Ian Somerhalder says the difficult journey behind Netflix’s V Wars convinced him it was time to leave Hollywood behind.
The actor, best known for starring in The Vampire Diaries and Lost, recently reflected on the project that ultimately changed the direction of his career. He explained that V Wars represented an opportunity to take on a different type of role while also helping shape the series as an executive producer.
After production wrapped, Somerhalder said he was disappointed with the version of the show that was delivered. Determined to improve the series, he and producing partner James Gibb secured more than $6 million in funding to film extensive new material and steer the project closer to their original vision.
Although Somerhalder said the revised series attracted strong international viewership following its 2019 debut, the show was canceled after a single season. He believes internal decisions within Netflix prevented the series from continuing, despite what he described as a successful launch.
The experience left the actor disillusioned with the business side of the entertainment industry. Rather than continue pursuing acting roles, he chose to walk away from Hollywood and redirect his energy toward entrepreneurship, conservation efforts, and raising his family with wife Nikki Reed.
While Somerhalder has occasionally acknowledged that the right project could someday bring him back to the screen, he says his focus remains on the life he has built outside the entertainment industry.
