The Vampire Diaries co-creator and showrunner Julie Plec recently lifted the lid on why Taylor Swift never made a cameo on the hit CW series. In her newly released book, I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries, Plec disclosed that the network did indeed approach them about featuring Swift, but the creative team ultimately decided against it.
According to Plec, having Swift grace the show "didn't feel grounded" within the world they were meticulously crafting during the first season. "This isn't 7th Heaven where Taylor can just pop up and give a free concert at the high school and somehow make it feel authentic," she elaborated. "It would've pulled us all out of the narrative, taking this timeless little community we'd built and making it feel overly contemporary." Plec, who now identifies as a self-proclaimed Swiftie, added with a touch of humor, "If only I had known back then what I know now about my love for Taylor."
The book also sets the record straight on a long-standing fan theory that the role of Lexi Branson, portrayed by Arielle Kebbel, was specifically written for Swift. Plec confirmed that Arielle Kebbel was always the frontrunner for the role of Lexi, having initially auditioned for Elena Gilbert's part. Despite persistent fan speculation, the role was never earmarked for Swift.
Although Swift never graced the screen of The Vampire Diaries, the show did manage to slip in a nod to her. In a scene featuring Damon and Stefan Salvatore, Damon jokingly credits his charm to his "unflinching ability to listen to Taylor Swift." This witty quip is quintessential Damon, highlighting his charismatic and mischievous personality.
The show, which aired for eight seasons on Prime, boasted a talented ensemble cast including the Salvatore brothers, Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder. To this day, it remains a beloved favorite among fans, who continue to cherish its timeless appeal and unforgettable characters.
