Could a familiar face from Mystic Falls find her way to Virgin River?
Virgin River fans are buzzing with excitement over a surprising connection between two actresses—one that has them clamoring for a brand-new character in the hit Netflix drama. It all started on Reddit, where eagle-eyed fans pointed out the “uncanny” resemblance between Teryl Rothery, who plays the beloved Muriel, and Candice King, best known for her roles in The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and We Were Liars.
The post that set the fandom ablaze featured a side-by-side image of 62-year-old Rothery and 38-year-old King, with the caption: “A resemblance I can’t unsee.” And it wasn’t just a passing observation—fans were quick to imagine a storyline that could bring King into the Virgin River universe.
“Muriel’s… baby sister??? Niece??? Comes to Virgin River to care for Muriel while she battles cancer? Virgin River + Mystic Falls crossover event anyone?? Hahaha I need Candice King in Season 7!!” wrote one fan.
Others chimed in with equally enthusiastic comments:
“Oh my gosh they look so similar!!!! That would actually be an adorable storyline.”
“It’s the same picture.”
“Can these two please star in a movie with past-present flashbacks?”
Muriel, a vibrant actress and a staple of Virgin River’s knitting circle, took on a deeper and more emotional storyline in Season 6 when she was diagnosed with cancer. As the season wrapped on a heart-wrenching cliffhanger regarding her fate, fans have grown even more invested in seeing her supported—and they think Candice King could be just the character to step into that role.
While there’s no official word from Netflix or the Virgin River team on King joining the cast, the idea of a family connection between Muriel and a younger relative has fans dreaming up all kinds of possibilities. Whether it’s through a prequel flashback, a surprise relative arriving in town, or even a movie project starring both actresses, viewers are eager to see this uncanny resemblance acknowledged on-screen.
As one fan so aptly put it:
“Even if they don’t write her into the show, these two need to act together somewhere—ANYWHERE. It’s too perfect to ignore.”
What’s Next for Virgin River?
Season 7 has officially wrapped filming and is expected to hit Netflix in late 2025 or early 2026. Meanwhile, a prequel series centered around Mel’s parents—Sarah and Everett, set in the 1970s—is in development, offering fans even more of the small-town charm and drama they’ve come to love.
Could Candice King find a way into the main show or the prequel? Only time will tell. But if the fanbase has any say, the resemblance between King and Rothery will not go unnoticed.
