Sebastian Stan reveals why he turned down ‘The Vampire Diaries’ lead role

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sebastian Stan has disclosed that he was the first person offered the role of Stefan Salvatore in ‘The Vampire Diaries’.

The actor, 44, also explained why he turned it down, eventually leading to Paul Wesley being cast as Salvatore in the supernatural teen drama, which went on to become a massive hit.

Sebastian Stan turned down 'Vampire Diaries' role

Speaking with Josh Horowitz on the ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast, the Oscar-nominated actor said, as per The Hollywood Reporter, “They offered me Paul Wesley’s role."

He added, "I had just come off ‘Kings’ and I sort of felt really burnt out from that not working out and just sort of the idea of thinking, ‘Oh, I’m just going to sign up again for something that probably is not going to get to the second season.’”

“And I think it was because ‘The Covenant’ sort of was in that supernatural world, and yeah, I didn’t do it. And then the show went on to be super successful,” he added.

Sebastian Stan reflects on career and success

But Stan admitted that he feels grateful for how his career has unfolded.

He continued, “Now looking back, I feel grateful in a way ’cause I don’t know if I was really ready for that kind of exposure when I was younger, to be honest. Emotionally and mentally, I know what I went through in those years and my focus was all over the place.”

“Maybe that’s just ’cause it worked out the way it did and this is my story, but I’m definitely in a place right now where I wouldn’t change anything,” the Romanian-American actor stated.

Sebastian Stan teases 'The Batman: Part II'

In the same podcast interview, Stan opened up about his mysterious role in ‘The Batman: Part II’.

Calling it “One of the most challenging situations I’ve been involved in,” he told Horowitz, “I feel like it’s hard to talk about it without it becoming some speculative thing from some corner. I think it’s a very ambitious thing, and I hope it lands right.”

‘The Apprentice’ star also praised director Matt Reeves, describing him as “truly a genius of our time”.

“He knows what he’s doing. And so I’m just happy to be part of that vision,” Stan noted, before asserting, “I just think it’s going to be great. This is definitely, for me, feeling like something very different than I’ve gotten to do. And that’s what I love, and I’m excited about.”