The final season of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black is set to premiere on July 26, and if its trailer is anything to go by, it’s going to be as explosive as ever. Ever since the show first hit our screens on July 11, 2013, it’s been keeping us entertained with the exploits of Litchfield Penitentiary’s diverse and colorful set of inmates. Season 7 is expected to see the return of many of the show’s regulars, including Taylor Shilling as Piper and Laura Prepon as Alex. While the final casting hasn’t been revealed in full, teasers indicate we can expect to see several old favorites don the orange jumpsuit for one final outing. To find out more about Season 7’s expected roll call of returnees, keep reading.
Taylor Shilling
In the finale of season 6, we saw Taylor Shilling’s character, Piper Chapman, released from Litchfield. While the details are still under wraps, OITNB’s final season is expected to follow Piper as she adjusts to the outside world. How she fares, and whether her new marriage to the still incarcerated Alex Vause will stand the test of distance, only time will tell. Although Schilling had worked in TV and film for several years before OITNB, it’s been her role as Piper that’s pushed her into the big league, earning her several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and ensuring that whatever comes next after OITNB, her future in Hollywood is secure.
Laura Prepon
Season 7 is expected to see Laura Prepon’s character of Alex Vause learn to adjust to prison life in the absence of new wife, Piper. Prepon has been playing the role of Alex, a former employee for a drugs cartel, since season 1. Prior to that, she was best known as Donna Pinciotti in the Fox sitcom, That ’70s Show. She’s also seen success in films such as The Girl on the Train (2016), Lay the Favorite (2012), and Come Early Morning (2006), and as the author of The Stash Plan, a wellness and nutritional guide that debuted at number 10 on The New York Times Best Seller list.
Kate Mulgrew
Acting legend Kate Mulgrew is set to reprise her role as the feisty Russian, Galina “Red” Reznikov, in the series finale of OITNB. The American actress has enjoyed 44 successful years in the industry, taking on such roles as Captain Kathryn Janeway on Star Trek: Voyager, Helen Donnelly in The Black Donnellys, Jane Lattimer in Warehouse 13 and the voice of Dr. C in Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters. Her stellar performances have resulted in several honors, including a Critics’ Choice Award, a Saturn Award, an Obie Award, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Uzo Aduba
Set to return as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren is Nigerian- American actress Uzo Aduba. Aduba has achieved multiple honors for her portrayal of the highly intelligent but mentally disturbed inmate, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2014, an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2015, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series in 2014 and 2015.
Danielle Brooks
Taking on the role of Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson once again is Danielle Brooks, a 29-year-old graduate of the renowned Julliard School. After graduating, Brookes was cast in stage productions of Servant of Two Masters, and Blacken the Bubble, but left both productions in 2013 when she secured her first major TV casting in OITNB. Brooks was an immediate success in the role, with the Daily Beast calling her “the breakout actress of the show and one of the most refreshing and exciting new talents of 2013.”
Natasha Lyonne
Season 7 sees Natasha Lyonne return as Nicky, the former drug addict with a heart of gold. Previously best known as Jessica in the American Pie franchise, Lyonne is now as well-known as a director as she is as an actress. Following on from the success of her directorial debut Cabiria, Charity, Chastity in 2017, 2019 sees her claim co-creator, executive producer, writer and actor credits on the Netflix series, Russian Doll.
Adrienne C. Moore
Starring once as Cindy “Black Cindy” Hayes is Adrienne C. Moore. After beginning her career on stage, Moore moved into TV with minor roles in such series as Blue Bloods and 30 Rock. OITNB proved to be Moore’s launchpad to greater success, and she’s since featured in the hugely popular Homeland, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and The Lennon Report.
Dascha Polanco
Rejoining the cast as Dayanara “Daya” Diaz is Dominican- American actress, Dascha Polanco. After landing small parts in such TV series as Unforgettable and NYC 22, Polanco landed her breakthrough role with her casting as the artistic Diaz in OITNB’s first season. She’s since enjoyed success with roles in The Cobbler, Joy, and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. In 2019, Polanco joined her OITNB castmate, Natasha Lyonne, in Netflix’s Russian Doll.
Yael Stone
Australian actress Yael Stone is expected to return in season 7 as the hopeless romantic, Lorna Morello. Prior to her casting in OITNB, Stone had worked extensively in Australian theatre, picking up nominations for Best Newcomer and Best Supporting Actress at the 2008 Sydney Theatre Awards for her performance in The Kid, and another Best Supporting Actress nomination for The Diary of a Madman.
Taryn Manning
Expected to reprise her role as Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett is Taryn Manning. The American actress made her film debut in 2001’s Crazy/ Beautiful and has since appeared in Crossroads (2002), 8 Mile (2002), White Oleander (2002), A Lot Like Love (2005) and Hustle & Flow (2005). In addition to her acting roles, Manning has released several recordings, including the singles Gltchlfe in 2017, Curiosity in 2015 and Christmas All Over Again in 2008.
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Former inmate Aleida Diaz is played by Elizabeth Rodriguez, an American actress whose work outside of OITNB has included roles in Fear of the Walking Dead, All My Children, and Miami Vice. Season 7 is expected to catch up with Diaz as she continues to adjust to life on the outside following her release from Litchfield in season 5.
Laura Gómez
Season 6 saw Laura Gómez’s character, Blanca Flore, released from Litchfield into an Immigration Facility run by PolyCon Correction. How her story will unfold, we’ll have to wait and see, as producers are keeping storylines close to their chest. Outside of OITNB, Gómez is as well regarded as a producer and director as she is an actress, with such credits as To Kill a Roach (which earned her an NYU Fall 2012 Technisphere Award for Outstanding Achievement and Hallelujah to her name.Kate Mulgrew
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