Uncle Mason Lockwood may be long gone on The Vampire Diaries (RIP), but the man behind the tragic werewolf —Taylor Kinney — is just getting started! From a romantic role on the hit web series Dating Rules From My Future Self to a stint on Castle alongside Nathan Fillion, Taylor Kinney has been landing some stellar roles! And now he can tack on “sexy, brave fireman” to his rapidly growing resume…because he recently snagged the lead role in the upcoming NBC pilot Chicago Fire (executive produced by Michael Brandt, Derek Haas and Dick Wolf)!

According to Deadline.com, Taylor will play an “adrenaline-junkie” named Squad Lieutenant Kelly Severide whose unit responds to the most dangerous fires. Taylor Kinney climbing burning buildings and rescuing people? Talk about sizzling! Read more about his new role here: http://ow.ly/9c9uU.

So tell us — are you excited to see Taylor Kinney slip on a fireman’s hat or would you rather see him facing off vampires in Mystic Falls?