THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: Steven McQueen on Jeremy’s Future & More

Jeremy Gilbert has had one of the biggest “growing up” journeys so far, but Steven R. McQueen has more than enjoyed the ride his character has taken.

“I love the fact that Jeremy’s been through so much and he has all this weight on his shoulders. He can easily crumble, but he gets up and keeps swinging,” McQueen shares. “And every time he gets knocked down, he gets back up again. He’s a fighter. He might not be the strongest person on the show, but he’s a fighter.” So does that mean we might see some fighting this season, especially where vampire hunting is concerned? According to McQueen, yes. “I’d love to see him pick up that cross bow more and fight back,” he says enthusiastically.

When we last left Jeremy, he was standing in the living room and reacting to the ghosts of Alaric and Elena. And although he knows Elena is dead, how will he take the news that she’s now a vampire?

“I think he’s going to be grateful that she’s not gone,” McQueen shares. “But he also contributed to the death of his sister and he helped plan it, so I don’t think he’s feeling great about it. I think it’s one of those things that you just wait and see what’s happens.”

Of course, we couldn’t let McQueen off the hook without a question about whether there will perhaps be reconciliation with former girlfriend Bonnie. “I think they have unfinished business and I think there’s still something there,” he admits. “But I think he’s been through so much loss that I don’t even know if that [love] where his mind’s at right now.”

Romance aside, McQueen is looking forward to continuing Jeremy’s journey in season four. And with the deaths of most of the authority figures in his life (Elena included), “he’s been trying to assume that role and he’s been too weak and powerless to keep the people he loves safe. Now that he’s got nothing left to lose, he’s going to lash out.”

The Vampire Diaries returns for its fourth season on Thursday, October 11th at 8pm.