'Reign' season 4 release date, spoilers news: Casting continues for next season's major characters, premiere date remains unknown

Despite not having an official premiere date yet, things seem to be looking up for the period drama "Reign." Apparently, casting has begun for several new characters, including the previously reported daughter of Catherine (Megan Follows), Leesa.

The season 3 finale of "Reign" laid the groundwork for the war between cousins Queen of Scots Mary (Adelaide Kane) and Queen Elizabeth (Rachel Skarsten). Fans know that Elizabeth tried to overthrow Mary's throne when she presumed the latter to be dead. Meanwhile, Elizabeth publicly executed Mary's friend Lola (Anna Popplewell) for attempting to assassinate the queen.

Bash (Torrance Coombs) decided to join the Druids, thinking he could help Mary that way. Catherine de Medici, on the other hand, was ousted as Regent by her own son Charles (Spencer MacPherson) who's had enough of his mother's relentless quest for power.

For the fourth season, it looks like the plot would revolve around Mary's efforts to take Elizabeth's throne, especially after hearing about her friend's death. She was seen asking Gideon (Ben Geurens) for help in the season finale.

If reports are on target, then it looks like five new faces will grace "Reign" season 4. These will include Catherine's two children, Henry and Leesa, Narcisse's son, and two new suitors for Mary. TV Line has previously reported that casting is ongoing for Leesa, who is described as a plain Jane with a dark sense of humor, considerable power, and Catherine's least favorite child.

Steve Lund has been tapped to portray Luc, Lord Stephan Narcisse's (Craig Parker) son, who is described as a good man. However, his father might device a scheme to curry up favor for him with the French royal family.

Deadline said British actor Will Kemp is set to play Lord Darnley, one of Mary's two new suitors, and he'll be appearing in at least three episodes. Should all go well, he may be cast as a series regular. The production crew is still looking for someone to cast as Bothwell, the second suitor.

It appears that a drop in the series' ratings has prompted The CW to postpone "Reign" season 4's 2016 release. Higher rating shows like "The 100" and "The Originals" would most likely be prioritized for this year.

That said, fans would have to wait until 2017 for "Reign" season 4, which could be included in The CW's 2017 summer line-up of shows.