Legacies Writer Teases Vampire Diaries Future and a ‘Black Version’

Legacies Writer Teases Vampire Diaries Future and a 'Black Version'

As a dedicated gamer and avid fan of the television industry, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement when I hear about writers like Sherman Payne and the incredible projects they bring to life. Having grown up on shows like “The Vampire Diaries” and its spin-offs, the possibility of more stories set in that universe is music to my ears.


As a passionate gamer and avid fan of TV shows, I was thrilled when MovieWeb had the opportunity to chat with television writer Sherman Payne before the premiere of his latest creation, “Emperor of Ocean Park,” now streaming on MGM+. Previously, Payne worked as a writer and story editor on “Legacies,” which is part of the beloved “Vampire Diaries” universe. With creator Julie Plec expressing her intentions to broaden the franchise even further, I couldn’t help but ask if Payne would consider rejoining the team and contributing to this exciting expansion.

In my perspective, Julie is an exceptional writer and producer whom I deeply admire. Working with her was more than just a privilege; it was a transformative experience that shaped my understanding of showrunning. And then, the cherry on top, getting the opportunity to collaborate with John Wells on Shameless was nothing short of serendipitous. These two brilliant individuals have been instrumental in shaping my career and teaching me the ropes of showrunning.

He went on to add:

“Julie has built a vast and intriguing world with ‘The Vampire Diaries.’ I believe this universe has the potential for numerous spinoffs due to its depth and Julie’s exceptional understanding of what fans crave in such shows. She truly grasps it on a deep level. Consequently, under her guidance or involvement, I imagine it could continue indefinitely. If Julie ever considers collaborating on a black version of ‘Vampire Diaries,’ count me in.”

Meanwhile, Forest Whitaker Stars in Sherman Payne’s New Show

More recently, Payne serves as the executive producer of “Emperor of Ocean Park,” an engaging new legal show featuring Forest Whitaker in the lead role as a judge. This intriguing series is filled with unexpected plot twists centered around its titular character. According to Payne, “Forest is just a great guy. His humility shines through. He’s keen on doing a fantastic job and takes pride in his work. Unlike some legends who merely go through the motions, Forest wasn’t content with phoning it in. He was determined to give his best performance each time, seeking our feedback and approval.”

Payne continues:

From a fan’s perspective, having such a person as a collaborator is exactly what we desire. I’ve expressed this sentiment before: I am a big fan of his work, and it has been a significant influence on me. When compiling a list of potential candidates for the role of the judge, his name consistently appeared at the top. Thus, when he agreed to take part in our project and put in so much effort to ensure its success, working with him was an incredibly rewarding experience.

As a passionate gamer and avid fan of intriguing stories, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! The immersive series “Emperor of Ocean Park” is now available for streaming on MGM+. For those who haven’t heard, this captivating show is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you hooked.

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2024-07-23 00:02