It was quite a day for the cast and producers of The Originals. When Julie Plec, Michael Narducci, and all your favorite cast members descended upon San Diego, they brought a lot of great details for season 2 with them.
Julie Plec was first up, and after giving us a quick reminder that she could have been one of the people that killed the vampire craze, but instead has helped it to continue to flourish, she dove right into where we will find New Orleans at the start of season 2.
“The vampires have been basically decimated, and those that remain have been exiled from the quarter.” So while the Original family are locked up in the compound ‘grieving’ the loss of baby Hope, the Guerrera werewolves are ruling the roost and terrorizing the vampires whenever they get the chance with their alliance with the witches.
We have all figured out that Esther will be playing a vital role in season 2, and she brought with her a male that addressed her as mother, and that could only be one of two people (fingers crossed for Kol, who we saw in the first look trailer that premiered at the panel hours later). Also of note, while both Mikael and Esther will be wreaking havoc, 5 episodes in, they will still be unaware of each other’s presence in the Quarter.
She went on to talk about Daniel Sharman’s new role on the show, Kaleb, and that he will be romancing Davina when he first arrives to New Orleans. His greater purpose and agenda are a big question mark, but he will definitely be up to something.
The other big question on everyone’s minds revolves around the Other Side and how its collapsing will affect The Originals. Julie made it very clear when asked if it was gone once and for all when she said, “That is final. Without a doubt.” She then went on to describe what discussions went into preparing for that huge change. “It’s now or never. We’re either bringing a mother and a brother back or we’re done.”
Lastly, when asked about how the humans are fairing with the Guerrera wolves in charge, Julie remarked, “No matter which supernatural alliance is made, humans are constantly sort of getting left on the weaker end, and I would like to see the day when, for example Cami, steps forward and says, ‘No more.'”
We also got to pick Michael Narducci’s brain about The Originals season 2, and he had a LOT to say on the matter.
First of all, he wanted to point out that Francesca is not exactly that much better than Klaus when it comes to ruling with an iron fist. “Now we’ve got a gangster in charge that’s blood thirsty and dangerous.” Basically, she may not be a blood-drinker, but that doesn’t mean that humans are safe.
He also talked about how Klaus, Elijah and Marcel may have to team up to take down the likes of Esther and Mikael, especially if they ever discover the true nature of Hope’s disappearance. He went on to talk about Elijah’s overall goal in the series, Klaus’ redemption, and said, “Elijah’s whole goal is to save his brother from eternal damnation as a hybrid monster, and it would be like knowing your brother was an addict and to get him off the junk.”
We also got a chance to check in with the main cast members and each had some interesting insight for their characters.
Leah Pipes wanted us to know that although Cami has been used by Klaus and other vampires throughout season 1, season 2 will give us a chance to see Cami in a whole new light. “You really get to see Cami, you know, who she was all along.” We are anxious to see her step into her own, now that she’s on vervain and can’t be compelled.
Danielle Campbell is happy to see that Davina is growing as both a witch and as a young woman. “Second season Davina has grown up a lot. She’s a lot stronger.” Davina is stepping into her own and ready to protect her loved ones. The biggest hurdle for her in season 2 will undoubtedly be that in order to dispatch Klaus to the now unknown supernatural afterlife, she must first figure out a way to preserve the lives of Marcel and Josh that were created from Klaus’ bloodline. She will also be sharing the screen with Daniel Sharman’s character, Kaleb, and Danielle had this to say, “She becomes quite smitten with the new bad boy in town.”
Next was Phoebe Tonkin who described Hayley’s fragile emotional state as closed off and distant, which is why we may not see the sparks between her and Elijah right off the bat in season 2. “Hayley and Elijah kind of found a common bond when she was pregnant, but Hayley’s priority right now is not romance.” Instead, Hayley will be looking to Klaus to help her adjust into life as a hybrid, which won’t be a smooth transition in the slightest.
Marcel is shacking up with Josh across the river, looking to re-create the loyal legion of vampires that he has had at his side since he began his reign as King of New Orleans. Charles had us in fits of laughter when he said, “He’s got Josh. Yeah. That tells you he’s in dire straits. It’s hard to take on the Originals with just Marcel and Josh.” But on a more serious note, he commented that while Marcel has grown a lot since the pilot episode last fall, he is still a fan of the stronger, fiercer version. “I like the Marcel that we saw in the pilot. I like when the character is aggressive and is angry, and shows how much aggression is in him.”
Joseph Morgan was clear that when we catch up with Klaus, “He’s kind of like a caged animal at the moment. He’s chomping at the bit to get revenge on those who wronged him.” He is looking to make New Orleans safe for his baby girl to return, but Elijah is calling the shots, and therefore Klaus is on lockdown. This gives him plenty of time to paint, which Joseph reminded us is his way of seeking control when life is spinning around him. The best way to describe Klaus’ emotional state? “He’s biding his time and waiting for the moment to seek bloody, merciless revenge.” Well put, Joseph.