Zach Roerig Q&A: Finally, a Matt Donovan Flashback!
Paul Dailly
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Have you ever wanted to see Matt Donovan in flashbacks?
That's about to happen on The Vampire Diaries Season 8 Episode 12. We got on the phone with Zach Roerig to discuss what's coming for Matt.
With the increased focus on Matt's back story this year, we have been given a greater deal of insight into his ancestors and it sure seems like that will be continuing on as we approach the finish line.
Read more below about what's to come for the characters on this CW hit and what Zach will miss most about the show.
TV Fanatic: What can you tell us about this week's episode of The Vampire Diaries?
Zach Roerig: It's a big one. We're on a mission to figure out how to stop Cade. Matt Donovan finds himself smack dab in the middle of all of it, working with Dorian and Alaric to decode the Maxwell journal.
We get to see Matt Donovan for the first time in eight years, working in a flashback episode and actually portraying one of his ancestors from the 1790s which was very rewarding as an actor to portray. Just very fun in general.
How do you feel about the arrival of Matt's father this season?
It's been very fulfilling as an actor and for my character. He's always felt kind of, like, abandoned and the sort of gutter puppy of Mystic Falls and not having a real place in the history.
What did you think of Matt refusing Caroline's blood?
Matt has been kind of drawing a hard line on where he stands with all of that in the past few seasons. One time, he had all the vampires leave Mystic Falls. Basically, Matt's decided if things are going to end, then that's how it's going to end. But he's not going to cross over, ever.
Caroline takes offense to that, but Matt still loves her all the same.
Do you think Matt and Damon could become friends?
With Damon, the word friend is always used loosely. Could they become allies? Yes, I'm sure they could, but I think friends is a very, very far stretch.
Do you think Matt could cut his supernatural friends out of his life for good?
He's talked about it, but I don't think he actually could. You've seen him make sacrifices for them morally and physically, so I don't think so.
Do you think Stefan will be able to redeem himself after killing Enzo?
I do. That's the thing about Stefan, he always had a moral compass, like Matt and he's always been able to make right. I think everyone can expect him to come round and do the right thing this time.
Which character were you most excited to have back on the show this season?
I always enjoy getting the gang back together. It's really exciting to see all the familiar faces from all the seasons.
What are your thoughts on the series ending?
It's bittersweet, you know? It's the biggest catch-22 of my life. It's exciting, exhilarating, but at the same time, it's terrifying. It's, like, a real grievance.
What will you miss most about working on the show?
The crew, the people since we moved to Atlanta not knowing no one. The crew became our family. They're just a fantastic group of people and I'll forever be indebted to them.
Do you have any other projects on the horizon right now?
I'm going to take a little time and collect my thoughts. I'm headed to Los Angeles tomorrow and I'll regroup there.
Be sure to tune into The Vampire Diaries Season 8 Episode 12 to find out how the trip to the past plays out and whether Stefan will find a way to get forgiveness from Bonnie. Be here for a full review afterward.
It airs tonight on The CW at 8/7C.
Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.
