Casting has already begun for the third season of "True Blood" (there's no better time than with two Golden Globe noms!), and so far the new cast is a healthy mixture of vampire, werewolf, shape-shifter and other various forms of sexy supernaturalism.
The latest round of casting announcements is no different, as "True Blood" has just recruited a new vampire and a new shape-shifter into the fold. It also looks as if everybody's favorite trash-talking bartender, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis), will be getting a visit from his mother this season.
Up first is Franklin Mott, described by Entertainment Weekly as "a tall, dark and handsome vampire who seems to have an 'immediate and torrid' connection to Tara." Franklin will be played by actor James Frain (pictured above), most recently known as the late Thomas Cromwell on Showtime's "The Tudors." He's also held a starring role on "24" as the ex-husband of Jack Bauer's former girlfriend, but just like "The Tudors," that didn't have such a happy ending for Frain. Here's hoping that Frain's new vampire character — noted as a "heavily recurring role" — will have better luck.
Next, Sam Merlotte's (Sam Trammell) quest to find his shape-shifting family leads him directly to his shape-shifting mother, Melinda, who Entertainment Weekly describes as "dirt-poor, hungover, and trashy-looking." The character will be played by J. Smith-Cameron, a Tony-nominated actress with several Broadway credits to her name in addition to television roles on "Law & Order" and "Six Degrees."
While Smith-Cameron's role is listed as recurring, Sam's brother Tommy will be played by the previously announced Marshall Allman, a new series regular. Rounding out Clan Merlotte is the still-uncast Joe Lee, Melinda's husband.
Finally, The Hollywood Reporter notes that Emmy-winning actress Alfre Woodard will guest star on "True Blood" as Lafayette's mother and Tara's aunt, though her character's name is currently unknown.
What do you think of the latest "True Blood" additions? Let us know in the comments!
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