'Orange is the New Black' fans were heartbroken to learn that season 2 would feature far less of Laura Prepon's character Alex Vause, some reports claiming figures as low as a solitary episode. Now, with season 2 still on track for 2014, a new report suggests that Prepon will in fact return for four episodes total, even allowing an open-ended return in season 3.

Buzzfeed once again provided the intelligence on Prepon's involvement, having originally reported on the actress' controversial exit. Where previously it seemed that Prepon had not been contracted for a second season, and declined series regular status to direct a film of her own, the character's enduring popularity and Prepon's own schedule have allowed for an increased commitment to season 2.

Moreover, series creator Jenji Kohan and 'OitNB' writers have evidently "re-conceptualized" Prepon's exit to be less definitive, allowing the actress to begin filming scenes in New York in the near future. We spoke to 'Orange is the New Black' star Samira Wiley (Poussey Washington) recently, who indicated that filming had gotten at least halfway through the season. Prepon has reportedly also begun contract negotiations for a potential third season of the breakout Netflix drama, potentially allowing a more involved role for her character Alex Vause, who provided both the impetus for, and bulk of the season 1 drama of Piper (Taylor Schilling)'s incarceration.

In addition to Prepon’s reduced role and Taryn Manning’s elevation to series regular, ‘Orange is the New Black’ season 2 will see both Uzo Aduba (fan-favorite Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren) and Danielle Brooks’ character Tasha ‘Taystee’ Jefferson similarly upgraded. Lorraine Toussaint has joined the Netlix drama’s second season in a heavily recurring role as Vee, a longtime street tough who ran her own drug business, recruiting children to serve as runners.

Well, what say you? Are you happy 'Orange is the New Black' season 2 will have more Laura Prepon than we thought? How would you want to see Piper and Alex's story handled in season 2? Check out the season 1 trailer below, and check out the entire streaming series on Netflix if you haven't already!

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