Sometimes showrunners, creators, and producers have a habit of re-using the same actors in multiple shows. Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy have famously done the same with a variety of actors. However, throughout Julie Plec’s time on the CW Network, she has also built up quite the resume as well. Julie Plec has been behind the network’s longest-running franchise series, The Vampire Diaries Universe. She has also produced Roswell, New Mexico, and the limited series, Containment. Throughout all these shows, it can not be helped that there are a few familiar faces in each series.
There are undoubtedly behind-the-scenes connections too. For example, Marguerite Maclntyre appears in The Vampire Diaries. Then she becomes a producer and writer for The Originals, Legacies, Containment, and co-creator of Marguerite Maclyntyre and Julie Plec’s adaptation of Vampire Academy. Meanwhile, Paul Wesley goes from in front of the camera on The Vampire Diaries to a director for Legacies and Roswell, New Mexico. However, plenty of other The Vampire Diaries Universe alums have appeared on Roswell, New Mexico, and Containment. While some may have had supporting roles on one show, they may have been given a bigger chance to shine in another.
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10 Michael Trevino
Warner Brothers Television Distribution
Michael Trevino played Tyler Lockwood in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals. As a main character in The Vampire Diaries, Tyler is an essential character, going through the discovery that he was a werewolf and later turned hybrid. He was a series regular until the end of season six and appeared numerous times as a guest star in seasons seven and eight, even after Tyler’s tragic death. But this would not be the last time Michael Trevino would be wrapped up in the supernatural world.
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This time, though, Michael Trevino’s portrayal of surgeon Kyle Valenti would remain firmly human, surrounded by alien friends. Kyle went from knowing nothing about aliens to being the primary doctor for alien medical needs. He even fell in love with one, eventually starting a relationship with Isobel.
9 Nathan Parsons
Nathan Parsons was a recurring character on The Originals. He portrayed the Alpha, Jackson Kenner. But, due to the show focussing on the Mikaelson family, Jackson’s part was mainly connected to his relationship with Hayley and the Crescent Pack. Jackson was a solid supporting member but was sadly killed in season three. However, it was later revealed that he ended up in Peace.
But, Nathan Parsons would eventually have a much more significant role in Roswell, New Mexico. This time, he took on the part of one of the central characters, Max Evans. Being an alien rather than a werewolf gave him a different set of powers and conflicts. While Jackson found a home in being a werewolf, Max wanted nothing more than to be normal. Luckily, Max’s ending was far happier than Jackson’s, as Max embraced his destiny and promised to return home.
8 Kayla Ewell
Vicki Donovan may have been turned into a vampire and killed early in The Vampire Diaries, but that was not the last anyone saw of her. Instead, Vicki came and went several times as a ghost or interacting from The Other Side.
Kayla Ewell’s role in Roswell, New Mexico, may have been just as tragic for different reasons. As Nora, she is once again a recurring character. However, her role in the backstory that brought Max, Michael, and Isobel to Earth is integral to the plot. Nora’s backstory and the truth about her time on Earth after the ship’s arrival are crucial to understanding what everyone wants with Max and having a better understanding of Michael’s background.
7 Christina Moses
Before Christina Moses was a werewolf on The Originals, she appeared in the limited series, Containment as Jana Mayfield. Jana is stuck within the Cordon as a pandemic breaks out through the city. Jana is stuck within the Cordon, where the virus is circulating, trying to stay safe and avoid spreading infection. As Keelin on The Originals, her role begins with torture and kidnapping. Although Keelin is necessary to help save the Mikaelson family, she eventually becomes a Mikaelson herself. Keelin’s relationship with Freya is one of the foremost successful romances to occur in New Orleans and even ends on a promising note, with her and Freya deciding to have a child with Vincent.
6 David Anders
Overall, David Anders’ role as John Gilbert is holding or withholding information. He does not have much of a character arc other than being hated by nearly everyone. However, John’s knowledge of the supernatural world is welcome. The only time John can show himself as anything other than selfish is when he willingly sacrifices himself to keep Elena human during the ritual sacrifice. But, his one episode on Roswell, New Mexico, is far different. David Anders plays twins, and one of them attempts to kill Alex and Maria as they search for information. While short, his time on the show is memorable.
5 Demetrius Bridges
In Containment, while he does not take on a leading role, Demetrius Bridges represents a relationship split apart by the blockade separating the city’s residents. However, his role in The Vampire Diaries and Legacies is much different. In Mystic Falls, Demetrius Bridges is Dorian, originally one of Alaric’s excited student scholars intrigued by the supernatural world. In Legacies, Dorian is a teacher, more experienced in the supernatural world. Although Dorian does not have that much to do in Mystic Falls, he still plays an integral role in critical moments, such as telling Alaric about the plan in place for when or if Josie and Lizzie needed to Merge, and how a similar fate was to be expected when the time came for Hope to become a Full Tribrid.
4 Andrew Lees
In The Originals, Andrew Lees shows his antagonistic side, reuniting with Klaus as Lucien Castle, the first vampire Klaus ever turned. However, he is far more than just another vampire. Time has allowed him to discover different tactics, such as using magic to become an enhanced Original vampire with the deathly bite of a werewolf. Lucien makes a mess of New Orleans, including killing Camille. But, while Lucien is in charge of his plan, Clyde’s motivations come across as simply following Jones. Clyde believed in the world Jones wanted to create and wanted to follow up on his actions. While Clyde does not succeed in everything he wants to accomplish, he does push everyone else to their limit more than other antagonists they face.
3 Riley Voelkel
Riley Voelkel makes her exciting appearance as Freya Mikaelson in the second season of The Originals. Freya slowly but surely gains the trust and respect of her siblings. She takes on the role of the most potent and experienced witch in the city. Freya is also the most present Mikaelson relative in Hope’s life after the Mikaelson siblings are forced to separate, and she even makes multiple appearances on Legacies. When she pops up again in Roswell, New Mexico, she is not a member of the supernatural community. However, she does become an ally to it after realizing that her long-time friend Max Evans is an alien. Riley Voelkel plays a recurring character, so she is not seen throughout the entire series. However, her role does help the rest of the group when needed.
2 Steven Krueger
Steven Krueger took on the role of the new vampire Josh in The Originals. Throughout his time in New Orleans, Josh strove for a daylight ring and Marcel’s respect. Unfortunately, Josh did not get a happy ending, dying too young. But he did reunite with his late boyfriend, Aiden, in Peace. His supporting role as Heath in the third season of Roswell, New Mexico, gives his character a larger interest in science. He supports Liz even when he does not entirely understand the supernatural world. Heath even continues to help Rosa with her alien powers off-screen.
1 Chris Wood
Chris Wood takes on Kai Parker, one of the best villains The Vampire Diaries ever introduced. Witty, sarcastic, funny, and a sociopath, Kai is a scene stealer. Although he is a horrible person, viewers cannot help but love Kai, given the charisma he brings to the show. Kai brought life to the series when The Vampire Diaries lost some steam in their villains after the Mikaelsons left town. He even brings back his villainous persona in Legacies.
But, while he is an excellent villain, Chris Wood also takes on the role of heroic protagonist Jake Riley in Containment. Jake is a police officer trapped within the confines of the Cordon with no way out. While trying to keep those close to him and himself free of the infection, Jake is also trying to help find a way to cure those sick or prevent others from catching the virus.
