Ian Somerhalder reveals horrifying real life inspiration behind Netflix’s new vampire series V Wars

THE Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder has spoken out about the real life inspiration behind his new Netflix series V Wars.

The series revolves around Dr. Luther Swann (Somerhalder), who enters a world of horror when a mysterious disease transforms his best friend, Michael Fayne, into a murderous predator who feeds on other humans.

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As the disease spreads and more people are transformed, society fractures into opposing camps pitting normal people against the growing number of these vampires.

Swann races against time to understand what’s happening, while Fayne rises to become the powerful underground leader of the vampires.

"It deals with the things we’re dealing with in our own world right now: borders, racism, disease, fear, politics — the politics of fear", said Ian.

"These things aren’t just happening in our echo chambers, they’re happening around the world."

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Speaking to , he added: "And [the vampire virus] comes about as a result of rampant glacial deterioration.

"Ice is melting and exposing pathogens, viruses and bacteria that could make the bubonic plague look like a chickenpox party."

The series was first announced in 2014 as part of a deal with Entertainment One before multiple production issues caused several delays before it was eventually picked up by Netflix.

It is based on the 2012 four-part graphic novels series of the same name, and also stars Smallville's Laura Vandervoort, Kyle Breitkopf and Shadowhunters stars Jacky Lai and Kimberly-Sue Murray.

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Back in August, Ian, 40, gave fans a first glimpse at his new character in an Instagram post.

Wearing his doctors coat and glasses, Ian stared moodily into the camera, his hand and knuckles covered in blood and cuts.

He wrote alongside it: "Here he is... @drlutherswannofficial aka Dr Luther Swann. Would you trust this man?"

Ian's new role comes after he played vampire Damon Salvatore in the hit supernatural teen drama The Vampire Diaries for eight years.