'The Vampire Diaries' season 8 air date, spoilers: Elena key to bring Damon back?

There are only a few weeks left before the premiere of "The Vampire Diaries" season 8, there is still no word about Nina Dobrev returning as Elena Gilbert in the final run of the vampire drama.

The most recent news about her possible comeback was made last month when it was revealed she was in negotiations with the network to reprise her role.

"There are discussions going on with Nina," CW president Mark Pedowitz revealed at the Television Critics Association summer press tour as quoted by TVLine.

"We'd love to have Nina back. She was great for The CW. She was integral for The Vampire Diaries," he continued, suggesting that Elena could indeed be back in Mystic Falls in "The Vampire Diaries" season 8.

However, Pedowitz noted at that time that nothing was set in stone yet, and in the event Dobrev does not return, executive producer Julie Plec "has planned a great series finale [that will satisfy fans]."

When fans last saw Elena, she was put in deep sleep as part of a curse. She will be in this condition as long as Bonnie (Kat Graham) is alive.

If Elena were to return in "The Vampire Diaries" season 8, it will be a question of how it will be done. Plec has already stated that flashbacks might be a good way to do so.

The EP, however, did not specify that this will be her approach Elena's possible return. There will be more returning characters in the final season of the vampire drama that may get that treatment.

Some fans are hoping for a reunion for Elena and Damon (Ian Somerhalder), who will be on a killing spree with Enzo (Michael Malarkey) in "The Vampire Diaries" season 8. With his humanity stripped away from him, Elena might be the key to saving Damon from self-destruction.

"The Vampire Diaries" season 8 will premiere Friday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. EDT on The CW.