That’s the question on the minds of fans everywhere as we approach the 10th anniversary of the popular show’s finale. Klaus Mikaelson, one of the original vampires and most complex characters, had an epic story arc over the show’s five seasons. But in the end, he made the ultimate sacrifice – leaving his makeshift family behind to find peace. His absence left a Klaus-sized hole in the hearts of viewers. But could the infamous villain ever make a comeback?
Why did Klaus leave in the first place?
First, let’s recap why Klaus disappeared in that emotional finale. As an original vampire and a werewolf hybrid, Klaus was one of the most powerful supernatural beings in the world. He spent centuries causing mayhem and strife, leaving a trail of enemies in his wake. However, over the course of the show, Klaus developed genuine bonds with other characters, like Caroline and Hope, his daughter. He began to realize the importance of family.
In the final season, Klaus’ dark past came back to haunt him. A group of powerful vampires put a curse on Klaus, linking his life force to his adopted son, Elijah. This meant if Elijah died, Klaus would also die. When the time came, Elijah sacrificed himself to save Klaus and their family. As he died in Klaus’ arms, Elijah made Klaus promise to be the man he knew he could be.
Overcome with grief and seeking redemption, Klaus decided to isolate himself for Hope and the family’s future happiness. In his farewell letter, he wrote, “I leave it to you now, brother, to fix the problems I have created.” Klaus’ exit allowed Elijah and the others to find peace without Klaus’ demons constantly threatening them. But it left the show without one of its most iconic figures.
The pros and cons of Klaus returning
Klaus’ open-ended exit does leave the door open for the character to come back someday. But would this be a good idea for the show and storyline? There are arguments on both sides.
Reasons Klaus could return:
- Klaus is a fan-favorite character, and his return would generate hype and interest in the show.
- More stories could be told about Klaus’ redemption arc and how he finds peace.
- Klaus and Caroline still have unfinished business, if she was also to return.
- As an original vampire, Klaus cannot die, only be neutralized, so his return could be plausible.
- Klaus’ return could tie up loose ends and give proper closure to long-time viewers.
Reasons against Klaus returning:
- It would undermine the emotional weight of Klaus’ sacrifice and farewell in the finale.
- The other characters may have fully moved on, making Klaus’ return disruptive.
- Having Klaus’ back could restart old conflicts and love triangles.
- The actor (Joseph Morgan) and show creators have implied Klaus’ story is complete.
- It could feel like a forced stunt just for ratings vs. natural storytelling.
There are good-faith arguments on both sides. Ultimately it comes down to whether Klaus’ return would feel earned or if it would undermine his poignant conclusion. There’s also the question of whether the actor and crew would even be on board with revisiting Klaus.
What are the chances Klaus returns?
Based on showrunner and cast interviews over the years, it seems unlikely Klaus will ever return. Here are some of the factors working against fans hoping for a Klaus comeback:
- In 2017, Joseph Morgan told TVLine he believes Klaus and Caroline’s story has been “told in full.”
- Show creator Julie Plec said bringing Klaus back would “be counterintuitive to the beautiful bittersweet ending.”
- Plec also shared Klaus “can’t just pop back again.” His return would need an “ironclad reason.”
- Other cast members, like Candice King, have echoed it would be difficult to justify Klaus in the storyline again.
- Too much time has passed to organically include Klaus again, especially with cast members moving on.
Based on these comments, the cast and crew seem aligned that Klaus reached a fitting conclusion. While never say never, the chances seem very slim of Klaus coming back ten years later. Any cameo would likely be a small flashback or voice role at most.
How fans still honor Klaus
Even if Klaus may not return, fans have found creative ways to keep his memory alive. Here are some of the ways the fandom pays tribute to their favorite villain/antihero:
- Fan art – Illustrations of Klaus remain popular on fanart sites like DeviantArt.
- Fan fiction – Stories exploring ‘what if’ scenarios of Klaus returning or getting alternate endings.
- Social media tributes – Fans often share favorite Klaus moments on anniversary dates.
- Online petitions – Petitions circulate asking for Klaus to be brought back.
- Tattoos – Some mega-fans got tattoos of Klaus as a permanent reminder.
- Rewatching – Loyal fans regularly rewatch Klaus-centric episodes to relive his story.
While he may not be on screen again, Klaus clearly lives on in the hearts of the fans who connected with his complex character. The passion of the fandom is a testament to the impact Klaus Mikaelson left, even if his story has likely reached its end.
Could Hope bring her father back?
One intriguing plotline that could justify Klaus’ return would revolve around his powerful witch daughter, Hope Mikaelson. As a teen, Hope already showcased abilities exceeding other witches. As she gets older, Hope will only grow stronger and may eventually tap into magic not seen before.
Here are some theories about how Hope could potentially bring her father back someday:
- A resurrection spell – Dark magic could allow Hope to override nature and resurrect Klaus.
- Time travel – Hope may be able to send someone back in time to prevent Klaus’ sacrifice.
- Illusion spell – Hope could potentially conjure an illusion of Klaus using her magic.
- Visit from peace – Hope may have the power to communicate with Klaus even in his peaceful limbo.
- Glimpse into alternate reality – Hope might theoretically be able to peer into a reality where Klaus is still alive.
However, all these scenarios are quite far-fetched. Executive producer Brett Matthews shot down theories of Hope time traveling or resurrecting Klaus. While clever in theory, it seems the show will not undo Klaus’ death, even with Hope’s powers.
The bittersweet goodbye
For longtime fans, it’s tempting to want to see Klaus back on screen causing more trouble and stealing more scenes. He was a one-of-a-kind character who brought complexity, charisma and dashes of humanity to the vampire genre.
But the show took Klaus’ story down an emotional redemptive path that gave the character appropriate closure. An unprompted return could lessen that impact and feel like pandering fan service. As painful as it is for fans, keeping Klaus gone may be the right narrative choice.
The themes of sacrifice and family in Klaus’ end align with the show’s core messages. Having him back could undo that satisfying, if tragic, end to his arc. As much as we miss the mischievous villain, his goodbye was a necessary part of the show’s natural evolution. We can hold out a bit of hope while recognizing Klaus’ tale has likely reached the end of the line. For now, fans will have to content themselves rewatching Klaus’ many memorable moments and appreciating the enduring mark this original vampire left behind.
Conclusion
Klaus Mikaelson was an undeniably integral part of the show’s success. His antihero edge, moral complexity, and journey to redemption made him one of the most beloved characters. While fans may eternally hope for his return, realistically, Klaus’ farewell was likely final.
The show creator, cast and crew have indicated Klaus reached a fitting conclusion to his arc. Bringing him back could undermine his sacrifice. It would also be logistically difficult so many years later. There are creative ways Klaus could plausibly come back through time travel, resurrection or his daughter’s magic. However, the powers that be seem intent on preserving his emotional goodbye.
As disappointing as it is for Klaus devotees, keeping his story capped at the bittersweet end is probably the right creative choice. It cements his redemption and allows the other characters to move forward. Reopening the book on Klaus would go against the themes and mature storytelling of the show. So we probably must accept that Klaus’ time as an on-screen presence has reached its end. Nothing lasts forever, even for original hybrid vampires. We fans will need to content ourselves revisiting Klaus in reruns and memories. At least we can say we knew him when.