Elena-less The Vampire Diaries Was So Bad That Fans Would’ve Preferred a Recast
Nina Dobrev’s departure from the beloved series didn’t have to influence it so much.
Even though it's been more than six years since the series ended, The Vampire Diaries fans are still looking back with a sense of nostalgia and various thoughts on how the finale could have been handled better.
From the way some characters ended up in the most uncharacteristic circumstances to the two-year absence of the main character, viewers had a lot of bones to pick with the showrunners.
While some fans found themselves enjoying the adventures of the citizens of Mystic Falls much more when Elena was gone, others felt that the show wasn't the same after she was put into a spellbound sleep by Kai.
Of course, Nina Dobrev's desire to leave the role behind and pursue something bigger after six years on The Vampire Diaries set was understandable, but fans didn't share the ease with which the showrunners let her go. In fact, there was an option that was never publicly discussed that could have saved the show from all the backlash.
Elena Gilbert could have been recast. There are at least two actresses who shared uncanny resemblance to The Vampire Diaries star and, therefore, could have been approached by casting directors. Both Victoria Justice and Alexandra Chando, the two actresses who fans say look the most like Nina Dobrev, are known for their TV roles, so they would be familiar with all the processes.
Besides, for true fans, it was never about the actress, it was about the character. Even though Elena Gilbert wasn't the wisest at times and still had things to learn, she was a relatable character that many viewers could associate themselves with.
Starting as a high school student and then entering her young adult life, Elena had to deal with all the supernatural stuff as well as her everyday struggles. That's what captivated viewers about her character more than any on-screen romance or friendship she had.
Whether you agree that the recast would've been the best option to keep The Vampire Diaries from completely falling apart, or you enjoy the way things have worked out without Elena in town, you're probably up for a nostalgic dive into the earlier seasons of the show. The Vampire Diaries is available to stream on Max.