The Vampire Diaries showrunner Julie Plec has given some new spoilers about Katherine’s return, season 4 villains and more.

Speaking to TV Line, Plec teases:

We definitely have some exciting new characters that we’re talking about for next year. And, of course, we’ve got our already enormous ensemble to make sure we keep servicing properly.

As for Katherine? Plec says:

You will not see nor hear of Katherine until Klaus is gone for good. His survival ties into her appearance, or lack thereof.

As for whether Elijah will return though, Plec says, “Maybe.” We’ll take that as a good sign!