Stefan to Leave 'Vampire Diaries'?

The future of The CW's Vampire Diaries is extremely cloudy right now, and a new rumor has made the situation even cloudier. We know that Kat Graham is leaving the series after the end of next year's season 8, and Ian Somerhalder has hinted that that season could be his last, too. Now there's a new rumor that Paul Wesley, who plays Stefan Salvatore, will also leave the series after next year's season. Does that mean the end is near?

The rumor of Wesley's desire to leave the series, however, could be nothing to worry about. The speculation appears to be based solely on an article posted on Yibada, and that article offers no source to back up its claim that Wesley has "no other choice but to leave" the series. Wesley himself has made no such public statement, and neither the producers of The Vampire Diaries nor The CW have given any official indication that either Wesley or Somerhalder intend to leave the series after season 8.

It is clear, however, that The Vampire Diaries is at a crucial point in its history. Star Nina Dobrev left the series after its sixth season, and although The CW was willing to sign up for a renewal earlier this year, the persistent rumors and confirmed cast departures could, indeed, be a sign that the series is reaching its climax. Producer Julie Plec has made it clear that the future of the series is in the hands of Somerhalder and Wesley, pointing out just how significant all those rumors are.