Actor Ian Somerhalder has detailed the "controversial" reasons behind his decision to step away from acting, citing creative frustrations and what he described as a lack of respect from Netflix executives after his series "V Wars" was canceled.
Somerhalder, 47, revealed on the "Haley on the Go" podcast that the 2019 sci-fi horror series "V Wars" was the turning point. He stated that despite extensive work, including moving his family to Ontario, Canada, for the production, he felt the final product was "wasn't even watchable."
He recalled approaching Netflix with an offer to return millions of dollars to gain creative control of the show, an offer that was refused. Somerhalder and his producing partner, James Gibb, then raised over $6 million to shoot additional footage, a demanding effort that led to Somerhalder being hospitalized.
Despite the show becoming a global success, topping charts in 103 out of 120 territories, Somerhalder stated that "V Wars" was quietly canceled amid internal disputes among executives. He recounted that Netflix officials told him they could not reinstate the show as it would set a "terrible precedent."
This experience, Somerhalder explained, led him to realize he no longer wanted his career to be dictated by powerful industry figures. "So I pulled the plug. That was it. I walked away," he said, describing his exit as a direct response to the situation. "These executives are bitching at each other, and I’m like, are you kidding me? Done. I’m out."
Since leaving acting, Somerhalder and his wife, Nikki Reed, have relocated to a farm in Southern California. They have shifted their focus to other business ventures, including their company, Absorption Company, which specializes in high-absorption powdered supplements. Somerhalder also co-founded Brother's Bond Bourbon with "Vampire Diaries" co-star Paul Wesley.
Earlier this year, Somerhalder shared that he and Reed had faced an eight-figure debt from a past business venture, from which they eventually recovered by selling assets. He indicated that his return to Hollywood is unlikely, stating, "I think it’s in the rearview mirror. I do."