While "The Originals" season 5 won't air until 2018, information is already being shared about the future of the show. Fans already knew that the show would see a time jump, but now and idea of just how far into the future that time jump will go has been shared. Teenage Hope has officially been cast, along with news of a certain "The Vampire Diaries" character appearing in the show.

Danielle Rose Russell is Hope

The era of Summer Fontana as Hope is over. While she did a good job of the role, there were limitations due to her age and the character's storyline.

Season 5 of the show will see a teenage Hope, played by Danielle Rose Russell. The casting call for the role came out just before season 4 ended, with Russell snagging the role over the weekend.

Russell is 17, but that doesn't mean the character will be 17 years old. After all, most of "The Vampire Diaries" actors were in their 20s when playing 16 year old characters. Yet, the age does seem likely. Rumors at the end of "The Originals" season 4 included a 10-year time jump, and Hope was around seven at the time of the season finale. That would make Hope 17, while attending the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young and Gifted.

Caroline will finally appear in 'The Originals'

After years of requests for a Klaroline crossover, there is finally a chance.

Candice King is coming on board for the fifth season, but not as a series regular. So far, she is only confirmed for "The Originals" season 5 premiere. This is likely to help set up the story at the boarding school, which Caroline and Alaric currently run. It may also be to realistically tell a friendship storyline between Hope and Caroline and Alaric's twins, Josie and Lizzie.

Will this mean Klaroline is finally going to happen? We don't know yet. Klaus is currently staying far away from his daughter, due to taking in a quarter of The Hollow to save her. He will be searching for a new meaning to life, since he can't be in the same room as his three siblings, Elijah, Rebekah, and Kol. However, it is possible that Caroline will meet with Klaus to share updates on how Hope is progressing in her magic and her life.

"The Originals" season 5 is currently planned for sometime in 2018. An exact date isn't yet given, and it may depend on how well the fall 2017 schedule goes. There are two new shows in the fall schedule that may get extended episode orders if they perform well.

Are you excited about the upcoming season of "The Originals?" Which news excites you the most: Caroline or teenage Hope?
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