"The Vampire Diaries" executive producer Julie Plec has taken to Instagram to post teaser photos of the cast and crew of season 8. And while the snaps certainly rile up excitement, fans can't help but notice Nina Dobrev's absence.

It can be recalled that Dobrev left the show after season 6, causing collective grief among fans of the show. Dobrev played the female lead, Elena Gilbert, who was put to an eternal sleep when viewers last saw her. The only way she can be awoken is to kill Bonnie, who also happens to be a favorite in the series.

Will fans be forced to choose between Elena and Bonnie? According to new reports, perhaps not. A new character will be introduced in the eighth season — Sybil, a powerful immortal who can control others. An actress has yet to be cast for the role, and many believe that Sybil can take the form of Elena in order to mess with Damon. This will give the show a reason to bring back Dobrev without killing another fan favorite. And although it is not the real Elena, fans are willing to embrace it just to see Dobrev back on the show.

But maybe Dobrev can return without having to play a different character after all. Rumor has it that season 8 might be the show's last, considering that ratings have significantly taken a dive. Moreover, Kat Graham and Ian Somerhalder, who respectively play Bonnie and Damon, have both confirmed their departure after season 8. With Plec adamant on bringing Dobrev back for the show's final season, fans could get their wish of seeing Elena brought back to life.

Additionally, Plec has already envisioned how the series finale will go, "which thankfully works wherever I put it." Whether season 8 proves to be the final chapter of The CW series or not, the ending will remain the same.

"The Vampire Diaries" season 8 will premiere on Oct. 21, Friday, on The CW.