Ian Somherlader Talks Nina Dobrev’s Exit And Possible Return To ‘The Vampire Diaries’

Ian Somerhalder recently shared his thoughts on Nina Dobrev’s surprising departure from The Vampire Diaries at the end of last season. Speaking with Variety, Somerhalder revealed that the show’s future was in a state of flux without Elena, and the series had to move forward with a different strategy without one of its main characters.

“I personally think everyone thought it was going to be a huge departure after Elena was gone. And I was one of those people… I thought it was going to be a huge departure for the typical formula of the show … What we’ve just started shooting is such a departure.”

Clearly, Somerhalder joined many fans who were sad to see Dobrev go, and worried as to how the show would continue on without her. Luckily, the series was able to adapt to the circumstance and has managed to head into new territory in its seventh season.

That being said, just because Dobrev left doesn’t mean fans aren’t wanting her back. With the current season well underway, many are already hoping that Dobrev may make a return for a short appearance this season and reunite with her former on- and off-screen boyfriend, Ian Somerhalder.

With that in mind, Somerhalder and fellow co-star Paul Wesley seemed open about the possibility of Dobrev returning as Elena. In fact, in a interview with TV Insider, Wesley stated that Elena is still a huge part of the show, despite Dobrev leaving.

“Elena’s still a very big part of the story. Her body’s in danger in the first few episodes, and Damon is doing everything he can to make sure it stays safe if and when she wakes up,” Wesley stated in the interview. “We all had imagined this complete reboot where Elena was gone, but she’s talked about so much!”

However, despite all of the rumors, Dobrev has been fairly consistent in her comments about a possible return. In a heartfelt message on her Instagram account back in Season 6, Dobrev said goodbye to her supportive fans and stated that she was looking forward to the “next chapter” of her life.

“I invite you to hop on the roller coaster ride that is Elena Gilbert’s life and join me as I celebrate her and prepare to say goodbye to her — and to my work family — as I move on to the next chapter of my life. I want to share this goodbye with all of you,” Dobrev wrote. “I love you all. Fasten your seatbelts. If you think you know what’s coming, you don’t. Love, Nina.”

Moving on with her life is exactly what Dobrev is doing. Since leaving the hit show, the actress has already been busy in securing more work in Hollywood. This includes a possible role in the upcoming Baywatch movie, starring alongside Ashley Benson, Zac Efron, and Dwayne Johnson.

Does this mean that Dobrev will never return for a short cameo on The Vampire Diaries? Although it is impossible to say for sure, there seems to be an opening for her to reprise her role, though it doesn’t seem likely to happen any time soon.

That doesn’t, however, mean that she might not pop up at some point in the future. This is especially true given Weasley’s comments about how her character is still an integral part of the show. Even still, if or when Dobrev decides to make a return to The Vampire Diaries is anyone’s guess.

In the meantime, fans can watch all they handle of Somerhalder and Wesley as the seventh season of the hit vampire series continues strong.

Season 7 of The Vampires Diaries continues Thursday nights on The CW.

Tell us! Do you want Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev to reunite on The Vampire Diaries? Let us know in the comments below.

[Image via The CW]