With just over a week remaining until the return of True Blood, HBO has announced a mini-casting spoiler.

As first reported by Entertainment Weekly, Emmy Award winner Alfre Woodard will reprise her role as Ruby Jean Reynolds, the schizophrenic mother of Lafayette, on episodes five and six this summer.

The character was last seen during Season 3, where she served as a patient in a mental hospital and led to her son meeting Kevin Alejandro's Jesus, who worked as her nurse.

The major upcoming return, of course, is that of Russell Edgington. You can see the ancient vampire in action in this True Blood trailer, which sets the stage for the June 10 premiere.

You can also catch up on True Blood Season 4 via our complete section of episode guides and reviews.

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