For fans of ‘The Vampire Diaries‘, the ending still sparks debate years later. In the final episode, Stefan Salvatore sacrifices himself to save Mystic Falls from hellfire, an act that left many fans heartbroken and furious. Why did the show’s most selfless character have to die? Why couldn’t he have his happily ever after like everyone else?
Yet, what most viewers don’t know is that this wasn’t the original plan. The creators once had an entirely different ending in mind, one that would’ve changed everything for the Salvatore brothers, and not necessarily for the better. Because in that version, both brothers were meant to die.
‘The Vampire Diaries’ Scrapped Ending
The heart of ‘The Vampire Diaries‘ lies in the story of two vampire brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore, who both fall for the same girl, Elena Gilbert. Much of the show revolves around their love triangle and the emotional tension it creates. So naturally, fans questioned why Stefan had to be the one to sacrifice himself in the end.
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In truth, Stefan’s death was meant to be his redemption for past mistakes. Throughout the series, he struggled with guilt over turning Damon into a vampire. It was something Damon deeply resented. Their rivalry over Elena only intensified that guilt and the distance between them.
But according to the show’s original plan, both Stefan and Damon were supposed to die. They would have sacrificed themselves to save Elena. They would watch over her as she grew older, married a human, and achieved her dream of becoming a doctor. But it was regarded as a major loss for Stefan; he lost his life, his love interest, and his brother. It was quite unfair and would likely cause major chaos among the fanbase. As a result, only Stefan was sacrificed as Damon and Elena’s relationship solidified.
Nina Dobrev’s Exit Changed Everything
However, Nina Dobrev’s exit after Season 6, when her six-year contract ended, meant the writers had to improvise. Elena was placed in a magical coma that linked her life to Bonnie’s, meaning Elena couldn’t wake up until Bonnie died. That forced the writers to rework their original finale, and thank goodness they did.
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If Dobrev had stayed until the end, the original “both brothers die” ending might’ve actually happened. Her departure gave the show a chance to craft a more emotional (and arguably more fitting) farewell for Stefan while still giving Damon and Elena a shot at happiness. So in a strange way, Nina’s exit saved the ending from being an even bigger heartbreak.
Sure, the finale wasn’t perfect. We still tear up every time. But when you imagine both Salvatore brothers dead, Elena alone, no happy endings, you can’t help but feel grateful for the ending we got. So, maybe the ending wasn’t the one we wanted, but it was the one we needed.
What do you feel about the ending of ‘The Vampire Diaries‘? Do you believe that the Salvatore brothers’ death would’ve made a better story for the season finale?
