It looks like The Originals will have a powerful foe to contend with down in New Orleans. Deadline reports The Vampire Diaries spinoff has tapped newcomer Daniella Pineda to play a series regular role.

Pindeda (The Fitzgerald Family Christmas) will play a sexy, sharp-tongued witch named Sophie. Though her powers have been marginalized, she’s secretly planted ideas of a revolution with her fellow peers using her leadership qualities. Pineda’s previous credits are few, with guest appearances on Men of a Certain Age and Homeland. The Originals will be her first starring role on television.

The Originals will first air as a backdoor pilot in the April 25 episode of Vampire Diaries. The episode features half-vampire/half-werewolf hybrid Klaus Michaelson (Joseph Morgan) as returns to the supernatural melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans — a town he helped build centuries ago — and is reunited with his diabolical former protégé Marcel. Klaus’ brother Elijah (Daniel Gillies) sides with Klaus’ enemies to bring him down and help him find redemption. Phoebe Tonkin will also reprise her role as werewolf Haley in the series.

Vampire Diaries co-creator/executive producer Julie Plec will pen the episode and is attached to executive produce the spinoff with Alloy Entertainment’s Leslie Morgenstein and Gina Girolamo.