As 'True Blood's sixth season prepares to burst forth this summer on HBO, we've heard some impressive casting announcements for the show's upcoming year. HBO has yet to issue any kind of official teaser or photos of the sixth season, likely picking up after the finale moments of 'True Blood' season 5 finale "Save Yourself," but today has given away two new casting snippets. Joining the 'True Blood' cast for season 6 are 'Friday Night Lights' star Jurnee Smollett and one-time '90210' player Amelia Rose Blaire, but who will the lovely ladies be playing?

'True Blood' season 6 has added even more blood to splatter for its HBO summer 2013 premiere, bringing 'Friday Night Lights' star Jurnee Smollett and '90210' actress Amelia Rose Blaire for new recurring roles. Per TVLine, Smollett will play Nicole, an altruistic, moral and "rosy-outlooked" do-gooder who isn't concerned with money.

Meanwhile, Blaire will take the role of Willa, daughter to Louisiana Governor Truman Burrell ('Rubicon's Arliss Howard), who disagrees with her father over vampire rights.Smollett's role is said to be that of a series regular, while Blaire's has the potential to turn regular as well.

Along with the recent upgrade of season 5 guest star and former ‘Last Resort’ star Robert Patrick to series regular, ‘True Blood’ season 6 has also cast ‘Eastenders’ star Robert Kazinsky as a series regular and new Fae love interest to Sookie, along with Rutger Hauer’s sinister Macklyn.

Few other details are available on the sixth season of HBO’s fang-banging hit, though it’s known that ‘True Blood’ season 6 will be the first run by writer Mark Hudis, following series creator and showrunner Alan Ball’s departure. The season will also take place over 10 episodes, down from the usual 12, largely to accommodate series star Anna Paquin’s pregnancy with co-star Stephen Moyer.

Well, what say you? Are you excited for a bit of fresh meat in 'True Blood' season 6? What do you most hope to see from the new season?

More From ScreenCrush