Of all the new actors and characters set to come aboard True Blood for season three, none will play a bigger role than Joe Manganiello as Alcide.

This werewolf will grow mighty close to Sookie. Just how close, exactly?

“There is definitely some [sexual] energy between the two of them,” executive producer Alan Ball told Entertainment Weekly of the duo, who pair up to locate the recently-kidnapped Bill. “It’s not like either one of them is looking for romance, but they’re thrown into several intense situations [and] it’s hard not to bond on a deeper level.”

Also on a superficial level, Ball adds. After all: "This being True Blood, he’s already shot his first naked scene. Hello, werewolves when they shift — no clothes!”

As you might expect, Alcide isn't the only character who will get nude when season three premieres on HBO this summer. We can't wait.

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