‘The Vampire Diaries’: Nina Dobrev ‘Despised’ 1 Co-Star for Seasons Until Developing ‘Absolute Mutual Love’
The Vampire Diaries is a series that has inspired a cult following. Even though it has been off the air since 2017, fans are still binge-watching the show and eagerly discussing everything related to the series.
The Vampire Diaries has launched a veritable media franchise. To this day, there are rumblings that the show could make a comeback in some form.
One of the most interesting stories related to the filming of The Vampire Diaries is the long-standing rumor that Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley, two of the series leads, didn’t get along. Interestingly enough, this one rumor that has been confirmed by both stars.
When did ‘The Vampire Diaries’ debut on TV?
The Vampire Diaries debuted on television in 2009, based on the popular book series. It quickly became one of the CW’s most popular shows, and by the end of the first season, it was one of the hottest shows on television.
The Vampire Diaries told the story of Elena Gilbert, a young girl who becomes enmeshed in a world of supernatural thrills when she puts down roots in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia. The series ran for eight successful seasons. By the time that the series concluded in 2017, all the featured players had become celebrities — including Nina Dobrev.
Who did Nina Dobrev play on ‘The Vampire Diaries’?
Dobrev portrayed Elena Gilbert in The Vampire Diaries, a sweet girl-next-door who gets involved with the Salvatore Brothers and discovers intrigue and adventure, unlike anything she ever imagined. Early on in the series, Elena becomes involved with Stefan Salvatore, but as the show progressed, she discovers the depth of her feelings for Stefan’s brother, Damon.
Dobrev quickly became a fan-favorite thanks to her relatable, fascinating portrayal of Elena. She has since appeared in several major movie projects, including Lucky Day, Run This Town, and Then Came You — but she remains best known for her work in The Vampire Diaries.
Paul Wesley played Stefan on ‘The Vampire Diaries’
Dobrev’s romantic partner in the early seasons of The Vampire Diaries was Wesley, who played the wise, seductive vampire Stefan Salvatore. Much of Stefan’s character arc revolves not only around his romance with Elena as well as his love-hate relationship with his brother, Damon.
Stefan goes through a number of obstacles on his road to ultimate happiness, and although he doesn’t find true love with Elena in the end, he does sacrifice himself in a very heroic manner. For many viewers, Stefan is the true hero of The Vampire Diaries and a character that continues to live in on in fanfiction and supplementary material related to the series.
Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley had a long-running feud
While Wesley and Dobrev had to play lovers at the beginning of The Vampire Diaries, the truth of the matter is that the two had an antagonistic relationship at first. According to reports, the pair actually “hated” each other.
“Nina is my really good friend now, we talk all the time and it’s true. When we first started shooting The Vampire Diaries, we totally clashed,” Wesley later revealed. “We’re basically driving each other insane and then after a few seasons, we developed this absolute mutual love.”
Dobrev confirmed Wesley’s statements, saying: “Paul and I didn’t get along at the beginning of the show. We despised each other so much, that it read as love. We really just didn’t get along the first maybe five months of shooting.”
Clearly, the two were able to move past the trying times of those early days on set, and come to a place of not only mutual understanding but deep friendship.
