Vampire Diaries’ Paul Wesley dominates – Philly Comic Con [video]

Paul Wesley, star of the CW’s Vampire Diaries, is actually Damon and evil Stefan rolled into one. When he hit the stage at Philly Comic Con, charmingly cocky and devastatingly charming, 15th century words like “rake” and “lothario” hit my mind. He might play endearingly sweet and eternally loyal on screen; but, beneath those finely honed pecs beats a roguish heart.

His utter candidness eternally endeared him to me. He pointed out that the production staff uses Bonnie as a crutch to magic away any plot holes or inconsistencies. He joked that if the Vampire Elena storyline didn’t work, the writers might find a spell to undo it. He feared people might see Vampire Diaries as a Twilight knock-off. While he admitted the initial success happened because of that, the show retained fans because it’s “addictive.” Although he couldn’t predict the show’s success in the pilot, he hoped for it. While he admits not reading the first book until the series progressed, he didn’t continue reading because he knew the writers planned on deviating. He enjoys the stability and feel-good factor of starring on a quality, hit TV show.

While he doesn’t know what’s on tap for season four, he ruminated that a guilty Stefan might have difficulty accepting vampire Elena while glibly suggesting lots of vampire sex. He isn’t surprised Elena chose Stefan. Come on, now, Stefan’s the stalwart, swoon-worthy lead with pecs of steel, abs of iron and a heart of gold. Considering he’s literally Ripper Stefan brought to life, it isn’t surprising Paul prefers playing Stefan’s evil personae. While citing the 1920s Ripper Stefan flashback as his favorite episode, he loved evil Stefan because of the acting challenge. He calls Vampire Diaries the most intense, stressful show ever due to its text and its rigorous 8-day shooting schedule.

Regarding “Staroline,” he admitted Stefan and Caroline have good chemistry, calling it an “interesting friendship” with hints of something weird while audience members suggested romantic undertones. He admitted he never watched Buffy or Angel despite the multiple comparisons of good/evil Stefan to good/bad Angel. After calling multi-emotional Stefan “bi-polar,” he briefly (and hilariously) impersonated a brooding Stefan. Interestingly James Marsters also stated he preferred playing evil Spike over hyper-emotional good Spike at Philly Comic con. Like Paul, he complained about the number of emotions that good Spike wallowed in. On behind-the-scenes drama, Paul briefly discussed filming an emotional phone breakup with Elena in a public area with fans taking his photo and holding up signs declaring their undying love (or undying hate).

Overall, Paul Wesley surprised me. While he cannot fist pump for his life, the utter difference between his on-screen character and his real life personality; his utter comfort in his own body; his awareness of his role as an actor in the great chain of being and his inner geek (he loved Raphael in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), made me want to start watching Vampire Diaries all over again.

But, ladies, don’t be fooled. Beneath Stefan’s too good exterior beats the heart of a cold blooded vampire. No, not evil Stefan — Paul Wesley.

Check out our other Philly Comic Con coverage  here, including Chris Hemsworth and more.

For photos and video, including their friendship with Matt Davis, see below.

Note: I love how the Philly Comic Con stars hopped on stage before their time. Paul, after continuously peeking through the door,  jumped out before his moderator finished the introduction. Likewise, in the five captains panel, the five stars drove through the audience in golf carts, because they were humorously “bored” waiting to go on.

Clacked by An Nicholson
on Jun 07, 2012 @ 12:00 EST5EDT