Was Sebastian Stan almost cast in The Vampire Diaries? Here's what we know

A new book sheds light on the casting of The Vampire Diaries, sharing stories from the people involved in choosing its stars. Titled I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries, the book features interviews with casting directors, producers, and others who worked on the show.

It reveals how many decisions were made quickly and how some actors nearly landed key roles. One interesting detail is that Sebastian Stan, a name now known from his Marvel roles, was seriously discussed for a Salvatore brother role early on.

He even took a meeting and read for parts of both Stefan and Damon before things fell through. This story has resurfaced in the news as the book’s official release approaches on September 9, 2025.

Fans are seeing fresh coverage because the timing gives new context to what happened behind the scenes during those early casting days. The upcoming book promises more of these casting stories, offering a new angle on how the show’s main actors were chosen.

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Sebastian Stan was considered for both Stefan and Damon

Casting notes show that Stanford actor Sebastian Stan met with the team about playing Stefan Salvatore, and he also read for Damon at one point. The production team saw him as a possible fit for either brother, which means he was seriously in the running rather than a distant rumor. These meetings happened during the early studio discussions, before final offers were made.

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Scheduling conflicts prevented Stan from taking the role

When casting began, Sebastian Stan was already committed to another TV project, NBC’s Kings. The scheduling conflict with The Vampire Diaries prevented him from taking on either of the lead roles.In short, it was availability, not a lack of interest, that kept him from joining the series.

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Several other actors in The Vampire Diaries were also serious contenders

Sebastian Stan was not the only name being discussed. Steven Strait was considered for Stefan but declined. Nathaniel Buzolic came close for Stefan as well.

For Damon, the team looked at a wide pool of actors, including Matt Czuchry, Jesse Bradford, and Travis Van Winkle. The accounts in the book make it clear that the casting team tried many combinations before settling on the final pair.

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Final casting choices were shaped by timing, chemistry, and persistence

The book “The Vampire Diaries” highlights how casting combined practical issues and personal judgment. Casting director Lesli Gelles-Raymond insisted on Paul Wesley playing Stefan, despite objections from some executives.

For Damon’s role, the producers auditioned hundreds of actors before ultimately casting Ian Somerhalder. While not every screen test went smoothly, they recognized qualities in him that aligned with the character. The final decision came after countless test moments, studio feedback, and strong advocates who collectively shaped the choice of leads.

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As I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries prepares for release on September 9, 2025, it pulls back the curtain on the casting process that shaped one of the most enduring teen dramas of its era. Beyond confirming near-misses like Sebastian Stan, the book captures the mix of chance, persistence, and instinct that ultimately brought Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder to life as the Salvatore brothers. For longtime fans, it offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the show’s legacy began.