Beyond the Bite: Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder’s Enduring Friendship After ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Final Delena Scene

The world of Mystic Falls was forever changed when Nina Dobrev, 26, announced her departure from the beloved series The Vampire Diaries. As her final days of filming drew to a close, fans braced themselves for the inevitable goodbyes. However, what truly captured the hearts of millions was not just the impending farewell to Elena Gilbert, but the incredibly mature and heartwarming dynamic displayed by Dobrev and her former co-star, and ex-boyfriend, Ian Somerhalder, 36, as they shot their very last scene together. Their ability to maintain a strong, professional, and genuinely friendly relationship amidst the glare of public scrutiny offered a refreshing perspective on navigating Hollywood’s complex social landscape, leaving fans both nostalgic and impressed.

The chemistry between Nina Dobrev’s Elena Gilbert and Ian Somerhalder’s Damon Salvatore, affectionately known as “Delena,” was undeniably one of the most compelling forces driving The Vampire Diaries. Their tumultuous, passionate, and ultimately epic love story captivated audiences for seasons, creating a loyal fanbase that rooted for their every kiss, every struggle, and every reunion. Therefore, the news that Nina and Ian had filmed their final “Delena” scene together was met with a bittersweet mix of sadness and anticipation. This wasn’t just the end of an on-screen romance; it marked a significant turning point for the series and its dedicated viewers, signaling the imminent departure of a core character and the conclusion of a pivotal storyline that had defined the show for years. The significance of this particular scene resonated deeply, embodying the end of an era for a relationship that had come to symbolize the heart of the series.

Nina Dobrev & Ian Somerhalder’s Farewell to Delena on ‘TVD’ Set

In a move that truly exemplified their enduring friendship and professionalism, Nina Dobrev took to Instagram to share a glimpse into the emotional, yet playful, wrap-up of their final “Delena” moments. On Friday, April 24, Nina posted a heartwarming collage of two black-and-white polaroid-style photos, offering fans an intimate look behind the scenes. She captioned the post, “#FBF to last week with @IanSomerhalder shooting our final ‘Damon and Elena’ scene.” The images themselves were a perfect reflection of their unique bond. In one, the pair posed sweetly, a testament to their long-standing professional respect and affection. The other, however, showcased their playful spirits, with both Nina and Ian making hilariously exaggerated, quirky faces. This delightful display of lightheartedness in what was undoubtedly an emotional moment reassured fans that despite the end of “Delena,” the camaraderie between the actors remained vibrantly intact. It was a beautiful demonstration that while the on-screen romance concluded, the real-life bond of friendship continued, defying the typical narratives often associated with celebrity exes.

This social media post, while incredibly sweet, sadly confirmed to the entire fandom that the iconic “Delena” storyline was officially concluding. The finality of Nina and Ian filming their last scene as Damon and Elena sent a wave of emotions through the fan community. It signaled the undeniable reality that Nina’s beloved character, Elena Gilbert, was indeed preparing for her departure from Mystic Falls. Fans had invested years into Elena’s journey, watching her evolve from a grieving teenager into a strong, compassionate vampire, and her exit would undoubtedly leave a significant void. The confirmation through these candid photos made the impending goodbye feel all the more real, prompting countless discussions and theories about how the show would navigate her exit and how it would impact the remaining characters, particularly Damon, who had found true love and redemption through his relationship with Elena.

Nina Dobrev’s Journey Beyond Mystic Falls: From Vampire Diaries to Coachella

As Nina Dobrev concluded her demanding schedule on The Vampire Diaries, marking the end of a pivotal chapter in her career, she quickly transitioned to a different kind of scene: the vibrant and energetic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Attending Coachella shortly after filming her final scenes served as a symbolic step into her next phase, providing a much-needed break and a chance to celebrate new beginnings. Her presence at the iconic festival, often a hotbed for celebrity appearances, highlighted her readiness to embrace new experiences and opportunities beyond the structured world of television. This shift from the emotional intensity of a series wrap to the carefree atmosphere of Coachella resonated with fans, showcasing Nina’s resilience and her excitement for the future. It was a clear signal that while her time as Elena Gilbert was ending, Nina Dobrev’s personal and professional journey was just beginning, full of potential and new adventures.

Nina’s decision to leave The Vampire Diaries after six seasons was a deeply personal one, driven by a desire to explore new acting roles and challenge herself creatively. Having portrayed Elena Gilbert, and occasionally Katherine Pierce and Amara, for over a hundred episodes, Nina felt it was time to move on and prevent typecasting. Her departure allowed the show’s writers to craft a definitive, albeit emotional, farewell for Elena, ensuring her character’s arc reached a meaningful conclusion. This courageous choice, while difficult for fans to accept, underscored her dedication to artistic growth and her ambition to diversify her career. It also prompted intense speculation about how the show would continue without one of its central figures, particularly given the intricate love triangles and friendships that defined its narrative. The show’s creative team, led by executive producer Julie Plec, faced the significant challenge of reinventing elements of the series while honoring Elena’s legacy.

‘TVD’ Season Finale Spoilers: Glimpses Into the Future

With Nina Dobrev’s exit looming, the speculation surrounding the The Vampire Diaries season finale reached a fever pitch. Fans were left to wonder not only how Elena would bid farewell to Mystic Falls and her beloved Damon, but also what kind of future awaited the remaining characters. One prominent theory suggested that Elena would ultimately take the cure for vampirism, reverting to a human state. This narrative choice would align with Elena’s initial desire for a normal life and her human aspirations, providing a poignant, full-circle moment for a character who had endured so much supernatural trauma. If she were to become human again, questions would arise about her mortality, her relationship with Damon (who would remain a vampire), and her ability to truly live a “normal” life after years of supernatural drama. The prospect of Elena walking away from her vampire existence offered a glimmer of hope for a peaceful future for her, even if it meant leaving her supernatural connections behind.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the finale, executive producer Julie Plec offered a tantalizing hint about the episode’s structure. In an interview with EW, Plec revealed, “The season ends with a flash forward. The show’s not cut yet, so by the time I’m done with it, it might not, but currently it does.” This revelation opened up a myriad of possibilities, fueling further fan theories and discussions. Will this flash forward offer a glimpse into Elena’s distant future, perhaps showing her living a happy, human life somewhere far from Mystic Falls? Or will it focus on the Salvatore brothers and their Scooby gang, depicting their lives years after Elena’s departure, showcasing how they’ve coped and evolved? The prospect of a jump in time suggested that the finale wouldn’t just be about saying goodbye, but also about providing a sense of continuity and the promise of a future, albeit one profoundly altered by Nina’s exit. Such a narrative device could provide closure while simultaneously setting the stage for future storylines in subsequent seasons, demonstrating how life in Mystic Falls would continue, even without its central heroine.

The Enduring Legacy of Delena and The Vampire Diaries

The departure of Nina Dobrev and the conclusion of the Delena storyline marked a significant turning point for The Vampire Diaries, but it also underscored the profound impact the show and its characters had on popular culture. For years, “Delena” captivated audiences with its raw emotion, forbidden passion, and undeniable chemistry, becoming one of television’s most iconic ships. The show itself transcended typical supernatural dramas, delving into complex themes of love, loss, loyalty, and redemption, all set against the backdrop of a perpetually threatened small town. The decision of Nina and Ian to publicly embrace their friendship during this bittersweet farewell not only showcased their maturity but also set a positive example in an industry often plagued by drama. Their genuine connection, both on and off screen, contributed significantly to the show’s authentic appeal and the deep emotional investment of its fanbase.

The enduring legacy of The Vampire Diaries is not just in its captivating storylines or its memorable characters, but in the community it fostered. Fans worldwide debated plot twists, mourned character deaths, and celebrated triumphs with a fervor rarely seen. Nina Dobrev’s exit, while initially devastating for many, ultimately paved the way for new character dynamics and plot developments, demonstrating the show’s ability to evolve and adapt. The flash forward teased by Julie Plec hinted at the creative team’s vision for a future beyond Elena, ensuring that the saga of Mystic Falls would continue to enchant viewers. This ability to reinvent and sustain itself, even after losing a central figure, is a testament to the strength of its narrative foundation and the talent of its cast and crew. The final scenes filmed by Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder will forever be etched in the memories of fans, serving as a poignant reminder of a truly special era in television.

Tell us, HollywoodLifers — Does seeing these last photos of Delena evoke a sense of sadness for you? Are you heartened to witness Nina and Ian concluding their on-screen partnership on such a harmonious and positive note? Share your thoughts and emotions in the comments section below!

— Lauren Cox
Follow @Iaurencox