Ian Somerhalder: why I walked away from Hollywood after V Wars

Ian Somerhalder says the cancellation and mishandling of his Netflix series V Wars, which he even offered millions to take creative control of, convinced him to quit acting. He and producing partner James Gibb raised about $6 million to shoot extra footage after Netflix wouldn’t hand over control, but the project was canceled anyway, sending Somerhalder to the hospital and prompting him to leave Hollywood. Now living on a California farm with Nikki Reed, he’s focused on business ventures (Absorption Company and Brother’s Bond Bourbon) and has no plans to return to acting, describing his exit as the more 'honest, controversial' reason he quit. He also disclosed past eight-figure debt from failed ventures and emphasized prioritizing family and enterprises over a Hollywood career.