “half of Hollywood” vying for the roles. “I guess I did something right. Here I am,” she quipped.

During its eight-season run, The Vampire Diaries had its fair share of on-screen romance and off-screen drama. Ian Somerhalder, who played the charismatic Damon Salvatore, initially had doubts about the show’s trajectory and his character’s development. In an interview, he confessed that he was “so upset about the trajectory of Damon” and considered leaving the show, feeling that his character was heading toward a love-interest role. However, creator Julie Plec convinced him to stay, assuring him that there were “layers” to the character.

Meanwhile, Nina Dobrev’s contract negotiations were a different story. After her six-season contract expired, she requested a salary adjustment, citing the double workload she had taken on by playing multiple characters. Although she received a slight bump, it never equaled that of her male co-stars, leaving her feeling undervalued. “It felt like they were saying that all the hard work I was putting into it didn’t matter to them, and that I wasn’t an equal to my male counterparts, and so that was upsetting to me,” she shared.

The show’s cast also experienced their fair share of on-screen love triangles and off-screen romances. Paul Wesley and Nina Dobrev, who played love interests on the show, reportedly dated in real life, while Ian Somerhalder and co-star Candice King also had a romantic relationship.

As I reflect on The Vampire Diaries’ legacy, it’s clear that the show’s impact extends beyond its eight-season run. With two successful spinoffs, The Originals and Legacies, the franchise continues to captivate audiences. And as for Nina Dobrev, she’s gone on to pursue other projects, including her recent appearance in the film Nobody Will Save You.

In conclusion, The Vampire Diaries may have ended, but its secrets and drama continue to fascinate fans. From contract disputes to on-screen love triangles, there’s no denying that the show’s behind-the-scenes stories are just as captivating as its supernatural plotlines.

And that’s today’s dose of reality. You’re welcome.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed