There is a likely chance that Nina Dobrev returns as Elena Gilbert and not as Katherine Price in "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 finale. Ian Somerhalder and showrunner Julie Plec already hinted this and the return of Elena's father, John, is another clue that Elena comes back.
David Anders, who plays John Gilbert, hinted to his appearance in "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 finale on Monday. He announced his return to Atlanta and encouraged fans to guess his purpose in the city.
I'm headed to ATL on the morrow.
Do the math.— David Anders (@QuestionAnders) January 30, 2017
Naturally, fans speculated that he is there to shoot "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8. After all, that is where the filming happens.
The reason for John's appearance in "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 finale is still unknown. Details about his return remain vague. Perhaps he returns in flashback scenes. After all, he already died in Season 2. According to Screener TV, he sacrificed himself so his daughter Elena would not turn into a vampire.
Ander's return as John Gilbert in "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 finale only fuelled speculations that Dobrev reprises Elena and not Katherine. She also came back as Elena in the Season 7 finale, so it is safe to assume she would do the same for the Season 8 ender.
Likewise, series creator Julie Plec had since hinted to Elena's return in previous interviews. She teased during an interview at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con that she wished to see Dobrev's promise to return come to life. This could be a hint that Elena wakes up from her induced sleep in "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 finale.
Furthermore, Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore) hinted at the same scenario in "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 finale in an interview with Variety. He admitted that he wants to see Elena wake up without any memory of the events in Mystic Falls, when asked what he wants to happen as the season-ender.
