The Surprising Taylor Swift Connection Behind a Key 'Vampire Diaries' Character, Reveals Showrunner

For eight unforgettable seasons, The Vampire Diaries wrapped viewers in a world where forbidden love and ancient rivalries collided beneath the shadows of Mystic Falls. Nina Dobrev brought Elena Gilbert to life, while Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder gave the Salvatore brothers their immortal charm. Yet, as fans lost themselves in the show’s supernatural whirlwind, few realized that Taylor Swift, whose influence stretches far beyond music into politics, culture, and even the global economy, had a surprising connection to it all.
With fan curiosity reaching a fever pitch, the show's runner unveiled the unlikely truth: Taylor Swift’s influence quietly shaped The Vampire Diaries in a way no one ever imagined.
Taylor Swift’s unexpected footprint on the Vampire Diaries’ legacy
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During an interview with E! News, Kevin Williamson, who developed The Vampire Diaries alongside Julie Plec, revealed his fascination with the idea of casting Taylor Swift as a vampire. Williamson admitted that he made great efforts to bring Swift into the show’s supernatural universe, even declaring, “I would k--- to have her on the show!” Interestingly, he crafted the character of Lexi Branson with Swift as his inspiration. However, the role ultimately went to Arielle Kebbel, who brought Lexi’s energy to life.

Lexi’s fate took a heartbreaking turn when Damon ended her life in the very episode she first appeared, though she later returned in flashbacks and as a ghost across eight more episodes. With her fiery spirit and magnetic energy, one can easily picture Taylor Swift capturing the essence of Lexi. Sadly, by that time, Swift’s soaring career and packed schedule made her appearance on The Vampire Diaries impossible. Cast and creators also weighed in on who the 'Bad Blood' singer would choose — Damon or Stefan.
For eight thrilling seasons, fans fiercely debated whether Stefan or Damon was truly meant for Elena Gilbert. Now, adding a surprising twist, the show’s creators reveal who they believe Taylor Swift would have chosen between the brothers.
Team Damon or team Stefan? The Vampire Diaries cast picks for Taylor Swift
At the I Was Feeling Epic fanfest, a curious fan asked writer and producer Carina Adly Mackenzie whether Taylor Swift would choose Damon or Stefan. Mackenzie, a longtime Swiftie, surprised the crowd by saying neither, explaining Swift is no longer in what she called her "skinny vampire era." Instead, Mackenzie joked Swift would prefer someone like Mason Lockwood, the rugged werewolf. Meanwhile, Michael Trevino offered a different guess, saying Swift would probably play it safe and pick Stefan instead.
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When the playful debate kicked off, The Originals star Riley Voelkel chimed in, saying Damon was Taylor Swift’s type. Carina Adly Mackenzie wasted no time picturing the perfect theme song for that chaotic duo, naming 'Look What You Made Me Do' as the ultimate revenge anthem to match Damon’s energy. Meanwhile, in real life, Swift traded vampires for touchdowns, turning her love story into an NFL fairy tale with Travis Kelce, complete with sweet moments that have a fan base of their own. Swift never roamed Mystic Falls, but her influence still danced in its shadows.
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What do you think about a Taylor Swift-inspired character? Let us know in the comments below.
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Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra
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