?Vampire Diaries? Season 4 Spoilers: Is David Anders Returning As John Gilbert? [PHOTO]

The cast and crew of The Vampire Diaries has finally returned to Atlanta to begin shooting season four, and by the looks of a photo on Twitter, an old (and dead) character is returning - maybe.

On Thursday, July 5, David Anders, who formerly played Elena's Uncle John Gilbert on the series, posted a photo of himself in Atlanta. Anders wasn't alone. Sitting on a stairway with the actor was Michael Trevino, who plays wolf/vampire Tyler and Zach Roerig, who plays Matt.

Along with the photo of the trio, Anders tweeted, In ATL 4 the night and about to get reckless with my boys @Michael_Trevino @zach_roerig & @McQueeninchains Pictures to follow.

As of yet no more photos of the trio's wild night out in Atlanta followed, but it has us wondering...was David Anders in Atlanta shooting for The Vampire Diaries for the day?

Anders character John Gilbert died to save Elena's life when Klaus planned to use her in a ritual. The series has been experimenting with flashbacks, so it's very possible for Anders to return to The Vampire Diaries for an episode or two.

This wouldn't be the first time that a dead character has made an appearance on the series. Kayla Ewell who played Vicki and Malese Jow, who played Anna, returned to talk with Jeremy even though their characters had died. Taylor Kinney (Lady Gaga's boyfriend) ,who played Mason Lockwood, returned to help Damon even though Damon was the one who killed him. Walking Dead star Lauren Cohan, played vampire Rose who died of a werewolf bite, but returned to talk to Jeremy as a spirit. Aunt Jenna, played by Sara Canning, died at the hands of Klaus, but reappeared in the season finale through a flashback.

While it's possible (and not confirmed in any way) that David Anders will be guest-starring on season four of The Vampire Diaries, the actor could have also just returned to Atlanta to pay a visit to his friends and former co-stars.

We would like to believe that Anders is returning. Our theory if he does make an appearance on The Vampire Diaries? Since Jeremy can see ghosts, we think that John Gilbert might appear to him with advice on how to deal with Elena, his newly turned vampire sister.

Do you think David Anders is returning, or do you think he was just visiting with old friends?

What are your Vampire Diaries theories?