Pedro Pascal Almost Became a Vampire Diaries Star

A Different Path for Pedro Pascal

In an alternate reality, Pedro Pascal might have had a completely different career trajectory. Known today for his iconic roles in "The Last of Us" and "The Mandalorian," the four-time Emmy nominee could have spent the 2010s on The CW. This possibility was revealed by writer, director, and producer Julie Plec, who shared insights with Entertainment Weekly about Pascal’s past audition for a key role in "The Vampire Diaries" and its spinoff series "The Originals."

During the height of The CW's popularity, "The Vampire Diaries" became a cultural phenomenon. Based on L.J. Smith's book series, the show blended drama, romance, and supernatural elements. It ran for eight seasons and later spawned a spinoff called "The Originals." According to Plec, Pascal auditioned for the role of Marcel, a character played by Charles Michael Davis in the series.

The Audition That Never Happened

Plec recalled the moment in a 2021 interview with EW's Binge podcast. She expressed admiration for Pascal, noting that he was one of several actors who read opposite Charles Michael Davis for the part. Paul Wesley, who portrayed Stefan Salvatore in "The Vampire Diaries," also mentioned Pascal's audition in an episode of "Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum." Wesley reflected on how Pascal's casting could have changed the course of his career.

"If Pedro Pascal got 'The Vampire Diaries' spinoff, what would have happened?" Wesley pondered. He noted that Pascal didn't get the role of Marcel, which ultimately went to Davis. This missed opportunity led to Pascal's eventual rise to fame through other projects.

The Rise of a Star

Had Pascal landed the role of Marcel, he would have been busy from 2013 to 2018, potentially missing out on some of his most acclaimed performances. During this time, he delivered a breakthrough role as Oberyn Martell in "Game of Thrones," played DEA Agent Javier Peña in "Narcos," and appeared in films like "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" and "The Equalizer 2." By 2018, he was cast as the lead in "The Mandalorian," marking a significant turning point in his career.

Why Charles Michael Davis Got the Role

According to Plec, Davis was chosen because he had the "kind of swagger" needed for the character of Marcel. At the time, Pascal was in his late 30s, which made him seem older than the role required. Davis, being a decade younger, was a better fit. Since then, Davis has continued to build his career with roles in "NCIS: New Orleans" and "Younger."

What If?

Wesley often wonders about the alternative path Pascal might have taken. "It's funny, I think to myself, 'What if Pedro Pascal got 'The Vampire Diaries' spinoff?'" he said. While Pascal may not have become a vampire on screen, fans can still enjoy his work in other forms of media.

Exploring Other Opportunities

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