The CW Planning Vampire Diaries Spin-Off

The CW is planning to launch a spin-off from its hit supernatural series The Vampire Diaries.

A spin-off from the Mystic Falls based drama has been a prospect for some time. Early development of The Secret Circle, adapted from the novels by L.J Smith who wrote The Vampire Diaries books, was along the lines of a spin-off before it was decided the witchy drama should be a series in its own right. Now The CW is revisiting the idea of a spin-off with a backdoor pilot to air as part of The Vampire Diaries.

The backdoor pilot, to air as part of the fourth season, will see Klaus (Joseph Morgan) return to the French Quarter of New Orleans and is reunited with former protege Marcel. Set to star in the episode alongside Joseph Morgan is Phoebe Tonkin as Hayley, the recurring character who recently appeared in Mystic Falls with an agenda. The title of the spin-off is currently titled The Originals – after the original vampires.

Julie Plec will write the episode and will helm the series if The CW picks it up. The broadcaster has a history of airing backdoor pilots for spin-offs; Gossip Girl featured such one for a prequel series but ultimately The CW decided not to order a full series.