The Vampire Diaries Elena
Nina Dobrev is rumored to return as Elena in the series finale of “The Vampire Diaries,” but no one has confirmed or denied the reports. CW

“Vampire Diaries” fans have a lot of questions about how the series will end, but the most pressing one seems to be about Elena. Will actress Nina Dobrev return for the series finale? CW President Mark Pedowitz was asked just that at the Television Critics Association press tour Sunday, and he didn’t exactly give a straightforward answer.

“The best way I can answer that question is [executive producers] Julie [Plec], Kevin [Williamson], the studio and The CW promise a fantastic series finale,” CW President Mark Pedowitz told reporters (via Entertainment Weekly).

Last time Pedowitz addressed the possibility of Dobrev’s return was in August. He noted that the CW was “in discussions” with Dobrev, but he hadn’t said that a deal was made. He still hasn’t confirmed whether the “xXx: Return of Xander Cage” actress will be coming back.

Dobrev departed “The Vampire Diaries” at the end of Season 6. Her character was cursed to remain asleep for as long as her best friend Bonnie (Kat Graham) is alive. The ending made it clear that Elena could return to Mystic Falls at any time. Many fans are hoping she’ll be reunited with her love interest Damon (Ian Somerhalder) in the final episode, which is set to air March 10.

When Dobrev initially exited, showrunner Julie Plec noted that the “Degrassi” alum was willing to return. “Nina has always said that if there’s something for her to do in the series finale that she will be there to do it,” Plec told EW in May 2015. “When she left, she said, ‘I want to see this character to its end at the end of the show, so I can’t wait to come back and put her to bed again.’”

While there has been speculation that the actress no longer feels the same, Dobrev has not commented on any of the rumors regarding Elena’s possible return to “The Vampire Diaries.” With Plec and Pedowitz dodging questions as well, it seems audiences will have to tune in to “The Vampire Diaries” Season 8 to see if Elena returns.

It’s worth noting that Dobrev made a tiny comeback in the Season 7 finale, but it wasn’t on camera. When a siren messed with Damon’s head, Elena’s voice was heard calling him. Dobrev returned to Atlanta specifically for the recording session.

“The Vampire Diaries” Season 8 returns Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. EST on The CW.

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