Is there anyone more qualified to play a southern vampire queen than Marilyn Manson? Probably not, but fortunately he taught Evan Rachel Wood everything he knows. Wood will play the role of Sophie-Anne, a character familiar to those who have read Charlaine Harris’ novels as the vampire Queen of Louisiana. Before I get too far into the details of the Southern Vampire Mysteries, I think it’s better if I just defer to the True Blood expert from this point on. Take it away, generically flamboyant run-of-the-mill entertainment blogger.

Sources confirm to me exclusively that True Blood creator Alan Ball has tapped Evan Rachel Wood to play the pivotal role of Sophie-Anne, the vampire Queen of Louisiana!

Who dat, you ask? She’s a 500-year-old vampire from France who is charming, wily, ruthless and wise.

She’s a consummate diplomat who has (or had) many of history’s most famous people on speed dial. Short story shorter: It’s a major frakkin’ part, and landing Wood (whose last significant TV gig was Once and Again) is a major frakkin’ coup.

According to EW, Wood has been signed for two episodes, both of which will air toward the end of the second season.

True Blood premieres Sunday, June 16 at 9 p.m. on HBO