HBO sent out a press release yesterday, one that previewed season four of True Blood.

For those of us who follow the show closely, posting all casting notes and spoilers we can, it didn't appear to offer any new intel on what's to come... until we got to the final line. It reads:

New cast members include: Courtney Ford as lawyer Portia Bellefleur, Andy’s sister; Vedette Lim as Tara’s new friend Naomi; Alexandra Breckenridge as Katerina, one of Marnie’s followers; and Gary Cole as Earl Stackhouse.

Earl Stackhouse? Sookie's grandfather?!? It's safe to assume this appearance will take place via flashback, but it's still intriguing to consider.

Cole is a veteran actor who most recently appeared in Entourage and Chuck. To many, though, he'll forever be known as Bill Lumbergh from Office Space. So... yeah... it's safe to say we're excited about his casting.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.