Kait Mae

If you loved Vampire Academy, then you might have heard of Bloodlines. And if you haven’t, here’s your spoiler warning now. I said in my How I Would Adapt Vampire Academy post earlier this year that I’d be doing this one as well – and it’s finally here. It’s an amazing series that gives us more insight to the world of Vampire Academy – and this is how I would bring it to the Silver Screen.

What is ‘Bloodlines’?

The sequel to Vampire Academy, Bloodlines is a six-book series following Sydney Sage, an Alchemist, tasked with protecting Moroi and dhampirs. What she has been taught her whole life is tested when she starts bonding with Jill, Adrian, and Eddie.

The series features Jill Dragomir, Adrian Ivashkov, and Eddie Castile prominently with Sydney. It also has themes of escaping the life you’ve been forced into, mystery, forbidden romance, and political intrigue.

How Would I Bring It To Screens?

Like I did with my hypothetical adaptation of Vampire Academy, I would make this a live-action television show. I would use the Vampire Academy series finale as the backdoor pilot for Bloodlines.

For the aesthetic and vibes, I’d lean into The Vampire Diaries type of show. That said, I wouldn’t want it to be a copy-paste; I’d merge the TVD and VA styles to create a new vibe.

Oh my goodness, you didn’t read the Vampire Academy post first? Here you go.

Who Would I Cast?

If I were to cast the major characters right now, I know who I would choose – that said, if I had free reign in the future, I’m going nearly all lesser-known or brand new actors.

For Sydney Sage, our leading lady, I’m going with Kiernan Shipka. She’s proven she can handle any role thrown her way from contemporary to fantasy, so I have no doubt she’d kill it here.

For Adrian, I’m going with the same pick of Evan Mock. I stand by my choice after seeing more clips of him in Gossip Girl. Nothing’s going to change my mind that he’d be perfect in this role.

I’ve chosen Grace Culwell for Jill for two reasons: I loved her in her Law & Order: SVU episode, and she looks like she could believably be our Lissa’s half-sister.

Moving on to Eddie Castile, I went with an actor I don’t see enough of and would like to see more of: Michael Provost. He has this youthful look to him that I think would play to his advantage in this show.

For Lee Donahue, I’m going with Quinn Spivey because I just had him in my mind when reading Lee’s scenes. And now, I can’t stop picturing him as the character.

With Angeline Dawes, I went more along the lines of who I thought would help round out the cast of dhampirs and chose Angeline Basso. I just think she could kill this role.

As Sydney’s younger sister, I knew exactly who I wanted as Zoe Sage. None other than the actress who has played a young Kiernan Shipka – McKenna Grace. I don’t have any doubts about her ability to do this role justice.

Want more vampires? I’ve got some recommendations for you.

When it came to Trey, I had a bit more trouble because nobody quite fit the vibe I was going for. Until I saw a few clips of This Is the Night and took notice of Lucius Hoyos – who I then recognized from Wednesday.

With Neil Raymond, I didn’t choose specifically based on physical description or personality – I legit said I want this actor in this project, and I know he’ll do well. And that actor is Michael Evans Behling from All American.

Lastly, but definitely not least, Alicia DeGraw. When choosing an actress to portray her, I wanted someone who felt both adult and teen. And that’s how I found Jess McLeod, who I first saw in One of Us Is Lying.

And that is how I would bring Bloodlines to the Silver Screen. How would you have done it?