The Vampire Diaries' potential spinoff, The Originals, is almost here.
Centered on the Original family, the backdoor pilot brings Klaus (Joseph Morgan) from Mystic Falls to New Orleans where he reunites with his former protege, Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), after learning there may be a witch concocting a plan against him. Meanwhile, Rebekah (Claire Holt) grapples with whether to keep the family together or stay put in the suburban town.
As Aussie actress Holt tells The Hollywood Reporter, the world in New Orleans versus that of Mystic Falls are worlds apart. "It's a completely different dynamic," she hints. "It's a different mix, therefore it's a different story. I think the fans are still going to be able to get what they love from The Vampire Diaries and hopefully they'll be able to take something new too."
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So how exactly does Rebekah get in on the New Orleans action? In a chat with THR, Holt discusses how Rebekah enters the fold, revisits the Matt relationship, teases a pivotal moment for the Original vampire and hints at the season four finale.
The Hollywood Reporter: The Originals episode has been on the books for a while. What are your thoughts on Vampire Diaries fans finally getting the chance to see the potential new series?
Claire Holt: Of course. I was beyond excited to be able to continue this journey as Rebekah and continue working with Daniel [Gillies], Joseph and [executive producer] Julie [Plec]. It's been a process; it's been a long time coming. I'm very excited to see the hard work pay off.
THR: We saw a glimpse of Klaus in New Orleans, so how does Rebekah play into that world?
Holt: In The Originals, she's faced with the decision to follow her brother or stay in Mystic Falls. She's always been loyal to Klaus and she values family above all else, and I think it's a really hard one for her because she has been betrayed by him, she is disappointed in him and is hurting still. That journey in this pilot will revolve around her decision to follow him, help him and remain loyal to the family or leave them behind.
THR: Will we see her in New Orleans at some point?
Holt: I'm not sure that's something I can give away. There will definitely be conversations with Elijah about whether or not Rebekah will come and join them. I don't think I can tell you whether she makes it or not.
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THR: The Matt (Zach Roerig) and Rebekah dynamic was revisited again in last week's prom episode. How does that relationship progress in the rest of the season?
Holt: I know Rebekah's been pursuing that for a really long time: The girl doesn't give up! I don't think she's going to give up any time soon. It develops into a nice friendship, I think, after the prom episode. She really behaved in a way he thought was admirable. I think that it's now going to blossom a little. Whether he decides he can forgive her for all the things she's done wrong, that remains to be seen. I hope they get together. I think that they're a really great couple.
THR: So you're saying Matt and Rebekah could continue?
Holt: I think so. If she continues on the path that she's on, she has a chance with him. I think she's learning she can't always get what she wants all the time and behave however she feels. She's really growing up, which is nice, and hopefully that will transition into The Originals, where she will be able to explore that side of her on the new show.
THR: Have you had conversations with Julie about having Rebekah appear in both Vampire Diaries and the spinoff should it go to series?
Holt: That's definitely a possibility. I'd love for that to be an option for Rebekah and for all the characters. I think there's an appetite for the two shows together so that it won't be disjointed and will be able to benefit from the popularity of, hopefully, both the shows if [The Originals] gets picked up. Julie's really trying to allow for that. It would be great for us if it's something we can manage.
THR: How would you describe the season finale?
Holt: I read the last two scripts of the season and I was almost overwhelmed by the scale of them, so I think the fans are going to be very happy with what happens. A lot of characters are involved, a lot of history and there's a shocker at the end as well. It'll tie up loose ends regarding the cure, where the characters go and Rebekah's journey as well.
THR: Rebekah was desperately seeking the cure so she can be human, but now that Silas is in possession of the cure, how does that complicate matters for her?
Holt: Rebekah is going to end up satisfied with the outcome. It may not be what she wanted but she has to realize that there is beauty in everything and she has to look at the bright side of things. Whether she becomes human or remains a vampire, Matt's helping her to be comfortable with herself and learn to be happy with what she has. That's sort of the outcome for the race for the cure, I think.
THR: What's the likelihood that someone will take the cure by season's end?
Holt: We learn it's less about becoming human and more about how we feel about ourselves as characters. Each of the regulars of Mystic Falls really has to ask themselves the question: Do I want this? Am I happy with who I am? Do I want this for someone else? Am I happy with who they are? That's what it all boils down to. This race for the cure is leaving the characters to re-evaluate their lives and that's what's important.
THR: Describe a scene or moment that we should look out for.
Holt: There comes a moment in time when Rebekah truly decides what she wants from her life and there's a lot of craziness surrounding the decision, but she learns to be happy and puts other people first. That's going to be a pivotal moment in the story line and leading into the spinoff, potentially she'll take those character traits with her, I hope.
THR: How do you think fans will react to Thursday's episode?
Holt: I hope they love it! I want to have a job. [Laughs] The production value is incredible, the acting is incredible, the story is incredible. There are so many things to love about this backdoor pilot and I think it's going to be great and I sure hope it is.
The Vampire Diaries airs at 8 p.m. Thursdays on The CW.
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