‘Vampire Diaries’ spinoff pilot coming to The CW

Huge “Vampire Diaries” news: The CW is officially developing a spinoff for the Thursday hit and you’re going to have a chance to see the pilot.

After years of rumors about extending the supernatural franchise, The CW has decided to launch a backdoor pilot for a spinoff within the show’s current fourth season.

The story centers around the original family of vampires and stars Joseph Morgan (Klaus). In the episode, Klaus “returns to the supernatural melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans — a town he helped build centuries ago — and is reunited with his diabolical former protégé Marcel.

Phoebe Tonkin, who plays sexy werewolf Hayley on “TVD,” is also set to star.

The episode airs April 25. The working title of the spinoff is “The Originals.”

“Vampire Diaries” executive producer Julie Plec will write the episode and serve as showrunner on the new project if it earns a series order.

Leslie Morgenstein and Gina Girolamo will also serve as executive producers. “Vampire Diaries” showrunner Kevin Williamson, who also has his upcoming Fox show “The Following,” is not involved with the spinoff.

The show is produced by Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios.

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