Nearly a decade after The Vampire Diaries concluded, the show remains a cultural touchstone for fans of supernatural dramas. Among the many well-known stories from its production, one surprising detail recently came to light: Jason Momoa and Joe Manganiello were both considered for a prominent role on the series. This revelation sheds new light on the show’s casting process and what might have been.
The CW’s popular series featured a mix of vampires, witches, and hunters, anchoring its story around characters like Alaric Saltzman, a history teacher and vampire hunter. According to Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly’s executive editor who authored a comprehensive oral history book on the show, Momoa and Manganiello both auditioned for this particular role. While Matt Davis ultimately embodied Saltzman across the show’s eight-season run, these early casting considerations add a new layer to the series’ history.
Insights from the Oral History of The Vampire Diaries
Samantha Highfill’s book, I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries, offers behind-the-scenes perspectives gained from extensive interviews with the series’ cast and crew. Highfill’s research uncovered that casting choices almost saw a different lineup. For example, Paul Wesley was nearly cast as Damon Salvatore before Ian Somerhalder secured the role, while Wesley went on to play Stefan Salvatore.
More notably, Highfill’s conversation with series co-creator Julie Plec revealed the involvement of Jason Momoa and Joe Manganiello during auditions for Alaric Saltzman. However, Matt Davis was ultimately chosen for the part, bringing a definitive presence to the character throughout the show’s run.
Potential Career Shifts If Casting Had Changed
Reflecting on what might have been, Momoa’s near casting as Alaric raises questions about how his career trajectory could have shifted. At the time The Vampire Diaries was casting in the late 2000s, Momoa had just finished his role as Ronon Dex on Stargate Atlantis. Had he taken the role on TVD, he might not have been available to play Khal Drogo in the first two seasons of Game of Thrones, a role that significantly boosted his profile.
Joe Manganiello, on the other hand, was also building his television career with parts in series like How I Met Your Mother, ’Til Death, and another CW hit, One Tree Hill, where he portrayed bartender Owen Morello. Manganiello’s casting as a vampire hunter would have represented quite a departure from his previous roles and might have altered his subsequent choice to star as Alcide Herveaux on HBO’s True Blood.
Considering their careers today, it seems fortunate that both actors found roles that suited them well. Manganiello’s presence on True Blood would likely have conflicted with a role on The Vampire Diaries, given the timing.
The Role of Alaric Saltzman and Its Portrayal
Matt Davis’s portrayal of Alaric Saltzman is remembered fondly by fans and critics alike. His work helped solidify the character as a key figure within the TVD universe. The character’s mix of history teacher and vampire hunter provided a unique connection between the human world and the supernatural elements of the series.
With The Vampire Diaries now available for streaming on HBO Max, viewers can revisit Davis’s performance alongside other series and films that star Jason Momoa and Joe Manganiello — underscoring how the stars’ careers have diverged yet remained successful.
Enduring Interest and What This Means for Fans
The revelation about these near-castings is more than just trivia; it offers a thoughtful reflection on the many factors influencing a show’s final cast and the ripple effects on actors’ careers. It also deepens appreciation for the casting decisions that shaped The Vampire Diaries’ lasting legacy.
For fans, the story highlights an intriguing “what if” scenario but also celebrates the successes of all involved. It reminds viewers how close the show came to having a very different look, yet it ultimately launched careers and maintained a beloved place in the supernatural genre.
The Vampire Diaries’ continued presence on streaming platforms ensures both longtime fans and new viewers can explore the series and its characters while considering these fascinating behind-the-scenes details.
