There's some new blood on “True Blood,” as Nathan Parsons replaces Luke Grimes in the role of James.

For those who haven’t been keeping up with the vampire gossip, Grimes asked to be released from his contract with the hit HBO series in late December. Since season 6 of “True Blood” concluded in August, the long-haired heartthrob landed the role of Elliot Grey, brother of kinky billionaire Christian Grey in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie. Fans speculated that the casting would force Grimes to pull out of “True Blood,” but a spokesperson for HBO explained that the role of James was being recast “due to the creative direction of the character.”

Fortunately the character wasn’t written off with Luke Grimes' departure. Instead the HBO series has replaced the “Fifty Shades” actor with 25-year-old Australian-born Parsons.

For those unfamiliar with him, he’s got similar long hair and a smile as deadly as Grimes'. Born in South Australia, Parsons was raised in the United States, where he attended the University of Southern California. His most notable roles include Ethan Lovett on soap opera “General Hospital” from 2009 to 2013, and Godot on the canceled ABC Family dance drama “Bunheads.”

A source revealed to TV Line that 29-year-old Grimes initially joined the series because he wanted to work with his former co-star Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica). “But when he started reading the scripts for season 7, he was disappointed to learn that they were going in a completely different direction with James,” explained the insider.

So, what direction does Nathan Parsons get to look forward to? A reported love triangle.

The character James was introduced in season 6 but was slated to become a major character in season 7. “True Blood” showrunner Brian Buckner previously teased that they had only “scratched the surface” of Luke Grimes as James. And while it hasn’t been confirmed, someone close to the set revealed to TV Line that the character will find himself “at the center of a surprising love triangle.”

Last time “True Blood” aired, James had been playing with his band at the town barbeque at Bellefleur’s Bar & Grill (formerly Merlotte’s Bar & Grill), and he was still with Jessica since breaking out of Governor Burrell’s vampire camp. The series set up season 7 for all the vampires in town to partner up with a human for protection and clean blood.

What do you think of Nathan Parsons replacing Luke Grimes as James? Do you think he'll look just as good with fangs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or send a tweet to @AmandaTVScoop.

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