Legacies recently premiered on the CW, with a new crop of supernatural beings at The Salvatore Boarding School for the Young and Gifted. In Legacies, audiences will be exposed to a thrilling new drama that will tell the stories of the newest generation. These students will rely on ancient folklore and tales to combat their enemies, protect their town of Mystic Falls, and eventually the world.
On a recent set, BGN had the opportunity to speak with Executive Producers, Julie Plec (Vampire Diaries) and Brett Matthews (Vampire Diaries), as well as actors Jenny Boyd (Lizzie Saltzman), Kaylee Bryant (Josie Saltzman), Quincy Fouse (Milton “M.G.” Gladstone), Aria Shahghasemi (Landon Kirby), Peyton “Alex” Smith (Rafael Waithe) and Matt Davis (Alaric Saltzman).
The cast expressed a great sense of responsibility to the legacy of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, yet they all possessed a freshness and vibrancy that will surely bring something original to the Legacies show. The cast and crew all exuded excitement, anticipation, and gratitude for the forthcoming season.
Legacies centers around Hope Mickaelson (Danielle Rose Russell) as she learns to harness her powers at the Salvatore Boarding School under the mentorship of Alaric Saltzman (Matthew Davis). Hope is the daughter of a werewolf, vampire, and granddaughter of a witch. She is the only “tri-bid” (mix of three beings) in existence, and she’s powerful. Yet, Hope is still dealing with being a teenager and all the pressures that accompany this stage of life. She’s now tasked with tracking down Landon Kirby (Aria Shahghasemi) who has taken a mystical knife and who is shrouded in mystery.
Whether fans are new to the legacy of the series or not, there is sure to be something for everyone within this show. The characters are as diverse in their ethnicities as they are in their different species. Pansexuality and gender fluidity are themes that are present. Expect to see interesting and complex relationships evolve as this younger generation boldly navigates the tumultuous terrain of searching for their true identities, all while juggling their manifesting supernatural abilities.
New Beginnings, New Generation, A New Tone
The legacy of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals are so popular and revered. That’s why Julie Plec and Brett Matthews were very deliberate about Legacies bringing its own series identity and tone to this shared TVD-verse. This series will have a more light-hearted and humorous tone while still maintaining some of the dark, mysterious and familiar elements.
Unlike the former parent series’, Legacies will showcase a new creature each week. Plec and Matthews both agree that viewers can be prepared for the series “to go big with the creatures’ reveals each week”. In Legacies, there will be much emphasis placed on the creatures and their manifested characteristics. The show does not plan to blend into the mold of the past two series, but rather bring to the table something entirely new for its viewers while maintaining some bit of familiarity aesthetically.
The Return of Fan-Favorite Alaric Saltzman
On the return of Matthew Davis as Alaric Saltzman, Plec stated that “we wanted him to have the feel of an ‘Indiana Jones’, mentor-hero type that would be the father figure at The Salvatore Boarding School.” Under the mentorship of Alaric Saltzman, these supernatural teens at the Salvatore Boarding School will find refuge and a safe haven as they learn to navigate the world as supernatural creatures. Unlike the supernatural creatures of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, this new generation of supernatural teens will embrace their supernatural abilities, but not without some challenges along the way.
Davis spoke on the evolution of Alaric from Vampire Diaries Season 1 as a high-school teacher to becoming the headmaster and doctor at The Salvatore Boarding School 10 years later. What you will see more of in this series is many new sides of Alaric that we’ve never seen before. “He’s in a different position of responsibility. You see him managing a school, being a father, managing being a mentor and a protector. He’s got a lot of hats that he has to wear, but he does not necessarily always wear them well.”
Mentorship is a major theme within this new series. We can all expect to see complex relationships develop over time throughout the series. Davis spoke highly of the new, young cast. He stated that he is excited for the bonds that are actually happening off-screen amongst the cast. He also looks forward to how that chemistry will translate on-screen.
A Break From The Old Mold, While Familial Legacies Run Deep
There are obvious reminders of The Vampire Diaries. The Stefan Salvatore Library is now a boarding school that has been named in dedication to Stefan (Paul Wesley) who died in The Vampire Diaries series finale. There is also a portion of the library that holds heirlooms that once belonged to him. Dorian from Season 7 of The Vampire Diaries teaches a chemistry class at the Salvatore School.
Additionally, the dark, spiritual inheritance of one of the twins, Lizzie Saltzman (Jenny Boyd) is revealed. Lizzie has violent outbursts and a highly volatile nature at times. There’s mention by her dad Davis, that she may have inherited these traits from some of her ancestors who were a part of the Gemini Coven.
Boyd who is excited to be a part of this series stated, “Being able to play her polarized sides has been so exciting and such an amazing opportunity for me as an actress.” While Legacies is definitely breaking away from the old mold, some of the familiar themes and legacies will remain.
What viewers are sure to notice about Legacies is a new tone, fresh faces, and more detailed creatures indeed. Be prepared for a new supernatural creature to be unveiled each week. Stay tuned as Legacies Season 1 is sure to be intriguing.
Legacies will air weekly on Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW.
