On Saturday morning in the queue hall of the Javits Center, fans were treated to a supernaturally good time, when the stars and creators of Legacies – the new spinoff of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals – took the stage. Along with series creator Julie Plec and executive producer Brett Matthews, were Danielle Rose Russell, Matt Davis, Jenny Boyd, Kaylee Bryant, Quincy Fouse, Aria Shahghasemi and Peyton Alex Smith. But that’s not all, those in attendance were privy to a special viewing of the pilot episode. And let me tell you, it looks awesome!

Check out some of the highlights of the panel below.

Top 5 Things To Know About Legacies

It’s lighter in tone – The Vampires Diaries and its spinoff series, The Originals, were both, as time went on, fairly dark takes on the supernatural drama genre. While Legacies will still remain true to the same tone in some ways, Plec and Matthews made sure to discuss just how light the new series will be. “I wrote this first episode,” Plec said, “and I’m not that funny. And then Brett joined and he’s really funny. You’ll see that each show gets lighter and lighter.” Adding to Plec’s comments, Matthews noted that “All the stuff we used to do still works great, but now with this wonderful combination [of humor].”

It’s not always easy being a twin – The Saltzman twins have been a huge part of this universe for years now, but this is the first time that they are actually the focus of the show. With that spotlight comes a certain aspect of a sibling relationship that one might expect to be shown on screen: unconditional love. But sometimes that love comes at the detriment of the other. Bryant, who plays Josie Saltzman noted that “Josie wants Lizzie (Boyd) to be the happiest she can be, even if it hinders her own life.” Without giving anything away, this concept is hinted at in the first episode of the season.

Alaric’s path is a path of love – Alaric Saltzman, played by Matthew Davis, has been a staple of the Vampire Diaries world since season two. His character has gone through a plethora of changes, and one might consider whether or not his character has any more growth to go through. Yet the path that he’s on in Legacies will surely help to develop his character in new and exciting ways. “He’s entered a whole new realm and purpose of responsibility,” Davis stated. “He’s kind of like a cross between Professor X and Dumbledore. It all comes out of love. As a parent, guardian, headmaster – it’s high stakes.”

The timeline is still unknown – When a fan asked when the show takes place in the timeline with regard to the finale of The Originals, Plec was hesitant to answer. She said that, “It’s in a timeless moment since we left off. If we gave a clearcut answer, there would be butterflies floating around.” Davis then chimed in, humorously adding that “Time doesn’t exist in Mystic falls.”

Hope Mikaelson is on a journey of self-discovery – When Hope left New Orleans at the end of The Originals, she left knowing her father, Klaus Mikaelson was about to sacrifice his own life to protect her and everyone else that he cared about. Now, with no mother or father, and only the supernatural gifts that they passed down to her, Hope needs to figure who she is on her own. “Everything that happened to Hope in the five seasons of The Originals, and especially in season five, shaped who she is now, it’s all keeping her alive. But she’s still trying to figure out her place.”

A thrilling new drama that tells the story of the next generation of supernatural beings at The Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, Legacies follows 17-year-old Hope Mikaelson and others who come of age in the most unconventional way possible, nurtured to be their best selves”¦in spite of their worst impulses”¦all under the watchful eye of headmaster Alaric Saltzman.

Panel Photo Gallery

[Panel photos by Max Pfeffer for Geeks Of Doom.]