The Real-Life Bromance: The Unbreakable Bond Between Paul Wesley & Ian Somerhalder Beyond The Vampire Diaries

Summary

Paul Wesley explains that the dynamic he shares with Ian Somerhalder onscreen has been instrumental in cultivating a genuine friendship off-screen. Their distinctive personalities, while contrasting, have remarkably contributed to a captivating chemistry on camera.

Wesley and Somerhalder, who portrayed siblings Stefan and Damon Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries, have maintained a strong bond even after the show's conclusion. They have now come together to create a shared bourbon brand known as Brother's Bond Bourbon. Following their time on the series, Wesley has taken on roles in Tell Me a Story and joined the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, while Somerhalder has appeared in V Wars and served as an executive producer on the climate change documentary Kiss the Ground.

Paul Wesley opens up about how his onscreen chemistry with Ian Somerhalder on The Vampire Diaries had a positive impact on their real-life friendship. Playing the roles of Stefan and Damon Salvatore, these two actors portrayed one of the most memorable brotherly duos in TV history. Although The Vampire Diaries achieved widespread success due to its captivating storylines and compelling characters, the bond between Damon and Stefan undoubtedly stood out as a highlight.

Speaking on the Inside of You podcast with Michael Rosenbaum before the SAG-AFTRA strike, Wesley reveals that his complex yet magnetic connection with Somerhalder on The Vampire Diaries greatly enhanced their real-life friendship. He explains that they had completely contrasting personalities when they first started filming the series. However, this contrast played a crucial role in their onscreen chemistry and ultimately in their off-screen bond. Wesley's full quote is as follows:

"Our connection was immediate. Ian and I are complete opposites. We're like oil and vinegar in that sense, and I believe that worked to our advantage in a yin and yang kind of way. It greatly contributed to our onscreen chemistry, especially with the two brothers embodying polar opposite energies. Right from the start, we understood that we would collaborate effectively and create a captivating television series with our distinct personalities. And I believe this translates into our off-screen relationship, where we share many similarities. Now we even have a business together."

What Wesley & Somerhalder Have Done Since The Vampire Diaries

Damon and Stefan's onscreen relationship concluded in 2017 when The CW decided to end The Vampire Diaries after eight seasons. Throughout those seasons, however, they embarked on a remarkable journey. Although they were once close in their youth, Damon and Stefan began the series as foes due to their brotherly bond being disrupted in the 1800s when they both fell for the same woman. This history repeated itself with Elena (Nina Dobrev), but gradually, Damon and Stefan would find their way back to each other, strengthening their bond.

Following The Vampire Diaries, Wesley took on the role of a bartender and aspiring writer in both seasons of Kevin Williamson's psychological thriller, Tell Me a Story. Notably, he recently joined the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, portraying the character of Captain James T. Kirk. On the other hand, Somerhalder appeared in V Wars, a science fiction horror film, where he played the role of scientist and physician Dr. Luther Swann. Additionally, he made an appearance as himself in Kiss the Ground, a groundbreaking documentary on climate change, for which he also served as an executive producer.

Wesley and Somerhalder may have moved on from The Vampire Diaries, but their connection remains strong. In 2020, they teamed up to launch Brother's Bond Bourbon, a bourbon brand inspired by the show. Stefan and Damon's complicated onscreen relationship provided the basis for Wesley and Somerhalder's special bond.