Laura Prepon is returning for the second season of the Netflix original series Orange is the New Black , but only for one episode.
It was first reported that Prepon would not be appearing as a series regular last month. Instead, she would be returning just to tie up some loose ends in her storyline. Prepon plays Alex Vause, the ex-girlfriend of main character Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling). Prepon admitted that she was initially intimidated by the role.
“When I read it, it was so good but I was like, ‘Wow, (the character) Alex scares me a little bit,’ which is exactly why I needed to do it and I’m so glad that I did,” she said. “I feel like every actress is always looking to (push the envelope) because the minute you get complacent, hang it up.”
Prepon also said that she liked the fact that there wasn’t anything like Orange is the New Black on television.
“Anyone that sees the show they’re like, ‘Oh, there’s nothing like this on TV.’ Which there isn’t and that’s really cool,” the former That ’70s Show star said.
BuzzFeed ‘s Kate Aurthur broke the news that Laura Prepon would only be returning for one episode . However, Aurthur was also the first to say that Prepon would not be returning as a series regular, and would only be appearing in a limited number of episodes, but Netflix quickly called the report “not accurate.”
The BuzzFeed report also notes that Prepon only signed a one-year contract with the series, and didn’t commit to more after that.
Laura Prepon’s episode count could still change since the new season is currently in production.
Orange is the New Black was renewed for a second season on June 27, before the series even premiered on July 11. The series is based on Piper Kerman’s memoir of the same name.
