Thanks to his popular performances on the network hit Lost and the long-running CW drama The Vampire Diaries, Ian Somerhalder has developed a strong fan following. Since wrapping up The Vampire Diaries in 2017, Somerhalder had not signed on for another big TV series, but today's announcement from Netflix has changed that. The streaming giant revealed it has ordered up the new series V-Wars, based on the book series, with Somerhalder set to star and more. If the title sounds like it hints at a return to familiar vampire territory for the actor, that's because it means just that.
Ian Somerhalder is set to star in and direct episodes of the brand new project V-Wars, and Netflix confirmed its first season will comprise ten episodes, each set to last one hour apiece, according to Deadline. The TV series is an adaptation of Jonathan Maberry's 2012 bestseller of the same name, and the book series chronicles the first Vampire War. So if you are a fan of The Vampire Diaries, the Underworld franchise, and/or True Blood, V-Wars seems ready to answer your call. Though probably more on the bloody action side than the romantic love triangle side.
The series will revolve around Dr. Luther Swann (Ian Somerhalder), who finds himself ensconced in the spread of a horrific vampire disease when his best friend is infected. Before long, the infection is sweeping the world, dividing the uninfected humans from those infected as vampires. While Swann endeavors to get to the bottom of what is causing this, his friend embraces his role as a vampire by becoming the race's leader.
Based on the series' description, it sounds as though Ian Somerhalder will not be playing a villain/anti-hero. So while he is jumping back into the vampire genre, he will not be taking on a role like Damon Salvatore, which he played for eight years on The Vampire Diaries until its conclusion in 2017. The role of Michael Fayne, which sounds as though it is the co-lead, has not been cast yet, so maybe the producers could reach out to his former co-star Paul Wesley about taking it.
Due to the limits of broadcast television, The Vampire Diaries had a limit to what it could show, as far as vamp violence and sex. On Netflix, those barriers will be broken down to a large extent, which could be interesting for Somerhalder's fans. Hopefully, that does not mean the show will be an absolute gore-fest, however.
As an actor, Ian Somerhalder has so much to give, and it will be interesting to see if V-Wars can give him a chance to demonstrate that. The role of Dr. Luther Swann sounds like it is a far cry from Somerhalder's role as Damon on The Vampire Diaries, which means V-Wars will give him a considerable opportunity to show off his acting range.
There is currently no word on a premiere date for V-Wars. To find out what else is set to arrive on Netflix, check out our guide to all of the new and returning shows premiering on the streaming service via our 2018 Netflix premiere rundown. For more of what is coming up on TV, check out our guide to TV's midseason and summer premieres.
