On May 3, 2012 The CW renewed
The Vampire Diaries for a fourth season. Unlike previous seasons, it started on October 11.
Kevin Williamson,
Julie Plec,
Leslie Morgenstein and Bob Levy were executive producers for the series. The season was concluded on May 16, 2013.
Casting On August 7, 2012 it was announced that
Phoebe Tonkin and
Todd Williams would join the show as recurring characters in the fourth season. Tonkin portrayed
Hayley Marshall, a friend of Tyler's. Williams portrayed Connor, a vampire hunter. The Olympic gymnast
Gabby Douglas made an appearance in "My Brother's Keeper" as a volunteer decorator for the Miss Mystic Falls Beauty Pageant. On the CW website, an interview with Douglas shares her experience on set and with the cast. Starting with episode 13,
Charlie Bewley will join the show as Vaughn, like Connor a vampire hunter, and
Camille Guaty as Professor Shane's dead wife Caitlin, who is going to reveal information about him. In February 2013, it was announced that
Daniella Pineda was cast as the witch Sophie for episode 20 "The Originals". This episode serves as a backdoor-pilot for a possible spin-off series, revolving around
the Originals and taking place in the French Quarter of New Orleans. ==Reception==