'The Vampire Diaries' Season 8 Episode 4 Spoilers: Dead Damon Paves Way For Ian Somerhalder's Rumored Role in 'Fifty Shades Darker?'

Fans of "The Vampire Diaries" may bid goodbye to Ian Somerhalder as it could be the end for the vampire Damon in the upcoming Season 8 Episode 4, entitled "An Eternity of Misery." Somerhalder's early exit only flames the recent rumors that he will be replacing Jamie Dornan for the lead role in "Fifty Shades Darker".

The official "The Vampire Diaries" website reveals that Damon Salvatore, possessed by the villain Sybil, is on a mission in Texas for a "mysterious artifact" when he bumps into Peter Maxwell, played by newcomer Joel Gersch. Described as a "violent run-in", Damon and fans alike are expected to find out a "surprising revelation" with this encounter that may not bide well for the vampire.

Whether Damon's death is on the cards, his impending departure from "The Vampire Diaries" only adds fuel to the rumors that Somerhalder will be starring in the upcoming "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequel.

So far, the "The Vampire Diaries" star has not addressed these rumors. But in a recent interview with PEOPLE, Somerhalder expressed his excitement in "creating and producing more stories" with his wife Nikki Reed through their new production company, Rare Birds. His Instagram also shows happy photos of the couple:

 My new screen saver for sure... Brother @ernestoriley thanks for snapping this sweet photo of me and my better half. I am the luckiest man on earth. Literally.

A photo posted by iansomerhalder (@iansomerhalder) on Aug 16, 2016 at 9:07am PDT

Meanwhile, the original heartthrob of the "Fifty Shades of Grey" franchise, Jamie Dornan, quashed the rumors of him being replaced by "The Vampire Diaries" actor during his TV appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," as reported by E! Online.

Will Damon Salvatore survive in the next episode? And would you like to see "The Vampire Diaries" star Ian Somerhalder as the new Christian Grey? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.