The Vampire Diaries has set the bar high.

As the oldest, most bad ass vampire in the history of time, Klaus' legend precedes him - and means casting him will be a very tall order for TVD producers.

According to new reports, a face has not yet been assigned to this mysterious character, one intimidating enough to make even Damon "shake in his boots."

You think THIS guy's scary ...

Per Ian Somerhalder, "[Klaus] is the most powerful. A guy you don't want to be in a room with. Ever. In order to kill these guys [the originals], there's such a process."

Same goes for casting them. Elijah is fairly hard core, and if Klaus is supposedly much more so ... wow. Who do you think should play this ultimate blood-sucker?

Moreover, how and when should he be introduced? Should he remain shrouded in mystery for multiple years, a la Jacob on Lost, supremely influential but never seen?

Discuss below!

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.