True Blood might soon drop a casting bombshell on the television universe.

Sources close to the HBO series tell Michael Ausiello that former Law & Order: SVU star Christopher Meloni is being courted by the show to come on board season five in the "major role" of a powerful vampire.

Meloni, of course, shocked fans of that long-running NBC drama when he announced his departure in May following 12 seasons as Detective Stabler. Who might he portray on True Blood?

Considering the recent news that the show was also casting for members of the Authority's council, combined with the season four finale development of Bill and Eric joining forces to take on the ultimate, blood-sucking higher up, might Meloni play the Authority himself?!?

UPDATE: It's official, says Alan Ball: Meloni will play "an ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands" and is the "mastermind of the mainstream movement."

HMMMM...

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