Andrew Eccles/The CW 2009
For many readers of the Vampire Diaries book series, Paul Wesley fits the description of Stefan Salvatore perfectly. He's handsome, smoldering and mysterious. He even has some prominent fang-like teeth. So while he may now seem like a shoe-in for the part, Paul admits that the audition process was grueling. In fact, he only had about two weeks from the time he was cast until they began filming the pilot.
While it was a summer arts program in third grade that introduced Paul to acting, he didn’t land his first television role until high school. Since that time he has honed his craft in numerous television roles. Ironically, his first starring role was in the series Fallen. His character was a young man struggling to come to terms with the fact that he was half angel. It’s quite a jump from angel to vampire, but Paul seems more than ready to take on the challenge.
Upon learning that he would play the part of Stefan, Paul immediately threw himself into the books. He wanted to get as much back story as possible. The explanations that he gives of Stefan, and his relationships with Elena and Damon, seem to demonstrate a wonderful grasp of the role. He calls the chance to play such a “meaty character” an actor’s dream.
Just like his costar Nina Debrov, Paul has dealt with the comparisons between Twilight and Vampire Diaries. While he agrees that there are some definite similarities, “they're both age old vampires who are in love with mortal girls and the stories take place in high school settings,” he is quick to point out that Edward and Stefan are two very different people, well, vampires.
I'm just now learning about Edward Cullen because people keep asking me about it [laughs]. But when we were shooting, I had no idea who Edward Cullen was -- or what 'Twilight' was. I'm sure he's incredible, but I'm not going to think too much about him because for me, it's all about Stefan!
There are many Vampire Diaries fans out there echoing that sentiment.
Vampire Diaries airs Thursdays at 8/7c on CW, Watch full episodes and previews on CW.com
Comments