‘The Vampire Diaries’ season 7 spoilers: Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley have new company…

The moment that “The Vampire Diaries” lost Nina Dobrev, Steven R. McQueen, and Michael Trevino within the span of a few months, you knew that there would have to be some new characters signing on at some point. This is really what this particular article is about.

As reported by TVLine, the show is casting three new characters including the first same-sex couple to appear on the show in Nora and Mary Louise, whoa re both in their twenties (at least by appearance) and have hidden their relationship for over a hundred years. Those are close to them, though, do realize rather quickly that they have a connection that goes far beyond friendship. Another new face in Valerie is also going to turn up, and she may end up being a love interest to one of the more-established characters, at least on a temporary basis. (Here’s to hoping right now that this character is not Damon, since that would probably incite some revolts.) Note that we have had a same-sex character on the show before, but never a couple.

Judging from the show’s promotional strategy at San Diego Comic-Con (see here), we get the sense that the emphasis for season 7 is going to be on Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder front and format. The Salvatore family mythology is still a strong component of the show, and the return of Annie Wersching as Lily seems to be further evidence of that.

More news on these castings will likely be unveiled a little later this summer, given that filming on season 7 should begin in the Atlanta area next month. “The Vampire Diaries” returns with a one-two punch with “The Originals” starting on Thursday, October 8 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time.

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