Did Jason Momoa almost land a key role in The Vampire Diaries? Details revealed 

The Vampire Diaries is one of those iconic teen TV shows that gave us unforgettable characters, and one of them was Alaric Saltzman, the history teacher turned vampire hunter who soon became a fan favorite.

But here is a wild thought that you can think on: What if Alaric hadn't been played by Matthew Davis? What if Jason Momoa were the one to end up taking the History teacher's role?

As unbelievable as it sounds, Momoa did actually audition for TVD. Yes, Jason Momoa was almost cast as the Mystic Falls High History teacher, and the casting choice could have changed everything for the teen vampire TV show.

Jason Momoa’s surprising connection to The Vampire Diaries

Long before he was Aquaman, Jason Momoa tried his luck with The Vampire Diaries. According to Samantha Highfill's BTS book, I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries, Momoa auditioned for the role of Alaric Saltzman. This tiny detail shook many fans because it is hard to picture Mystic Falls' History teacher being played by someone other than Matthew Davis.

At the time, Momoa wasn't the star he is today. He had already done some TV roles but hadn't yet had the breakout role. If he had been cast as Rick, Momoa's screen presence would have given Alaric a completely different look and feel.

A show like TVD that was successful because of its romance, angst, and supernatural charm might have taken a slightly darker and much more different turn with Momoa being in the cast.

Still, it was Davis who took the role. His softer side is what gave the fans a character who tried his best to balance out the supernatural chaos of Mystic Falls with a parental-like presence, which is exactly why Rick feels so loved.

How the show might have changed with Jason Momoa as Alaric?

The Vampire Diaries lasted for 8 seasons, introducing many supernatural villains/creatures, romances, and twists. Alaric became important for most of it, not just as a teacher, not just as a hunter, but mostly as a father figure to Elena and Jeremy. He was also a loyal best friend to Damon, and a man with heavy grief.

Now picture Jason Momoa in that very same role. Momoa feels more like a warrior rather than a quiet history teacher. His take on Alaric would have added intensity, but it also might have changed the balance of the show we know of today. The constant banter with Damon or his bond with Jeremy might not have felt the same way. Fans might have seen Alaric less as the protective, relatable character and more as a warrior, perhaps?

Of course, Momoa's career turned out well. Not getting cast in The Vampire Diaries led him to having roles in Game of Thrones, Conan the Barbarian, and eventually DC's Aquaman. Missing Mystic Falls might have been fate working in his favor.

Meanwhile, Davis gave TVD a version of Alaric that became important to its legacy. In the end, it is one of those "what ifs" Hollywood stories that makes you realize how one casting choice can change a show and an actor's career.

The Vampire Diaries almost looked very different with Jason Momoa as Alaric, but perhaps it was fate that had other plans. While Matthew Davis fit the role perfectly, Momoa went on to make his way into Hollywood in his very own way.

Both actors found their paths, but it is interesting to imagine how the story of Mystic Falls could have been changed if Momoa were involved in fighting off Vampires, teaching History, and babysitting Jeremy and Elena.

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Also read: You can’t deny that Ripper Stefan was way more fun than his normal self in The Vampire Diaries

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