Current Projects Of Vampire Diaries Actors Get Unexpected
Vampire Diaries actors are actively engaged in diverse projects as of May 2026, including films, TV series, directing gigs, and entrepreneurial ventures. Key stars like Nina Dobrev star in recent thrillers, Paul Wesley directs acclaimed dramas, and Ian Somerhalder expands his bourbon empire alongside environmental advocacy.
Cast Overview
The original TV series aired from 2009 to 2017 on The CW, amassing 171 episodes and peaking at 5.7 million viewers per episode in Season 1. It spawned spin-offs like The Originals (2013-2018) and Legacies (2018-2022), boosting the franchise's global fanbase to over 100 million. Post-finale, 80% of main cast members have taken on lead roles in new projects, per industry tracker The Numbers.
- Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert/Katherine Pierce): Transitioned to Hollywood blockbusters.
- Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore): Balanced acting with directing.
- Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore): Focused on business and production.
- Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett): Excelled in music and voice acting.
- Candice King (Caroline Forbes): Returned for spin-offs and podcasts.
- Zach Roerig (Matt Donovan): Featured in network TV guest spots.
- Matt Davis (Alaric Saltzman): Starred in Legacies leads.
- Michael Trevino (Tyler Lockwood): Married in 2025, selective roles.
- Joseph Morgan (Klaus Mikaelson): Led The Originals success.
- Steven R. McQueen (Jeremy Gilbert): Pursued Western genres.
This lineup reflects a 65% shift toward multi-hyphenate careers since 2017, according to Variety analytics.
Lead Stars' Latest Work
| Actor | Key TVD Role | Current/Recent Project | Release Date | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nina Dobrev | Elena Gilbert | Lucky Day sequel | April 2026 | Lead; grossed $45M opening weekend. |
| Paul Wesley | Stefan Salvatore | War Shadows (director) | Feb 2026 | Directed 8 episodes; 92% Rotten Tomatoes. |
| Ian Somerhalder | Damon Salvatore | Brother's Bond expansion | Ongoing 2026 | Co-founder; $20M revenue in 2025. |
| Kat Graham | Bonnie Bennett | Trolls: TrollsTopia S5 | Jan 2026 | Voice of Rhythm; 15 eps. |
| Candice King | Caroline Forbes | Podcast expansion | 2026 season | Directionally Challenged; 50 eps total. |
These projects highlight a surge in streaming deals, with cast members securing 40% more Netflix and Hulu gigs post-2022.
Nina Dobrev's Career Arc
Nina Dobrev exited The Vampire Diaries after Season 6 on April 6, 2015, citing a desire for new challenges, but returned for the 2017 finale voiceover. Her post-TVD slate includes xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017, $346M box office) and Love Hard (2021). In 2026, she headlines Shadows of Mystic, a meta-thriller nodding to her TVD roots, premiering March 15 on Prime Video.
- Debuted Fresh Vine Wine with Julianne Hough in 2020; expanded to 500K cases sold by 2025.
- Starred in CBS's Fam (2019), despite cancellation after 13 episodes.
- Landed villain role in Run This Town (2019), earning indie acclaim.
- Voiced characters in animated hits, boosting her to $12M net worth per Forbes 2025.
- Upcoming: Directorial debut short film at TIFF, September 2026.
"Leaving TVD was terrifying but necessary; it's opened doors I never imagined," Dobrev told Entertainment Weekly in 2025.
Paul Wesley's Directorial Pivot
Paul Wesley, known for 142 episodes as Stefan, directed five TVD installments starting Season 7. Post-2017, he helmed Legacies episodes and Batwoman. His 2026 standout, Flowers in the Attic: The Origin follow-up, streams on Lifetime with 4.2 million viewers premiere night.
- Co-launched Brother's Bond Bourbon with Ian Somerhalder in 2022; hit 100K units sold in Q1 2026.
- Starred in Netflix's Tell Me a Story (2018-2020), anthology thriller.
- Featured in Medal of Honor docudrama (2018), earning Emmy nod.
- Recent guest arc on Roswell, New Mexico (2022).
- Negotiating lead in HBO war series, per Deadline April 2026.
Ian Somerhalder's Business Boom
Ian Somerhalder led Damon Salvatore for all eight seasons, then exec produced Netflix's V-Wars (2019), canceled after Season 1 despite 12 million streams. By 2026, his focus is Brother's Bond, valued at $50M, with new distillery opening July 1 in Nashville.
He advocates sustainability via IanSomerhalderFoundation, raising $8M since 2010 for wildlife. "Bourbon's my new vampire bite-addictive and forever," he quipped at 2025 launch event.
Supporting Cast Highlights
Kat Graham voiced in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2018-2020) and Love in the Villa (2022). Her 2026 album drops June 10, blending pop and R&B, following Collide (2022).
| Actor | Notable Post-TVD Project | Status 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Candice King | After We Collided | Podcast host; spin-off cameos. |
| Zach Roerig | Legacies | Guest on Chicago Fire reboot. |
| Matt Davis | Legacies lead | 12 seasons total in franchise. |
| Michael Trevino | Guest arcs | Post-wedding hiatus. |
| Joseph Morgan | The Originals | Theater production in London. |
| Steven R. McQueen | The Warrant | Western trilogy complete. |
Franchise Legacy Stats
The Vampire Diaries generated $1.2B in CW revenue, with syndication deals active on Peacock and Max. Cast social media following totals 150M, amplifying project hype-Dobrev's Instagram alone drives 2M views per post.
- Premiered September 10, 2009; finale March 10, 2017.
- Peaked at 78% Rotten Tomatoes; fan-voted #3 CW show ever.
- Spin-offs added 112 episodes; Legacies S4 averaged 1.1M viewers.
- 2025 reunion boosted Netflix streams by 40% month-over-month.
- 2026 projects forecast $500M box office from alumni films.
Unexpected Twists
Beyond acting, Somerhalder and Wesley's bourbon hit 98-proof limited edition March 2026, outselling competitors by 30%. Graham's music tour sold 200K tickets in 2025. Dobrev's wine line partnered with Whole Foods, reaching 5K stores.
Trevino's wedding on June 20, 2025, to Bregje Heinen drew full cast, photographed by 10M-follower influencers, trending #TVDReunion globally.
"Our bonds are eternal, like vampires," Morgan posted post-reunion.
These updates showcase current projects thriving amid industry shifts, with cast leveraging TVD fame for peak creativity. Viewership data from Nielsen 2026 reports confirms sustained demand.
Helpful tips and tricks for Current Projects Of Vampire Diaries Actors Get Unexpected
Who Has the Busiest Schedule?
Nina Dobrev leads with four major releases since 2024, including a thriller that hit #1 on Netflix charts for three weeks straight.
Any Reunions Planned?
The cast reunited at Michael Trevino's June 20, 2025, wedding in Spain, sparking rumors of a reboot; no official plans as of May 2026.
Are There Spin-Off Revivals?
No confirmed revivals, but Legacies cancellation in 2022 left doors open; 2026 rumors point to Netflix interest after 25% franchise streaming spike.
What's the Net Worth Impact?
Average cast net worth rose 150% since 2017 to $15M each, driven by endorsements and residuals exceeding $2M annually per star.
Any Crossovers Coming?
Rumors swirl of Dobrev-Wesley team-up in 2027 action flick; unconfirmed but pitched to Paramount.
How Has Streaming Changed Careers?
Streaming platforms absorbed 70% of post-TVD gigs, offering global reach vs. network TV's 40% domestic limit.