While discussing their upcoming new CW series ‘The Secret Circle’ at this year’s Comic-Con, the show’s producers revealed that while key elements will remain true to the trilogy book series, several elements will derive from the source material, TVGuide is reporting. Executive producer Kevin Williamson, who also produces the CW’s hit series ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ which is also based on a book series, said that “(The books) are a great place to jump off from..It’s a wonderful world, which I hope I could add to it, spin it around and let go.”

‘The Secret Circle’ will follow Cassie Blake, played by ‘Life Unexpected’s Britt Robertson, who moves to Chance Harbor, Washington, after her mother dies. When she arrives, she discovers that she’s a powerful witch, especially after she joins a secret coven.

The television series will be different than the book series in the fact that the parents of the witches are much more developed in the show. For example, Natasha Henstridge’s character Dawn Chamberlain, the mother of resident evil witch Faye, portrayed by Phoebe Tonkin, is now the principal of the school. Henstridge said the school “is a very wonderful wonderful place to keep an eye on everything in the town and the circle.”

Robertson said that Cassie is also torn between embracing her good side and running from witchcraft, like her mother did, or becoming evil like her father, immortal witch Black John. “There’s that pull inside of her and she’s not sure where to go with it,” she said. But Williamson added that the introduction of John will be slow, much like ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Klaus. “His presence will be felt in the show, specifically by Cassie…”In (Cassie’s) exploration, we’re going to learn much more about this guy and be very afraid.” The series premieres Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 9/8 central.

Written by: Karen Benardello