As you may know, rumor has it that Laura Prepon is leaving Netflix’s Orange is the New Black.
BuzzFeed first reported that she would return just long enough to wrap up her story, and then would no longer be part of the cast, but would have the option to return later. She has not directly commented publicly about the situation, but tweeted this week that she “can’t wait to get back to NY soon to start shooting”.
OITNB is indeed shooting in New York at Kauffman Astoria Studios.
Netflix has called the rumors of her departure “inaccurate,” while also noting that the “season is still developing and nothing is confirmed.”
TV Guide has also since reported that it has confirmed that Prepon’s character’s story is set to wrap up early in the second season. It’s looking more and more likely that she will indeed be leaving the show.
Co-star Taryn Manning, who plays Pennsatucky on the show (and was recently promoted to series regular), spoke about the situation in an interview with Entertainment Tonight:
Well, there’s a book and that character goes to another facility in that book. I’m not sure what’s going on, I definitely feel a bit of a loss, but to be totally honest with you, no one is really talking about it. This cast is so noble. I wish her the best and hope everything is OK with her. I hear she’s directing her own film, which she passionately talked about on set, so maybe she’s off doing that. I think she’s amazing, so it’ll be interesting without her around, but I don’t know the facts — although I hear she will be filming some of this season.
Manning also hinted about where her own character is going in the second season. More on that here.