‘Orange is the New Black’ Season 2: Laura Prepon Returns, But For How Long?

Fans of Netflix's 'Orange is the New Black' were recently dismayed to learn that series star Laura Prepon might only return for the second season in a limited capacity, writing out her character Alex Vause early on, though Netflix and Prepon's management seemed to offer conflicting reports. Now, a new investigation reveals Prepon will indeed return for 'OITNB' season 2, but possibly for even less time than originally thought.

Once again via BuzzFeed, a source close to the series has revealed that Prepon has currently only scheduled to shoot a solitary episode of the 13-hour season 2 run due in 2014. Despite her regular presence in 'Orange is the New Black' season 1 as Piper (Taylor Schilling)'s ex-lover and fellow inmate Alex Vause, Prepon had reportedly only signed for a single season, declining more for as-yet-unknown reasons.

In addition to Prepon’s departure and Taryn Manning’s elevation to series regular, ‘Orange is the New Black’ season 2 will see both Uzo Aduba (fan-favorite Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren) and Danielle Brooks’ character Tasha ‘Taystee’ Jefferson similarly upgraded. Lorraine Toussaint has joined the Netlix drama’s second season in a heavily recurring role as Vee, a longtime street tough who ran her own drug business, recruiting children to serve as runners.

Filming on ‘Orange is the New Black’ season 2 has already gotten underway, Prepon's shooting is yet to be determined, but what say you? Does Alex's significantly reduced role have you down for season 2 in 2014? Give us your thoughts after the trailer below, and check out the full Netflix season if you haven’t already!