Vampire Diaries, Originals add a bunch of new faces 

went on a casting spree, adding seven new characters between the two shows — and EW has the scoop on all the new faces you’ll be meeting in the fall.

). Kao will play Van, a handsome, stubborn witch who has always stayed out of coven politics. But when tragedy strikes, he finds himself inescapably drawn into the beginnings of a war. Kao will recur starting in episode 2.

Ackland, meanwhile, will play Tristan, a handsome and mysterious vampire who has a long and complicated history with the Originals. Both charming and worldly, a man born into such wealth and power that he carries with him the cool assurance of his own superiority. With those he loves, he can be equal parts warm and caring, obsessive and co-dependent. But with his enemies, he is cruel and completely merciless. Ackland will recur starting in episode 2.

) as Aurora, a beautiful and enigmatic vampire who is, at times, sexy, seductive, witty and free-spirited. Basically, she’s the life of any party. But she can also be malevolent, dangerous and extremely violent. In her lightest moments, she’s the flame that draws men to her like moths; in her darkest, she’ll kill those same men without a second thought. Breeds will recur starting in the season premiere.

Justice Leak, Jaiden Kaine, Tim Kang and Todd Lasance will all recur on the new season. Leak (

) will play Malcolm the clean-cut eldest heretic who doesn’t like being told no. Within his small family he’s a golden child. But when he’s alone, he has the sneering, aloof air of somebody who’s been alive a very long time—with no fear of death. Leak will first appear in the premiere.

) will play Beau, a scary, solemn and dangerous man. He’s the strong, silent type, but not by choice—his vocal cords have been slashed, his throat forever scarred. But what he lacks in words, he makes up for in presence, with supernatural powers to match and an unbreakable loyalty to his heretic family. Kaine will first appear in the premiere.

) will join the CW series in episode 3 as Oscar and Julian, respectively. Oscar is a laid back stoner who’s been living the high life off the grids for months, hiding a surprising connection to the Salvatores. But Oscar’s Zen lifestyle comes to a screeching halt when supernatural intervention turns him into a feral killer.

Julian, meanwhile, is a feared and storied immortal with a reputation for excelling in earthly pleasures. Julian is pure charisma or pure creep, depending on whom you ask. The one thing he fears is anonymity, an unlikely outcome given that he’s perpetually on the run, leaving chaos in his wake, and attracting even more dangerous followers.

newbies join the previously cast female heretics played by Elizabeth Blackmore, Scarlett Byrne and Teressa Liane. Get scoop on them here.

will return Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. ET followed by

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