‘The Vampire Diaries’ Star Ian Somerhalder Predicts ‘A Very Tough Time’ For Damon Salvatore
Warning: This article may contain spoilers for The Vampire Diaries.
The Vampire Diaries has essentially been about Elena Gilbert, played by Nina Dobrev, and her exploration of life, love, and death with the Salvatore brothers over the past six seasons. Dobrev moving on to bigger things has left a feeling that a deep black pit has been left in the midst of The Vampire Diaries, so that the series can never be whole again. Ian Somerhalder wants to reassure fans of The Vampire Diaries that, that just isn’t the case.
The Vampire Diaries Sends the Message That Elena is Gone But Not Forgotten
Throughout the past six seasons of The Vampire Diaries, Damon Salvatore, as played by Somerhalder, has certainly been at his best and at his worst, fighting alongside Elena and apart from her at times. Somerhalder says that, while things have certainly changed, The Vampire Diaries is still the same in some respects.
“All I can say about that is that they were great characters separate, they were great characters together, and they remain great characters separated,” The Vampire Diaries actor told E! News. “Damon is still here and he’s still evolving and he’s still having a blast and he’s still saying super-smarmy, ridiculously overly confident, very wildly embarrassing and degrading things and he will continue to do that, but with a little love for Elena in his heart.”
Somerhalder adds that this is an opportunity for Damon Salvatore and for The Vampire Diaries as a whole to evolve into something even better, while also adding that Dobrev’s character will still be missed.
Damon Salvatore Moves On And Gets A Bigger Bed
While Damon is having a tough time moving on without Elena, Ian Somerhalder is already getting things ready for his Vampire Diaries alter ego to step forward and embrace the joys of being an undead creature, once again. For starters, Somerhalder reveals that he offered some input on the design of Damon’s king-sized bed for season 7.
“I said, ‘As long as he can fit up to eight sorority girls, then that’s how big we should make the bed.’ That’s Damon Salvatore, you know what I mean? He’s not married.”
Somerhalder also assured fans that, while Damon may be mourning his loss, it won’t be long before a call to duty will roust him from his somber state and drive him toward fighting the new evil facing Mystic Falls in season 7 of The Vampire Diaries.
“I mean, he’s distraught, but he’s Damon, so he’ll just drink like two bottles of Bourbon, and he’ll get through the night,” Ian said, according to Access Hollywood. “I wouldn’t recommend it … it’s not something I would recommend, but it is one way to live.”
Mr. Somerhalder hinted at a greater internal struggle taking place within Damon’s heart as well. In season 7 of The Vampire Diaries, the eldest Salvatore brother will be faced with conflict each time he looks at Bonnie (Kat Graham), one of Elena’s dearest friends. Damon’s first thoughts will be that of envy, feeling that he should be looking at Elena instead of Bonnie, but the guilt will overcome those feelings, as he realizes that Bonnie is also one of his own closest friends.
“I’m gonna wait, and I’m gonna do right by Elena, I’m gonna do right by Bonnie, I’m gonna do right by Elena and Bonnie and everyone,” Somerhalder says of Damon’s feelings.
Mr. Somerhalder also revealed that Damon will spend much of his time helping Alaric (Matthew Davis) cope with the loss of his bride and that, by helping Alaric deal with his losses, Damon will better be able to accept the loss of Elena.
The Vampire Diaries airs Thursdays on the CW network.
[Featured image: Ian Somerhalder courtesy of the CW network/The Vampire Diaries]
