Ian Somerhalder Reveals ‘Controversial’ Reason He Left Hollywood and ‘Pulled the Plug’ on His Acting Career

**Ian Somerhalder Speaks Out on His Departure from Hollywood**

Ian Somerhalder, best known for his role in the popular series “The Vampire Diaries,” has opened up about his decision to step away from the acting scene in August 2019. Now, nearly seven years later, he reveals the motivations behind his withdrawal from Hollywood and the unexpected challenges he faced while working on his cancelled Netflix series “V Wars.”

In a candid interview on the “Haley on the Go” podcast, Somerhalder described the “really honest, kind of controversial” reasoning that led him to leave his career in acting when he found himself at a crossroads. The cancellation of “V Wars” had a significant impact on him, as he expressed disappointment in the final product, despite the effort he and his team had invested.

“I wanted to do ‘V Wars’ because it was me, not as a vampire, but as a scientist,” Somerhalder explained, reflecting on the enthusiasm surrounding the project prior to its production. The actor relocated his family to Northern Ontario, where they dedicated substantial time and resources to the project. However, when he viewed the edited version, he felt it was “not even watchable.”

Somerhalder went on to share that he had serious concerns about the final cut and even offered to financially back the studio so that his name wouldn’t be associated with the unsatisfactory version. “I’ll give you the money back — I’ll give you millions of dollars,” he recounted telling the studio representatives during a moment of frustration.

Despite their assurances, the studio declined his requests for creative control over the project. Somerhalder and his producing partner, James Gibb, took matters into their own hands, raising over £6 million to rework the show. Following an intense filming schedule that left him hospitalised due to exhaustion, the series eventually debuted in December 2019. Although it started strong, Netflix chose to cancel it shortly after.

“[There were] executives fighting,” Somerhalder alleged, “and someone quietly cancelled the show.” He recalled being informed that reinstating it would set an unsustainable precedent for the network. For Somerhalder, it became clear that he did not wish to invest his life into a system that felt arbitrary or motivated by personal vendettas of those in power.

When reflecting on his experience, he stated, “I looked at myself in the mirror, and I said to my wife, I was like, man, I’m 40. I don’t want to spend two years of my life… for an executive who had issues in high school.” It was this realisation that prompted him to draw a line and ultimately disconnect from an industry he felt was increasingly tumultuous.

Now, Somerhalder has relocated with his wife, Nikki Reed, and their children to a farm outside Los Angeles, concentrating on new ventures beyond the entertainment industry. He emphasised his desire to live a life dictated by his values and principles rather than corporate politics.

Despite his disengagement from Hollywood, there remains a glimmer of hope for fans of “V Wars,” as Somerhalder disclosed that the rights to the show have reverted back to him and Gibb. However, he remained uncertain about the feasibility of reviving the television series, stating, “I just don’t know how the hell we would ever make a TV show.”

As for his future in acting, Somerhalder commented that it has largely become a thing of the past. He expressed contentment in his current life away from the spotlight and his commitment to building a future in new business opportunities. The actor’s reflections serve as a reminder of the complexities and pressures of the entertainment industry while highlighting his determination to carve a new path for himself and his family.

Ian Somerhalder’s journey offers insight into the challenges faced by many in the industry, alongside a broader narrative of pursuing one’s happiness beyond the boundaries of fame and success.