Sebastian Stan Explains the Shocking Reason He Turned Down a Role on “The Vampire Diaries”

Sebastian Stan, a talented actor whose career has spanned various genres, recently reflected on his early career decisions during an appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. He shared insights into why he declined a role in the popular series, “The Vampire Diaries,” a decision he does not regret despite the show’s considerable success.

Stan, now 44, looked back on his experiences in the entertainment industry during the podcast episode aired on 5 October. He recalled the aftermath of his role in the 2006 film “The Covenant,” where he played a warlock alongside actors like Taylor Kitsch and Chace Crawford. The film was well-received among its cast, with each member reportedly earning $65,000. At that time, for Stan, whose income included juggling restaurant jobs, such a paycheck was significant and transformative.

Despite the success of “The Covenant,” Stan saw many of his co-stars moving on to major television roles, with Crawford landing a lead role in “Gossip Girl” and Kitsch rising to fame on “Friday Night Lights.” Stan admitted feeling like he was lagging behind, but he soon found solace in making his Broadway debut in Eric Bogosian’s “Talk Radio,” which featured Liev Schreiber. This experience helped bolster his confidence in a difficult industry.

During the podcast, host Josh Horowitz highlighted that a recent book about “The Vampire Diaries” revealed Stan was considered for a leading role. Stan confirmed that he was offered the character Paul Wesley ultimately portrayed, Stefan Salvatore. This character became iconic over the series’ eight-season run, which began in 2009 and concluded in 2017.

However, Stan opted to decline the opportunity. Fresh off the cancellation of NBC’s “Kings,” a modern adaptation of the biblical tale of King David where he played a character grappling with his sexuality, he was understandably cautious. “I had just come off Kings, and I felt really burnt out from that not working out,” he recounted. Stan confessed that the prospect of being involved in another series that might similarly falter was unappealing.

He voiced concerns about being typecast in supernatural roles, as “The Vampire Diaries” shared thematic elements with “The Covenant.” Stan reflected, “I didn’t do it. And then the show went on to be super successful.” His remark illustrates not only his introspection but also the unpredictable nature of success in Hollywood.

Looking back on his career, including missed opportunities such as not landing roles in “Green Lantern” and “Star Trek,” Stan expressed gratitude for how things unfolded. He mentioned that he may not have been prepared for the intense scrutiny and visibility that such roles would have brought at that stage in his life. “Emotionally and mentally, I know what I went through during those early years,” he noted.

Now, with a successful career marked by prominent roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including the character Bucky Barnes, and recent accolades such as an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Donald Trump in “The Apprentice,” Stan feels fortunate in his journey. Upcoming projects, including the legal thriller “Fjord” and a role in “The Batman: Part II,” signal that his career continues to thrive.

In his reflections, Stan concluded with a sentiment of appreciation for the timing of opportunities in his life. “Timing is such a big thing. It really happens in certain ways when I think you’re ready,” he stated, positioning himself as a late bloomer who ultimately wouldn’t change his path. His career trajectory underlines the notion that success can come in various forms and often at unexpected moments.