Exclusive: Julie Plec Teases Major Changes in TVD Season 7

The Vampire Diaries

EXCLUSIVE: Julie Plec Teases Major Changes in The Vampire Diaries Season 7

But don't worry -- there will still be plenty of kissing!

Posted by Theo on August 26, 2015 at 11:13 AM

Julie Plec teases The Vampire Diaries Seaosn 7 in this exclusive interview

Photo: Guy D’Alema/The CW

With Elena Gilbert fast asleep in a magical coma and the Heretics running rampant in modern day Mystic Falls, it’s safe to say The Vampire Diaries Season 7 will be packed with interesting developments and compelling storylines. So what sort of changes are the cast and crew members gearing up for following the devastating sixth season finale, which was marked by a tremendous amount of loss, tragedy, and heartache? Well, our team caught up with executive producer Julie Plec during the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour 2015 to get the scoop on this year’s overarching theme, the show’s newcomers, and the emotional well-being of our beloved Mystic Falls residents — and let’s just say she was very generous with her responses.

Scroll on down for the full exclusive interview!

Alloy Entertainment: Compared to previous seasons, what stands out the most about TVD season 7?
Julie Plec: It’s centered around a completely different group dynamic in that the main character is no longer with us. We get to see a world without Elena Gilbert and what all our other characters are doing in her absence and how they’re all finding their own way, and what new obstacles come into their paths.

Alloy Entertainment: We’ve witnessed the year of the Originals, the Doppelgangers, and more. Is there an overall theme to the seventh season?
Julie Plec: There is a bit in the beginning of the season. Stefan and Damon’s mother is present, and it’s them trying to work out how they feel about her as she’s ultimately mothering this group, the family that she’s chosen over them.

Alloy Entertainment: What’s the most challenging part about writing episodes without Elena in them?
Julie Plec: It’s actually only challenging in that we know how much the audience misses her. But on a writing level it’s actually fun, new.

Alloy Entertainment: Have you discovered anything surprising about the writing process?
Julie Plec: Not surprising, but when you no longer have the center of your story around one singular character it opens up a lot of new avenues to explore.

Alloy Entertainment: We’re excited to welcome the show’s first same-sex couple. Did recent events in the news and politics influence this decision or was it a long time coming?
Julie Plec: It was it a long time coming. There really isn’t a reason why we hadn’t done it before other than we’ve never had the characters that fit what we wanted to do. But it’s been a goal of mine for years and now we found the perfect characters to do it with.

Alloy Entertainment: And speaking of relationships, there was a lot of “Steroline” talk at San Diego Comic-Con. What sorts of snags will Stefan and Caroline hit this year?
Julie Plec: Man, many epic big, big snags. [Laughs]

Alloy Entertainment: Can you tease any?
Julie Plec: I cannot and I will not because they’re that big, but I hope that they come together and survive it.

Alloy Entertainment: Will their relationship continue to be a slow burn?
Julie Plec: Their relationship has definitely been a slow burn, but they’ll get past the slow part soon enough.

Alloy Entertainment: But for real, will there be any romantic moments?
Julie Plec: There’s some kissing in the first episode. That’s all I’ll say.

Alloy Entertainment: As for Damon, who will he turn to as he tries to move on without Elena?
Julie Plec: Well, he’s got a myriad of drinking buddies now, between Alaric — who’s going through his own loss — and Bonnie with her bottle of water to wash the booze down and try to keep an eye on the two boys and keep them from self-destructing. They’re a nice little triumvirate.

Alloy Entertainment: How would you describe his psychological state?
Julie Plec: He is trying to hold it together. He’s doing what he can to make sure he holds himself together and doesn’t fall apart.

–Exclusive quotes reported by Gerri Miller

What’s one TVD-related question you would love the answer to, fang fans? Tell us in a comment and stayed tuned for our exclusive Q&As with Julie about The Originals Season 3 and her new series Containment, which stars Christopher Wood (Kai).

The Vampire Diaries Season 7 premieres Thursday, October 8 at 8/7c on The CW. Be sure to tune in to catch all the action!

*The TVD Cast Takes on SDCC: See the Photos!*

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 12: (L-R) Actress Kat Graham, producer Julie Plec, actress Candice Accola, actor Michael Malarkey, actor Ian Somerhalder, actor Paul Wesley and producer Caroline Dries attend the "The Vampire Diaries" panel during Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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The onscreen chemistry between Candice Accola (Caroline Forbes) and Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore) continues at THE VAMPIRE DIARIES signing in the Warner Bros. booth at Comic-Con 2015. #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All rights reserved.)

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Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore) and Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett) take a rare vampire/witch selfie at THE VAMPIRE DIARIES signing in the Warner Bros. booth at Comic-Con 2015. #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All rights reserved.)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 12: In this handout photo provided by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc, (L-R) SUPERNATURAL stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles with THE VAMPIRE DIARIES stars Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley cross paths before their respective sessions during Comic-Con International 2015 on July 12, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Chris Frawley/Warner Bros. Entertainment)

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Frenemies on the show, friends in real life. Series stars Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett) and Michael Malarkey (Enzo) at THE VAMPIRE DIARIES signing in the Warner Bros. booth at Comic-Con 2015. #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All rights reserved.)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 11: Actress Kat Graham attends SiriusXM's Entertainment Weekly Radio Channel Broadcasts From Comic-Con 2015 at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on July 11, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

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The cast and creative team of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES get comfortable in the Warner Bros. booth at Comic-Con 2015: (L-R) Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore), Executive Producer Caroline Dries, Executive Producer Julie Plec, Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore), Candice Accola (Caroline Forbes), Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett) and Michael Malarkey (Enzo). #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All rights reserved.)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 11: Actors Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, Michael Malarkey and Candice Accola attends SiriusXM's Entertainment Weekly Radio Channel Broadcasts From Comic-Con 2015 at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on July 11, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 11: Actor Ian Somerhalder attends SiriusXM's Entertainment Weekly Radio Channel Broadcasts From Comic-Con 2015 at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on July 11, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 12: Actor Paul Wesley (L) and actress Candice Accola speakonstage at the "The Vampire Diaries" panel during Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 11: Actress Candice Accola attends Entertainment Weekly's Annual Comic-Con Party in celebration of Comic-Con 2015 at FLOAT at The Hard Rock Hotel on July 11, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Entertainment Weekly)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 11: Actors Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, Michael Malarkey and Kat Graham, executive producer Caroline Dries and actress Candice Accola attend SiriusXM's Entertainment Weekly Radio Channel Broadcasts From Comic-Con 2015 at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on July 11, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 12: Actor Michael Malarkey appears onstage at the "The Vampire Diaries" panel during Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 12: Actor Ian Somerhalder speaks onstage at the "The Vampire Diaries" panel during Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 11: Actor Paul Wesley attends SiriusXM's Entertainment Weekly Radio Channel Broadcasts From Comic-Con 2015 at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on July 11, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 11: Actress Kat Graham attends Entertainment Weekly's Annual Comic-Con Party in celebration of Comic-Con 2015 at FLOAT at The Hard Rock Hotel on July 11, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Entertainment Weekly)

ian-kat-caroline-dries-comic-con

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 12: (L-R) Actress Kat Graham, producer Caroline Dries and actor Ian Somerhalder speak onstage at the "The Vampire Diaries" panel during Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 12: Actress Kat Graham walks onstage at the "The Vampire Diaries" panel during Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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HE VAMPIRE DIARIES star/Master of Ceremonies Ian Somerhalder with SUPERGIRL star Melissa Benoist during the Warner Bros. Television Presents a Night of DC Entertainment special event on Saturday, July 11, in Hall H at Comic-Con 2015. #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All Rights Reserved.)

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THE VAMPIRE DIARIES star Ian Somerhalder (left) served as master of ceremonies for Warner Bros. Television’s Night of DC Entertainment; he poses here with THE FLASH stars Candice Patton (center) and Grant Gustin backstage at Hall H on Saturday, July 11, at Comic-Con 2015. #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All Rights Reserved.)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 12: (L) Actor Paul Wesley, actress Candice Accola and actor Michael Malarkey speak onstage at the "The Vampire Diaries" panel during Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore) and Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett) are pretty satisfied with their selfie at THE VAMPIRE DIARIES signing in the Warner Bros. booth at Comic-Con 2015. #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All rights reserved.)

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paul-wesley-ew-comic-con-party

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 11: Actor Paul Wesley attends Entertainment Weekly's Comic-Con 2015 Party sponsored by HBO, Honda, Bud Light Lime and Bud Light Ritas at FLOAT at The Hard Rock Hotel on July 11, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Entertainment Weekly)

kat-graham-ew-comic-con-party

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 11: Actress Kat Graham attends Entertainment Weekly's Comic-Con 2015 Party sponsored by HBO, Honda, Bud Light Lime and Bud Light Ritas at FLOAT at The Hard Rock Hotel on July 11, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Entertainment Weekly)

paul-wesley-shares-a-laugh-with-michael-malarkey

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 11: Actors Paul Wesley and Michael Malarkey attend SiriusXM's Entertainment Weekly Radio Channel Broadcasts From Comic-Con 2015 at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on July 11, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

ian-somerhalder-dc-presents

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES star Ian Somerhalder served as Master of Ceremonies for the Warner Bros. Television Presents a Night of DC Entertainment special event on Saturday, July 11, in Hall H at Comic-Con 2015. #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All Rights Reserved.)

tvd-cast-panel-comic-con

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 12: (L-R) Moderator Jarett Wieselman, actress Kat Graham, producer Caroline Dries, actor Ian Somerhalder, actress Julie Plec, actor Paul Wesley, actress Candice Accola and actor Michael Malarkey speak onstage at the "The Vampire Diaries" panel during Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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The cast of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES gathers before the hit drama's signing in the Warner Bros. booth at Comic-Con 2015: (L-R) Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore), Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore), Candice Accola (Caroline Forbes), Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett) and Michael Malarkey (Enzo). #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All rights reserved.)

ian-at-comic-con-international

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES star/Master of Ceremonies Ian Somerhalder visited by a Lucient Dossier artist inspired by GOTHAM during the Warner Bros. Television Presents a Night of DC Entertainment special event on Saturday, July 11, in Hall H at Comic-Con 2015. #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All Rights Reserved.)

Spotted: Chris Wood, who's starring in Julie Plec's new drama Contrainment.

From left to right, ARROW/THE FLASH director David Nutter; THE FLASH stars Grant Gustin, Danielle Panabaker and Candice Patton; and Chris Wood from CONTAINMENT at Warner Bros. Television's Comic-Con cocktail media mixer at the Hard Rock Hotel's FLOAT Rooftop Bar on Friday, July 10, 2015. #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All rights reserved.)

Also spotted: Dave Anders, aka Uncle John, who nows star on iZombie!

David Anders, Malcolm Goodwin, Aly Michalka and Rahul Kohli from iZOMBIE at Warner Bros. Television's Comic-Con cocktail media mixer at the Hard Rock Hotel's FLOAT Rooftop Bar on Friday, July 10, 2015. #WBSDCC (©2015 WBEI. All rights reserved.)

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COMMENTS

Amy Said:

I can’t wait until the new season begins, yay! I hope Lily’s going to stick around for a good long time, I love her.

Post on August 26, 2015 at 11:52 am
Cassie Said:

All I can say is that Caroline looks gorgeous in this photo (above)… I have high hopes for this season but NOT because of Steroline. Ever since Nina left it seems that Steroline is just a replacement for Delena, since the writers need that big romantic draw to the show. If they truely are the focus, I wont be as excited as before. Badass Damon, Enzo character development, and Alaraic dealing with most recent loss. Those are plot points to focus on. And hopefully more witch Bonnie.

Post on August 26, 2015 at 12:10 pm
taina Said:

eu estou ansiosa para assistir a 7 serie de diario de um vampiro tambem fiquei muito triste que nina nao vai participa da nova serie a serie sem ela vai ser sem graça mais vamos ver espero que seja otima

Post on August 26, 2015 at 12:26 pm
molly Said:

Why do have to keep focus on a coffin? I thought now that ND is gone the show would turn a new leaf because Julie, majority of us don’t care about her. Does Caroline actually do something ever without it involving a guy.I like steroline but stop shoving them down our throats! Why does Bonnie have to be concerned for Alaric at all, isn’t this the same guy who would’ve let her die to keep some chick he barely knew alive(Jo)? Give Bonnie a story outside of the MF gang Let her be beautiful and happy

Post on August 26, 2015 at 12:27 pm
Danielle Said:

All I can said is I would like Elena to come back to the show it will not be the same with out her please come back love all you guys

Post on August 26, 2015 at 1:36 pm
Ava Said:

Don’t care about sterosnooz, I think Julie’s going to make Caroline pregnant to make SC relevant because really what is interesting about them?
I’m only watching for B A M O N! Now that’s chemistry!

Post on August 26, 2015 at 2:31 pm
Tiana Said:

If they even dare to make Caroline pregnant I’ll completely drop this show. Caroline is a vampire who had sex with another vampire, Stefan, so there’s no conceivable, pardon the pun, way that they can logically bring this to fruition. And furthermore, as the only inherently magical one, Bonnie is the only person who should be able to magically conceive a vampire’s baby. Period. Steroline isn’t interesting, never was. There’s no chemistry. Bamon on the other hand, a goldmine TPTB are sleeping on.

Post on August 26, 2015 at 4:20 pm
Tiana Said:

Also, if Tyler didn’t get her pregnant seeing as he was a hybrid or even Klaus who is also a hybrid why the hell would it be Stefan who could? That would be the dumbest thing to happen since the sleeping beauty BS instead of the writers having the guts to kill Elena. If the actress is pregnant in real life do what other shows have done, block around her growing baby bump don’t include a nonsensical plot hole for the purpose of romantic angst for the most boring ship on the show. Just, ugh.

Post on August 26, 2015 at 4:25 pm
Theo Said:

@Tiana With all due respect, was there mention of a baby in the post? Lol! I don’t even know how they could logistically pull this off again since they used that storyline with Hayley and Klaus. Let’s hope not.

Post on August 26, 2015 at 5:20 pm
Krista Said:

This is to poster Tiana: The other poster said they THINK not that it was truth. I doubt Plec will do that but honestly nothing surprises me with these writers. She keeps saying “surprise and angst”concerning them and she’s trying to get people to care about them. My problem is they put two of the most boring characters together when as you put it Bamon’s chemistry is a gold mine that they aren’t even considering using. All the interviews that I’ve seen doesn’t make s7 watchable for me. lol

Post on August 26, 2015 at 5:48 pm
theonlyandoneme Said:

Wait, Bonnie being there for Damon and Alaric? I mean, she’s the reason Damon isn’t with the love of his life and because of her, Alaric lost his wife and the mother of his children? She should be all gone! Nobody would miss her. Elena and Jeremy were the only ones who truly cared for her. All I read about it is bullshit. I can’t wait till the season finale, which hopefully will be the series finale and having Nina coming back to save what’s left of dignity in this in show. I’m so done with it.

Post on August 26, 2015 at 7:20 pm
Sterolinesss Said:

Is this picture new? Like from season 7?

Post on August 26, 2015 at 7:33 pm
Tiana Said:

@Theo No, there wasn’t a baby mentioned in the article as I was merely responding to something I saw in this comment section. That’s all. It’s been speculated b4. @Krista I wouldn’t put it past JP/CD. They’re too dense to see that SC is the most boring ship in the world. When their first kiss was spoiled the ratings plummeted even lower then they had been. Steroline isn’t compelling, it’s too forced and feels the exact opposite of ‘organic’. You want organic, JP? Look Bamon’s way. 100% natural.

Post on August 26, 2015 at 8:53 pm
A Said:

Steroline rules!!!!!

Post on August 26, 2015 at 9:12 pm
Jane Said:

Love love steroline.

Post on August 26, 2015 at 9:15 pm
Notwatching Said:

They just made my mind up. Next channel please.

Post on August 26, 2015 at 10:29 pm
Joséphine Said:

GOD NO. NO STEROLINE. I CAN TAKE IT FOR HALF A SEASON – THEN… THEN I’M OUT. To be honest, they’re the VERY first couple on the entire show to not have the least of what you consider chemistry. Like, Candice and Paul doesn’t have it in real life, and nonethemore do they succeed in conveying it to our screens. All I see is a close siblings type of chemistry with an extraordinarly solid connection,not a couple with romantic tension nor tendence of leaning towards it!! END OF IT. GOD FORBID!!! x_X

Post on August 27, 2015 at 12:53 am
Joséphine Said:

I SO AGREE with @Tiana — Steroline DOES FEEL 100% FORCED AND IN OTHER WORDS – 0% ORAGINALLY FLOURISHED. THEIR ROMANCE IS PROCESSED THROUGH PURE GMO METHODS. WITH NO NATURAL GROWTH ON ITS OWN. LOL.

Post on August 27, 2015 at 1:01 am
Tiana Said:

@Joséphine — Steroline is something that should have never evolved past the bff stage. You have JP and CD acting like this ship was always intended to happen when that’s simply not true and the character regression that Caroline went through alone in season 6 proves how ridiculous. She turned back into this whiny, clingy, insecure, needy, bird brain who made how Stefan grieved his brother all about her. And he had to be talked into liking her. Dumbest ship ever.

Post on August 27, 2015 at 11:13 am
Tiana Said:

@Joséphine — Plus, TPTB are acting like Caroline is still the girl no one wants or chooses first when that’s the exact opposite of the way her character has been written. Caroline isn’t all that compelling as a character on her own which is why they throw her with so many guys. Look at season 5 for instance. She had Tyler, Jessie, Klaus and towards the end starting making an ass out of herself about Stefan that was her SL. ALL SEASON. Even her mother dying SL revolved around a guy. It’s stupid.

Post on August 27, 2015 at 11:18 am
Maria Said:

The only thing I am looking forward to is a still evolved, but darker Damon, and lots of Bamon Scenes and Stefan and Damon Scenes.

Post on August 27, 2015 at 10:27 pm