Insert your own fresh meat joke here: Off my just-completed one-on-one with Alan Ball, I’ve learned that True Blood has cast Tony winner Denis O’Hare (Take Me Out) as the king of Mississippi.
The veteran actor’s name may not be a household one, but you’ve for sure seen him. He’s appeared in roughly a million movies (Milk, Duplicity, Quarantine) and pretty much that many TV series, too (most notably a 10-episode run on Brothers & Sisters).
O’Hare joins True Blood as a series regular. He’ll debut early into the show’s third season, slated to air next summer.
Thoughts? Happy that Evan Rachel Wood’s queen won’t be the only royal on tap for the future? Sound off below.
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I guess we’re going across state lines, again… Or are we, lol?
I thought Lafayette was the queen of Louisiana lol
lmalao good one!
*fist bump*
How old is you?
I am sure glad to hear the queen-dom will finally have the king come in so that we can see the real power struggle that will take place in bon temps
He is the king of Mississippi, not Louisiana. I doubt that he will have any direct influence on Bon Temps.
Apparently, every state has a king or queen. It’s pretty stupid actually.
Yeah, seriously-it’s stupid each state has a ruler. That would be like if there was one person who ran each state in government. You know, like a governor? Very stupid crispy, I agree.
If every state had a vampire governor, and there was 1 king and queen of the whole country, it wouldn’t be so stupid.
Its just a title, sheesh. Also, it’s not real. Get over it.
this is purely for entertainment… so yah get over it…
Sweetheart, I just said it was stupid. I can assure you I’m not losing any sleep over it.
so if there is a king or queen for each state is there some kind of exaulted ruler of an entire country??
Looking forward to the king! Just as soon we didn’t see much more of the queen, though. Hoping she’s not a permanent addition to the cast.
Fear not, in the books at least, Sophie-Anne sticks around for a bit, but ultimately bites it.
Thanks for that beautiful spoiler!
I’m glad to see some casting ideas for season 3 but I wonder if Alan will release anymore. I’m glad ERW isn’t the only royal because I’m not that convinced on her role as the queen.
I agree. She appeared much more regal in the books and a lot less matter-of-fact like she is in the show. Though things may change in Season 3, so I’ll wait and see.
I did like seeing Hadley a little early on, though.
This is amazing news! Great casting.
May I recommend casting Dominic Purcell as Alcide Herveaux. That is who popped in my read when I read the books.
I pictured Alcide as African-American… but maybe that’s just me.
Oh my gosh, Dominic is whom I pictured as Alcide as well! WIN.
Didn’t he already play Dracula?
So. Alcide is not a vampire.
Alcide in the books is quite clearly portrayed as white. As a major character, every single part of him, from his skin to his ummm…other parts are clearly laid out. With characters like Tara (whose role in the books is limited and often vague) Mr. Ball has room for interpretation but with some characters things are pretty set.
Jason Momoa would be a great Alcide
Nothing is “pretty set”. Stupid comment.
Dominic Purcell was new to me but you’re so right bout him being a great Alcide…funny that he is in Straw Dogs with Alexander Skarsgard.
I like Jeremy Sisto for Alcide. I have no idea who Dominic Purcell is. Will have to look him up.
No way- he needs to be a beefy guy- as much as I like Sisto, muscular, he ain’t! LOL
I couldn’t get a clear mental picture of Alcide from the books for some odd reason (not for lack of description), but Dominic Purcell would be awesome in that role!!
I didn’t know who Dominic Purcell was so I looked him up and the first thing I thought of when I saw his picture was that he would make an awesome Quinn!
Don’t forget his small part in Garden State! Seriously, anyone who’s been a theatre fan over the past 15 years or so knows Denis O’Hare is amazing. So nice to see him – and Assassins co-star Michael Cerveris – getting to show off their skills to a larger audience.
Finally! An actors actor gets some recognition. Far too long has Broadway and casting agents kept this mans talent a secret.
So I just read the 3rd book in the Sookie Stackhouse series… and let me tell ya, it sucks. Barely anything happens… the whole book could be just one episode of True Blood. Alan Ball is nothing short of genius for fleshing these stories out. Pray to Godric he doesn’t include the “Bubba” character in the show.
And yes, they go outta town again… this time to Jackson, Miss. I don’t think anything even happens in Bon Temps.
WHA THA? I love Bubba!!!
AB has stated that he will not introduce Bubba into TB, thank goodness. I always thought it was a little cheesy.
Did you notice Jason called Andy Bubba last night?
Ball said at Comic-Con they wouldn’t be introducing Bubba. It worked well in the books, but on the show it would just be an Elvis impersonator.
If you ain’t got Bubba, who you gonna call to watch Miss Sookie when no one is around? Bubba needs to be there, just to eat all those cats in the woods, if for no other reason.
Sookie can take care of herself! Or call Eric…
Bubba was a great character for the books, but I agree with AB that it just won’t work. I will miss him, though! I think Jessica is going to fill in his gaps. She is enough of a wild card/loose cannon … she could definitely shove some Weres in a closet.
I agree. Bubba is corny beyond corn. But I do really like a lot of things in the books.
I like the “Bubba” aspect. It gives it a little humor to the story. When I first read about “Bubba” I cracked up outloud.
I just finished it as well. It took me a while to get into it and when it almost did it was over. I like that the books are short and I can get through them in a few days but I’m not too impressed with this one. I’ll try the fourth one out. I’m starting to understand all the bill hating but that’s why I’m glad that TV bill and book Bill are different. thank you Alan Ball! I think I like the show much more than the books….so far..
Which reminds me that last night episode was a BIG let down, I’m glad they’re keeping the kidnapping storyline so we will see less of Sookie/Bill, their scenes together are cringe worthy. I can’t stomach them anymore
Thank you….finally someone agrees with me. Sookie overacts and has limited range of expressions and her and Bill together have become a yawn fest. I use their scenes as commercial breaks….split them up and get move scenes with people that have presence like Eric, Godric, Lafayette and Pam (she gets great lines – almost as good as Lafayette)
It’ll be interesting to see how ERW’s Sohpie Ann will react to this hunk (or chunk?) of ‘dead’ meat! LOL!
In the books they pair up (so to speak) in order to join their respective “kingdoms.” Just as Sophie swings both ways, so does Russel (I believe that’s the king’s name). A whole big thing happens where Sophie’s life is threatened and Sookie saves the day.
Actually, Sophie Anne marries Peter Threadgill, King of Arkansas. Russell Edgington is King of MS and only likes the guys.
He doesn’t swing, honey- he is only into guys…. I can’t wait till they introduce Claude and Claudine!
I hear Denis O’Hare from his musicals and his many appearances on the Law and Order franchise (usually playing some crazy/brilliant person who ends up representing himself during the trial so he can deliver some killer closing arguments monologue)
Whoops – “heart”. I heart him.
Glad the Maryann story is wrapped up…had a nice finish, I might say. Felt sorry for Tara, who just can’t seem to find and keep a boyfriend. I must say that the interaction between the Queen and Eric was interesting and curious to know what the Queen’s plans are. Why doesn’t anyone like Bill Compton??? I will not be happy having to wait an entire year without True Blood…waaahwaaah!!
I like Bill. I am glad the show will have Alcide next season. There is not just Eric and Bill, there is also Calvin Norris, Alcide, Quinn, any number of other possible suitors. The Eric people need to sorta let their obsession go.
I like Bill and I like Eric. I know that somewhere along the way Bill and Eric will have to fight over Sookie and I am soooo looking forward to it. How can I not like Vampire Bill….I always remmember him walking into Merlottes episode 1 season 1 looking sexy and dead!
Alcide is not black. Dominic Purcell is pretty much what I pictured when i read the books but he’s way too old for the part now. Denis O’Hare is not at all how i pictured the king but he is a good actor.
Dominic Purcell would be a good Quinn, if they decided to have him in the show.
Actually, this guy looks a lot like I pictured Russell Edgington. I’ll be anxious to see who else they cast in the coming months!
I agree! This is exactly how I pictured him. Hopefully they keep up the good work in the casting dept.
Anita K – most book fans don’t like Bill Compton that’s why and I’m one of them. I love Book 3, alot happens and key characters are introduced. I think Denis will be a good Russell, a gay Hugh Heffner! lol
I completely agree!!! But I do LOVE all the other Supes in the books much more than boring ole Bill Compton anyway
I love every body better than snooze Bill Compton
The Bill on TV and the Bill of the books are NOT the same character, although they share much.
On the show, we may suspect some of Bill’s moves, but nothing has been proved or even hinted at. Sure, in the books he’s conniving (although I contend he really does love Sookie), but the TV Bill smiles, laughs with her, kills for her and PROPOSES to her. (He just has that wee problem of not sharing his entire past with her, something he has in common with others that struggle with a Y chromosome problem.)
Seeing how Alan Ball is changing things (the Queen knows Sookie’s heritage when the Sookie doesn’t know until Books 7&8??)many of things Bill does in the books may not even happen in the series.
And who didn’t watch that proposal scene and wonder if Stephen proposed to Anna in a similar fashion? I’m sorry, but it was damn romantic and Bill truly seemed crushed when it seemed as if Sookie would say no.
It’s time to separate your idea of Bill from the books. He’s innocent until proven guilty, I say. Who is with me?
I agree innocent till proven quilty. i’m tired of all this bill bashing….he is my favorite, I’m sure his motives and his actions are driven by others out of his control but truly loves sookie.
I agree that we should separate the books from the show. I LOVE both, but by AB creating a different story line, I am able to still enjoy the show with some anticipation even after reading the books.
I agree with you 100 percent!!! Enough with the Bill Hating, He hasn’t done anything wrong, and again I agree with you on the romance! OH I loved that scene with them dancing!
I agree. Bill is a jerk in the books, but True Blood’s Bill seems genuine and romantic. Most of the characters are very different in the television series… I think Sam and Arlene are probably the most true to the books. I love the differences from the book series, but I am of the faction that thinks we need more of an exploration of Pam- she’s one of the best characters in the books and barely features in the series at all. I love the dangerous aspect of Eric and Pam portrayed in the series; in the books they were much more tame. On the whole, I am more a fan of Eric than of Bill, but I think Anna Paquin has better on screen chemistry with Moyer than with Skarsgård.
Next season will have a lot to do to keep the fans happy. The Maryann storyline went on too long and it wasn’t satisfying enough. Sophie-Anne, or rather Evan’s acting, is what is really keeping that character from being amazing. I hope they realize the core of the show is Sookie and not Sookie sort of touching all the storylines.
I thought Sophie-Ann was awkwardly written and her scenes were superfluous to the plot of the story. I won’t comment on the actor until I see the character in a scene where she has more of a storyline and seems less thrown in to take up some time. Evan Rachel Wood was adorable in Running With Scissors, and I’m willing to give her another chance in this, mainly due to the fact that the queen was all distraction and no story.
Hey Meagan, YES! Denis O’Hare is an amazing actor and that episode with him as an attorney with schizophrenia stands out as one of the best acted (and heartbreaking) pieces I have ever seen on that series. All these years later and I’ll never forget. Kudos to the brilliant casting directors: something else to look forward to for TBS3.
Yes! Yes! Yes! That is my FAVORITE Law and Order episode of all time – so heartbreaking!! O’Hare was un-freak-ing-ly BRILLIANT in that role and I’ve followed his career ever since.
Henry Cavill or Marco Dapper for Alcide, please! XD
And this guy looks perfect for the Mississippi King.
Oh and I think Tammy Blanchard would be perfect for Debbie Pelt!
try will swenson.
oops … for alcide. Still can’t figure out who I like for Debbie.
I don’t picture Alcideas such a pretty boy. One of these guys would be better off as Claude, I think.
Really looking forward to the Russell Edgington character… hope they keep him the same as he is in the books! As for book 3 being slow, yes, it is. Here’s hoping they combine books 3 & 4, because book 4 is awesome!
I just read the recap of book 4… awesome idea! It would bring some vamp action back to Bon Temps.
Yes! Book 4 is my favorite!!!
I love the show, but I’m super glad that whole ridiculous story about the maenad is over. And I don’t enjoy all the kings and queens crap either. Maybe it’s because Evan Rachel Wood is a horrible actress, but I’m not looking forward to any king either.
Good. The idea of Bubba was kind of funny, but I kind of wish it was just a hint or mention instead of a recurring character. I like the books but Bubba’s corny.
Oops. Replied to the wrong post.
@crispy, Allan has gone on the record and said he will never ever have the Bubba character on True Blood.
Awe … franchise infringement??? Or just distaste for that character.
I think Alan said there was no way to cast the role without it coming off as a bad Elvis impersonator… & totally agree with him. In the books, Charlaine could get away with it since she plays it so coy & rather tongue-in-cheek- with never stating his name. But translating that to screen… no way for it not to be deep-fried cheese.
Really? So glad to hear that!
Too bad about Bubba. I think it would be a blast!
who will play Alcide???? that’s what i want to know!
I really hope they give Pam her own story next year. She is fun to watch and her and Eric have more sexual chemistry then Eric/Sookie do onscreen.
***spolier alert***Those of us who read the books know Bill Compton is a lying, cheating snake!!! That’s why we can’t stand him. Allan Ball better wake up and start focusing on the Sookie/Eric love story and budding relationship. If he changes the basic storyline of the books believe me, millions of SVS readers will be up in arms!!! Eric and Sookie are one of the best, most complicate couples and SVS reader love them!!! Viva ERIC!!
Hey I read that books and watch the show. I am happy with the Sookie/Eric relationship in the books, but I am also happy with the route that the show takes with Sookie/Bill. I love the books and I am happy that Ball and Co aren’t sticking to them literally. If that were the case then Sam and Maryann would have been bed buddies instead of facing off against each other, Lafayette would be dead, Arlene and Terry wouldn’t be together, Tara would also be completely different, and more importantly we wouldn’t have Jessica. I hope they continue to change things up. I think it’s exciting to wonder what’s next instead of knowing what’s next.
Thank You…well said!
tv Bill is hiding something that will make Sookie leave him. That is why he is so desparate to Marry a mortal that he has only know a few months. Did you see his face when Sam talked about things not being hidden and being better in the open. I do not trust TV Bill.
Give me a break. There is also the Sookie and Alcide love story and the Sookie and Quinn love story. Why does the Eric thing have to take such prominence? Alan Ball isn’t doing TB to realize everyone’s fanfic, he’s making his own. Eric is beautiful but Sookie doesnt really actually end up with him til like Book 9. Let the story take its course.
Marco Dapper is hot and very similar to what I pictured Alcide to be, but he doesn’t seem big enough. I pictured Alcide 6′5, broad shoulders. You know, the linebacker with an edge. Yum. Can’t wait to see!! I love the Supe characters: Alcide, Quinn, etc.
Jason Momoa as Alcide
I completely agree there. I pictured Momoa from Alcide’s first appearance.
I could never really picture anyone as Alcide when I read the books, perhaps because I never warmed up to him as a character, but Jason Momoa would be an excellent choice – we need a strong big guy. I think Vin Diesel would make a great Quinn. His career needs a boost anyway, right?
I see Tom Hardy as Alcide – dark,hot and brooding looks…
PERFECT CASTING. He’s exactly how I pictured Russell & another talented actor to add to this stellar cast. I’m soooo excited to see who will be cast as Debbie Pelt. Any ideas?
He’s an inspired choice. Just hope AB doesn’t screw up his character like he has Eric’s and Sophie-Ann’s.
I thought the last episode was GREAT. Love Bill and Sookie togethert. The only snake and liar has been Eric. You need to separate the books from the show, and like them individually.
Eric is sneaky, yes, but he’s not a liar. He’s always very upfront about everything. Whereas Bill is keeping a huge secret from Sookie (which I know from the books, and there have been big hints leading up to it so far in the show).
WE can separate the show from the books, but most of the characters are inherently the same. Eric in the books is very over the top in how he speaks and that would not work in TV. TV Eric is understated, and that works well. But it’s the same essence of character. If Alan Ball changes that, it will feel very much like a betrayal.
For Debbie Pelt~may we suggest FairuziaBalk, of the Craft.
She’d be perfect,check FaceBook for
a photo of here.
Marlene, she’s more than 30–too old to play Debbie. Otherwise, beautiful face, good actress.
Never heard of this actor.Probably won’t recognize him. Guess we’ll have to see how he does and how his part is written
I’d love to see Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’ as Alcide or Quinn
Amen to both choices-he’s HOT!
I think the Rock is too old to play Alcide,,,,,
Tigerlil, I read somewhere that Charlaine Harris wrote Quinn with Vin Diesel (sp?) in mind.
Tigerlil – I totally agree – I’ve read the books many times over and I always picture The Rock as Quinn – he’s got the muscles and the stature and also the dark eyes – YUM! LOL
Also Debbie Pelt – I picture Christina Ricci ?!? Dunno but that’s who I think of whenI read the books.