The Casting Search That Defined The Vampire Diaries

The casting of the Salvatore brothers, Stefan and Damon, was a rigorous, months-long process that became the defining hurdle for The Vampire Diaries producers before the show’s 2009 premiere. To secure the central love triangle opposite Nina Dobrev’s Elena Gilbert, showrunners Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson conducted extensive chemistry reads, ultimately selecting Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder after a process that saw dozens of actors audition for the roles.

How the Salvatore Brothers Were Cast

Finding the right actors to portray the centuries-old vampire brothers required balancing intense dramatic chemistry with the specific tone of the CW series. According to showrunner Julie Plec in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the production team searched extensively for the lead actors, requiring Nina Dobrev to perform numerous chemistry reads with various candidates. Paul Wesley, who eventually landed the role of Stefan Salvatore, auditioned approximately 15 times throughout the casting cycle. Ian Somerhalder’s path to the role of Damon Salvatore was more abrupt; he entered the casting process late, effectively securing the part shortly before production began.

Which Actors Auditioned for the Salvatore Roles?

The search for the leads involved several actors who eventually secured other prominent roles within the franchise or were considered for the Salvatore brothers based on their previous work. Notable actors who read for the parts of Stefan or Damon included:

• Zach Roerig: Cast as Matt Donovan.
• Michael Trevino: Cast as Tyler Lockwood.
• Nathaniel Buzolic: Later cast as the Original vampire Kol Mikaelson.
• David Gallagher: The 7th Heaven actor was a top contender, though producers expressed concern regarding his previous association with the family drama. Gallagher eventually joined the series in a recurring role as the werewolf Ray Sutton.

Why Paul Wesley Stood Out to His Co-stars

The decision to cast Paul Wesley was heavily influenced by his professional demeanor during the chemistry reads. Nina Dobrev noted that Wesley’s approach to the audition process differed significantly from other actors. In an oral history with Entertainment Weekly, Dobrev recalled that Wesley was the only actor who did not attempt to force chemistry or engage in unnecessary conversation while the cameras were off. This reserved approach helped him secure the role, as it contrasted with other auditioning actors who were perceived as “trying too hard.”

Key Takeaways from the Casting Process

• Audition Volume: Paul Wesley auditioned 15 times before being confirmed for the role of Stefan.
• Late Entrants: Ian Somerhalder joined the casting process late, whereas other actors like David Gallagher were considered early in the development phase.
• Chemistry Focus: The production prioritized Nina Dobrev’s comfort and professional chemistry with her co-stars, as the show’s central narrative relied heavily on the dynamic between Elena and the Salvatore brothers.
• Internal Casting: Several actors who were rejected for the Salvatore brothers were later cast in other significant roles, showing the production team’s commitment to keeping strong talent within the CW’s casting pool.

Contextualizing the Search

The intensity of this casting process reflected the high stakes for The CW at the time. Following the success of Twilight, the network needed The Vampire Diaries to anchor its primetime schedule. The contrast between Wesley’s methodical audition process and Somerhalder’s “out of the blue” casting illustrates the two different approaches the production took to solidify the show’s leads. While many shows rely on established stars, the producers of The Vampire Diaries opted for a prolonged, exhaustive search to ensure the specific, nuanced chemistry required for the show’s supernatural romance.