Where Are They Now? The Vampire Diaries Cast’s Shocking New Projects And 2025 Updates

The Vampire Diaries (TVD) cast continues to captivate fans years after the final episode aired, and as of December 2025, the actors behind the iconic characters are busier than ever, moving into new genres, directing, and even launching global businesses. The supernatural teen drama that defined a generation continues to live on through its spin-offs, *The Originals* and *Legacies*, but it's the professional and personal lives of the original Mystic Falls crew—Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, and Paul Wesley—that are generating the most buzz, with major career pivots and exciting new projects currently underway. This in-depth article explores the latest updates on the core *TVD* cast, detailing their current professional endeavors, recent reunions, and the persistent rumors about a potential return to the world of vampires, witches, and werewolves. We’ve done the deep dive into the latest news to bring you the freshest information on where your favorite stars from the series are now.

The Main Cast: Full Biography and Iconic Roles

The success of *The Vampire Diaries* universe hinges on the chemistry and talent of its main ensemble. Here is a quick reference guide to the core cast members and their enduring legacy on the show:

• Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert / Katherine Pierce)
  • Date of Birth: January 9, 1989
  • Iconic Role: Elena Gilbert, the compassionate human doppelgänger, and Katherine Pierce, the manipulative vampire doppelgänger. Her portrayal of both characters was central to the 'Stelena' vs. 'Delena' love triangle.
  • Current Status: Active in film and television, with a major new TV role announced.
• Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore)
  • Date of Birth: July 23, 1982
  • Iconic Role: Stefan Salvatore, the brooding, heroic vampire brother known for his ripper past and his unwavering love for Elena. He was the moral compass of the Salvatore Brothers.
  • Current Status: Highly active in major television franchises and behind-the-scenes as a producer and director.
• Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore)
  • Date of Birth: December 8, 1978
  • Iconic Role: Damon Salvatore, the charming, reckless, and sarcastic vampire brother who eventually found redemption and his true love with Elena (Delena).
  • Current Status: Primarily focused on business, environmentalism, and philanthropy.
• Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett)
  • Date of Birth: September 5, 1989
  • Iconic Role: Bonnie Bennett, the powerful witch and best friend to Elena and Caroline. Her character's sacrifices were a recurring, vital element of the series.
  • Current Status: Pursuing directing, film, and music projects.
• Candice King (Caroline Forbes)
  • Date of Birth: May 13, 1987
  • Iconic Role: Caroline Forbes, who transformed from an insecure human into a strong, organized, and fiercely loyal vampire. She was the cornerstone of the 'Forwood' and 'Klaroline' ships.
  • Current Status: Focused on podcasting and personal life, including a major family announcement.

Beyond Mystic Falls: The Cast’s Hottest New Projects and Ventures in 2025

While the Mystic Falls High School days are long gone, the original cast members have successfully transitioned their careers, with several major announcements making headlines in late 2024 and 2025. Their current work spans major sci-fi franchises, new thriller series, and significant business ventures, proving their versatility beyond the supernatural drama genre.

Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley: From Vampires to Starships and Thrillers

The actors who played the core of the love triangle are leading the charge in new, high-profile television projects. Nina Dobrev, after focusing on film roles like *The Out-Laws*, is set to make a major return to television. She has signed on to star in the forthcoming erotic thriller series, Night Float, a project that promises a dark and intense tone, a significant departure from her role as Elena Gilbert.

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Meanwhile, Paul Wesley has established himself as a prominent figure in the science fiction world. He is currently starring as the iconic James T. Kirk in the Paramount+ series, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, with the third season premiere slated for July 17th. This role has solidified his status in another major fandom. In addition to his acting, Wesley continues to expand his work behind the camera, both directing and executive-producing the upcoming six-part Ukrainian war series, Unspoken. He is also reportedly developing a new vampire-led TV project for Fox, bringing him back to the genre that made him famous.

Ian Somerhalder: Business, Bourbon, and Environmentalism

Ian Somerhalder has largely pivoted away from acting to focus on his passion for environmentalism and business. His most successful venture is Brother's Bond Bourbon, co-founded with Paul Wesley. In 2025, the brand has seen "strong global growth," expanding its distribution and releasing a new regenerative grain batch bourbon—a testament to Somerhalder’s focus on sustainability. This business relationship keeps the Salvatore Brothers connected in the real world.

Beyond bourbon, Somerhalder is a dedicated environmental advocate, serving as a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador and channeling his energy into sustainable farming at his own property. He also co-founded The Absorption Company, further cementing his commitment to green initiatives, suggesting his career is now more focused on global impact than Hollywood roles.

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Kat Graham and Candice King: Directing and New Beginnings

Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett) has been actively diversifying her career. In 2025, she made her directorial debut with the psychological short film The Move, which she also co-produced and starred in. She is also set to star in the new movie If I Run. Graham continues to use her platform for social causes, participating in international humanitarian efforts.

Candice King (Caroline Forbes) has been focusing on her podcast, "Directionally Challenged," co-hosted with fellow *TVD* alum Kayla Ewell (Vicki Donovan). In late 2025, King made a major personal announcement, confirming she is expecting a baby with her fiancé, Steven Krueger (Josh Rosza in *The Originals*). This news has been celebrated by the extended *TVD* family, highlighting the close bonds of the cast.

The Future of the TVD Universe: Spin-Offs, Reunions, and the Season 9 Rumors

Despite the end of the second spin-off, *Legacies*, the *Vampire Diaries* universe is far from closed. The cast’s enduring connection and the co-creator’s enthusiasm keep the possibility of a return alive.

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The Spin-Off Buzz: Franchise co-creator Julie Plec has consistently hinted that she has ideas for a fourth *Vampire Diaries* spin-off. She has stated that "all anybody has to do is ask," suggesting that the door is open for a new series that could potentially explore a different corner of the supernatural world or even revisit established characters like the Mikaelson family from *The Originals*.

Recent Cast Reunions: Fans have been treated to multiple recent reunions, proving the cast's real-life friendships are intact. Notable gatherings include:

• A large group of cast members, including Michael Trevino (Tyler Lockwood), Sara Canning (Jenna Sommers), and Claire Holt (Rebekah Mikaelson), reunited at Michael Trevino's wedding.
• Nina Dobrev, Candice King, and Kat Graham had a fan-favorite reunion at a recent convention, sharing photos and stories that delighted 'Bamon' and 'Forwood' shippers alike.
• Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley continue to work together on Brother's Bond Bourbon, frequently appearing together for promotional events, much to the pleasure of 'Delena' and 'Stelena' fans who love seeing the Salvatore Brothers together.

The Season 9 Rumors: While there has been no official announcement from The CW or Warner Bros. about a *Vampire Diaries* Season 9, the topic remains a hot entity online. The persistent circulation of 'concept trailers' featuring Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, and Paul Wesley demonstrates the massive fan demand for a continuation of the 'Delena' and 'Stelena' story arcs. Paul Wesley has also teased a "big surprise" and a potential reunion with Nina Dobrev on a new project, fueling speculation about a collaborative return, though likely not as Damon and Stefan.

The *Vampire Diaries* cast has successfully moved on to diverse and exciting new ventures in 2025, from leading major sci-fi shows to launching global bourbon brands and directing their own films. Their professional growth, coupled with their enduring real-life friendships and the tantalizing possibility of a new spin-off, ensures that the legacy of Mystic Falls remains as vibrant and relevant as ever for the global fandom.