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The season premiere, titled The Birthday, focuses around Elena’s 18th birthday party. “The CW likes big events to hang their episodes on,” creator Kevin Williamson tells TheInsider.com. “It became a really great way to have all our characters interacting by the fifth act.” And this year, those Mystic Falls-ians have a lot to discuss — which is why we got up close and personal with Williamson to get the scoop on what you can expect in season three!
For a show that thrives on showcasing the dark sides of their characters (Klaus be crazy), seeing the three stars looking so angelic is a bit of a change for us.
Not that we’re complaining, because Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, and Paul Wesley look absolutely gorgeous in our exclusive first look at this Vampire Diaries season three promo shot. But the light clothes and sunshine-filled room is the opposite of the TVD atmosphere were used to, no? Perhaps season three will be more about happiness and high school fun and less about hearts being ripped out (physically and emotionally). Probably not, and that’s fine with us.TVD, don’t go changing one bit.
Now if you guys could be so kind and help us decide who of the holy trinity looks the most beautiful, we’d be forever grateful. Tough choice, we know. But these are life’s questions that are begging to be answered…
Take the poll below, and then head to the comments to start counting down the days until TVD’s season three premiere on Sept. 15.
The stars were out in full force for last night’s Teen Choice Awards 2011. From Gossip Girl to The Vampire Diaries, Twilight to Fright Night, everyone mixed and mingled. While Taylor Lautner and Chord Overstreet hung out mano a mano, Cameron Diaz and Blake Lively clicked pics of each other on their cell phones. So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley chatted up proud papa David Beckham when he wasn’t taking snapshots of his boys with their favorite performers.
On the blue carpet, EW correspondent Carrie Borzillo asked the A-listers what their favorite all-time teen comedy. Justin Bieber and Ian Somerhalder hugged it out over their mutual love of Sixteen Candles. See what the rest of the stars, including Joe Jonas, Twilight‘s Ashley Greene, and more, had to say after the jump.
Joe Jonas: “The Breakfast Club. It’s the perfect movie. It’s funny. It’s got heart, the best cast and it still holds up today. There hasn’t been a teen movie that can compare.”
Ashley Greene (Twilight): “I watched Billy Madison religiously when I was a kid. It’s just hysterical. I watched it when I was young and I completely didn’t get the jokes, but it was still entertaining and now when I watch it when I’m older, I can’t believe my mom let me watch this movie. It’s a completely different thing.”
Zoe Saldana (Avatar): “Some Kind of Wonderful. The topics that John Hughes was tackling at that time, especially with that movie, about the wallflowers, the people who are usually invisible in high school and talking about always fighting for your dream.”
Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries): “Clueless. For its time, it was very poppy and the jokes were new and fresh. It was not stupid humor, but the characters were really simple. It’s really great and it was the first of its time.”
Rebecca Black: “I love Easy A. I love Emma Stone. She’s my favorite actress. She’s gorgeous and hilarious.”
Cat Deeley: “Dirty Dancing. It’s the perfect summer coming-of-age teen movie. Nobody puts baby in a corner.”
Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars): “I love The Virgin Suicides. I’m a huge fan of Sofia Coppola and I was a huge fan of the book. She captured that first crush.”
Mary Murphy (So You Think You Can Dance): “One of my favorite teen movies was Footloose. It reminds me of my hometown. I really connected to that because there was no dancing going on in my town either. However, unlike the movie there was nobody fighting for dance in my hometown. When I first saw it, I felt like I was one of the characters in the movie.”
Crystal Reed (Teen Wolf, Crazy Stupid Love): “Say Anything. I love John Cusack. He’s the best. I think every single romantic lead, male, should look up to his character. It’s amazing. I walked by him at Comic-Con, and I literally stopped. I think he may have checked me out, or I could have made that up. Yeah, John Cusack, give me a call!”
Chelsea Hobbs (Make it or Break It): “Pretty in Pink. It defined my childhood.”
Gillian Jacobs (Community): “Adventures in Babysitting. Classic characters, fun adventure.”
Kathryn Newton (Bad Teacher, All My Children): “I love The Twilight Saga. It’s an addiction. I love Kristen Stewart.”
The Vampire Diaries Cast won some awards at Teen Choice Awards.
Choice TV Show Fantasy/Sci-Fi: “The Vampire Diaries”
Choice TV Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Ian Somerhalder, “The Vampire Diaries”
Choice TV Actress Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Nina Dobrev, “The Vampire Diaries”
Choice TV Male Scene Stealer: Michael Trevino, “The Vampire Diaries”
Choice TV Female Scene Stealer: Katerina Graham, “The Vampire Diaries”
The Vampire Diaries’ very own werewolf, Michael Trevino (Tyler Lockwood), is up for the Best Supporting Actor award in NCLR’s ALMA Awards.
The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) ALMA awards honor Latin Americans for their contribution to the arts, including music, movies, and TV. Trevino, who is Mexican-American, fits the bill perfectly! And while we think he should easily walk away with this honor, he does have some stiff competition, including Modern Family’s Rico Rodriguez and The Office’s Oscar Nuñez.
The awards show, hosted by A-listers George Lopez and Eva Longoria, will take place on September 16 on ABC. We’re all howling — er, cheering — for you, Michael!
When he’s not sucking blood and romancing teenagers on “The Vampire Diaries,” TV star Ian Somerhalder is working tirelessly to protect and rehabilitate ecosystems worldwide. Having established the Ian Somerhalder Foundation to inspire and support projects in the arenas of habitat conservation, green energy, and animal welfare, Somerhalder carves out time to personally address issues close to his heart.
After a late night of shooting “The Vampire Diaries” on Wednesday, Somerhalder hopped a plane to Washington, D.C., to testify before congress. Speaking up for the Multinational Species Coalition, Somerhalder spoke out in the hopes the funds would be reallocated to international conservation programs that would protect tigers, elephants, and other endangered species across Africa and Asia.
Find a full transcript of his testimony, as well as video, below. If you’re inclined, you can use this helpful link to support Somerhalder’s quest by writing your state representative and asking him or her to reauthorize the Multinational Species Conservation Funds.
“Good morning Chairman Fleming, Ranking Member Sablan, and Members of the Subcommittee. I am Ian Somerhalder, an actor and founder of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering, educating, and collaborating with people to help them positively impact the planet and its creatures. I am also a global Ambassador for the Alliance for Global Conservation.
“I appreciate this opportunity to testify before you today on H.R. 50, the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Subcommittee, especially Chairman Fleming–who represents my home state of Louisiana–for the invitation to join you today.
“Wildlife and environmental conservation has always been not just a passion, but a priority of mine. When I began to find that through my work as an actor, I was gaining an increasingly prominent platform in front of the American public, I knew right away what I wanted to do with it. The IS Foundation is my attempt to use this opportunity, this share of the public’s attention, for the greater good.
“The IS Foundation, which now has dozens of affiliate groups around the world from as far off as India and Algeria, focuses its work around 3 themes: habitat conservation, species protection, and clean energy initiatives. Our goal is to support a range of projects, from more established, mature global initiatives like the Alliance for Global Conservation, to smaller, grassroots efforts initiated by individuals in the Gulf and other local communities. The hope is that we can demonstrate ways for everyone to contribute, on any scale. We want to start conversations on these issues and allow them to grow and evolve naturally. When a particular issue gathers enough interest and momentum, we’ll lend the resources needed to transform it from a conversation into a project, and hopefully, eventually, from a project to real progress.
“In talking to people, and especially young people, all over the country, I have found time and time again that the issue of species conservation is a particularly resonant one. People are passionately attached to the creatures that have captured their attention and their imaginations since childhood, and they are invested in doing whatever is necessary to protect them. Species conservation is beyond a doubt an issue that truly matters to the American public. We’re lucky this is the case, because many of our most beloved wildlife species are clinging to survival by a thread.
“This legislation initially enacted in 1990, is viewed globally a success story. With the US leading the effort, governments around the world are able to begin investing in their ecosystems. From the Congo to Southern Sudan we are finding that species conservation is paying off in terms of both the environment and local government action.
“As Congress considers H.R. 50, I thought it would be useful to share my thoughts on the species that benefit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service leadership on conservation.
“Tigers: Wild tigers are one such example–an amazing species under terrible threat by poachers and the gradual degradation of their habitat and prey base. According to big cat experts, only around 3,000 tigers exist in the wild today, and experts estimate that more than 500 tigers are killed each year. To make matters worse, the actual breeding population may be closer to a mere 1,000. Tigers are magnificent creatures: big, powerful, and charismatic. Unfortunately, these same qualities make them popular targets–the tiger’s beautiful orange pelt commands a high price on the global black market, as do tiger body parts. Their organs and bones are used in Asian medicines, which are sold to consumers who believe these animal products convey strength, health and virility.
“Rhinoceroses: Rhinos, too, hover on the brink of extinction. Between 1970 and 1992, rhino populations declined by 96%, and fewer than 2,400 black and white rhinos survived in the wild. Conservation biologists tell me that today only 300 Sumatran rhinos remain. The low number of survivors is exacerbated by the fact that many rhinos live in small, fragmented populations, which may not be viable due to lack of breeding opportunities and risk of random events or disease. Rhino horns are carved for dagger handles as a coveted status symbol in the Middle East, and body parts and bones are sold on the black market as medicinal ingredients. The illegal trade in animal parts is a profitable business, and the demand for these products creates an ongoing temptation for poachers. Rhinos, and tigers too, also fall inadvertent victim to poachers’ snares, set to trap other animals for bushmeat or trophies.
“African Elephants: African elephants are another species in terrible trouble. In the last century, rampant ivory poaching and habitat loss caused their numbers to drop from over ten million animals in 1900 to fewer than 500,000 by the late 1980s. Uncontrolled hunting and continued loss of habitat still threaten the African elephant today. In addition to the ivory and bushmeat trades, the loss of natural elephant habitat poses a major problem due to the resulting conflict between elephants and humans throughout Africa. As human populations grow and expand into remote areas, natural habitat is cleared and destroyed to make way for agriculture. Elephant populations are compressed into smaller ranges with limited food and water supplies. Hungry elephants wander into villages and damage crops. People often kill elephants in an attempt to stop the crop raids, and people themselves are also sometimes killed trying to fend off desperate elephants.
“Asian elephants: Like their relatives, Asian elephants are also struggling to survive. In the United States, Asian elephants are best known as familiar circus attractions. Yet throughout their homeland, captive elephants are primarily beasts of burden. An estimated 16,000 Asian elephants are presently tamed and used for timber harvest, clearing forests, and agricultural development. Ironically, it is the destruction of forests, the advancement of agriculture, and the encroachment of human civilization that pose the greatest threats to the survival of Asia’s wild elephants. Asian elephant populations have continued to decline due to loss of grazing areas and poaching driven by the ivory trade, and are listed as endangered on the Endangered Species Act.
“Marine Turtles: Six of the seven marine turtle species are listed as threatened or endangered by the World Conservation Union and under the US Endangered Species Act. Because marine turtles require 10-40 years to reach sexual maturity and are vulnerable to predation, oil spills, and as by-catch, restoring their numbers is a lengthy and delicate task. Marine turtles are truly the ancient mariners of the world’s oceans, with ancestors dating back over 100 million years. While all species require tropical, subtropical, or temperate oceanic beaches for nesting, each has specific marine habitat and feeding requirements. I was fortunate earlier this summer to travel to Trinidad and Tobago and watch leatherback turtles emerge from the sea under cover of darkness to lay their eggs and bury them in the sand. It was even more gratifying to see the hatchlings dig their way out of their sandy nest and instinctively find their way to the ocean… still unfortunately facing an uncertain future.
“Great Apes, such as gorillas and chimpanzees: Apes, by their nature, are extremely vulnerable. They have low population densities, grow relatively slowly, are long-lived, and have low reproductive rates and complex social relationships. Today, all the world’s great ape species are threatened with extinction. Apes are susceptible to many of the same diseases as humans. As growing human populations penetrate further into ape habitat, the potential for disease transmission between apes and people, and vice versa, is increasing. As a result, the bushmeat trade poses a serious health risk for humans. Threats facing gorillas and chimpanzees include the loss, fragmentation and degradation of their habitat, as well as hunting for food, medicine and sport. Even with strong recovery programs, the chimpanzee population is 80% lower than 50 years ago, and it continues to drop.
“Looking around the world at these wildlife, it’s abundantly clear that humans have benefited from nature in so many ways but have also brought many species to the brink of extinction. Scientists warn us that we are on the cusp of the largest mass extinction spasm since the dinosaurs.
“The American people that I interact with through my IS Foundation work do not want to allow this to happen; they do not want to let these species go without a fight; and they see the way in which nature provides for people around the world. This is an issue that Americans care deeply about, and it is critical that the United States, as a world leader and global power, continue to lead the planet’s efforts in global species conservation.
“Due to instability or indifference in the areas that many of these species call home, for most of them we are the first, last, and only hope for survival. As the ones with the power to make a difference, the responsibility rests with us. It is imperative that we live up to it.
“On behalf of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation and the Alliance for Global Conservation, I urge the Subcommittee to mark-up H.R. 50 and move to reauthorize this important piece of legislation.”
When “The Vampire Diaries” returns on September 15, it’s Elena’s 18th birthday… and we’re sure that her birthday party won’t end without some serious supernatural hijinks. From the looks of it, though, it seems there will be a healthy dose of good old fashioned teenage angst as well.
Though it’s been reported that Atlanta actress Lilly Roberson was cast as Becky, a former flame of Stefan’s, sources confirm to Zap2it that Becky is still in the casting stages. Roberson, who previously had a guest role on “Without a Trace,” is actually playing Sofie, Tyler’s (Michael Trevino) date to the birthday bash.
Don’t worry, though. This new love interest isn’t likely to make quite the lasting impression on our favorite werewolf that Caroline (Candice Accola) did. While Tyler and Caroline are currently in the friend zone, the potential romance that was built up in Season 2 is definitely going to surface again as they battle with the fact that they’re members of two warring species.
With hundreds of thousands of people attending San Diego Comic-Con every year and the July 20-24 event quickly approaching, The Hollywood Reporter chatted with the big names in television to discuss their favorite memories and tips for attending the annual event. THR’s Live Feed will talk Comic-Con with actors, writers and producers in the days leading up to the event so check back soon for interviews and the latest news on panels and screenings.
Nina Dobrev
Geek Cred: The Vampire Diaries”
Comic-Con panel:Saturday, July 23, 3:30-4:15, Ballroom 20THR: What stands out about your Comic-Con experiences?
Dobrev: I’ve attended twice, both times for The Vampire Diaries and both have been completely different. We shoot Monday through Friday. Both years, we had to fly in on Saturday morning from Atlanta and leave on Sunday afternoon. You always meet people you admire. Last year with Tron I met Jeff Bridges and Olivia Wilde. The year before, I I met Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. I admire them and they inspire me to do what I do.THR: What’s the best thing a fan has said to you at Comic-Con?
Dobrev: Last year one of my fans told me that I inspired them to follow their own dreams. It truly touched me.Comic-Con 2011: Full THR Coverage
THR: What makes for a successful panel?
Dobrev: Stay confident and collected. Remember it’s just a conversation and have fun. People are walking around in monster costumes, so lighten up. It can be intimidating, but at the end of the day the fans are there because they want to be and they want to hear what you have to say.THR: What questions would you recommend fans not ask at panels?
Dobrev: Asking a general question for everyone on the panel is not the best idea because it takes up a lot of time. Be specific in the question you ask and who you ask it to.THR: What panel would you stand in line all day for?
Dobrev: Lord of the Rings. My friend and I would skip school on Fridays and pretend to be sick and we went to see all the Lord of the Rings. That and Wilfred; Elijah Wood is hilarious and it’s a really cool choice for him to do a comedy.Comic-Con 2011: Kevin Williamson on John Carpenter, ‘True Blood’ and How ‘Dark Shadows’ Influenced ‘The Vampire Diaries (Q&A)
THR: Who would be on your dream panel?
Dobrev: I’d love to hear what confident, intelligent women in the industry have to say: Rachel McAdams, Carey Mulligan, Angelina Jolie, Kristen Wiig and Tina Fey. I would stand in line all day for that panel.THR: What tips do you have for Comic-Con first-timers?
Dobrev: Be open-minded and be prepared to have your mind blown because you’re about to go on this crazy adventure that’s like walking in Times Square on New Year’s.THR: How will the originals impact everyone next season on The Vampire Diaries?
Dobrev: The originals have come in and now that stuff has gone to the dark side. The whole chemistry of the show is shifting and it’s going be changing the relationships between people who previously bonded. Now that Jenna is gone and Alaric is single and that Elena and Jeremy don’t have parental figures, if you will, it will be interesting to see who rises to the occasion. Everything has shifted, and everything is off-balance, so everyone is going to have to compensate in different ways.
The Elena-Stefan-Damon triangle isn’t the only epic love story on The Vampire Diaries. Executive producer Kevin Williamson tells EW the renewed friendship between Caroline and Tyler is “building to be a fun, romantic Romeo and Juliet” in season 3, which premieres Sept. 15 on The CW. “We now have a mother who knows her daughter’s a vampire, and we might soon have a mayor who figures out that her son is a werewolf,” Williamson says. “When that happens, it’s certainly building itself to a family feud. That’s the fun Mystic Falls storyline that’s underplaying throughout the entire season.” Adds EP Julie Plec, “When their mothers find out the truth about each of them, they’re gonna have a say in whether the two of them should be together. There’s always going to be push and pull in their friendship as it travels down a romantic road. There’s gonna be people who don’t want them together, including themselves. It’s that forbidden love: we can’t quite stay away from each other, and yet, we shouldn’t be together. And the question will be at what point will they act on that and how will that go?”
Plec wouldn’t tease when Caroline and Tyler, whose werewolf bite is fatal to a vampire, might make it official. But she did answer another burning question only I had?: Was Tyler still naked under that blanket when he woke up on the couch after the full moon in the sacrifice episode, thanked Caroline for taking care of him, and comforted her following her breakup with Matt? “As a matter of fact, let’s see, I’m gonna go with why not? Sure. Yes,” Plec laughs. We approve, we tell her: The intimate, but non-sexual gesture of him inviting her under the blanket underscored the fact that their friendship isn’t just about teenage hormones. It’s deeper. “They’ve been through a lot,” Plec says. “She’s seen it all. He turned into a wolf in front of her. Once you’ve been through a war together, all the initial phases of ‘Oh, I saw his penis’ [laughs] become less relevant as far as the evolution of their relationship.”