Christopher Meloni joins cast of "True Blood"

Christopher Meloni is sinking his teeth into a new role.


The former "Law & Order: SVU" star has joined the cast of "True Blood," the network confirmed Wednesday.


Pictures: Christopher Meloni


According to Entertainment Weekly, the actor will be a series regular, playing an "ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands."


It was reported earlier this month that he was being eyed for a "major role" in the show's fifth season.


Meloni recently ended a 12-year run on "SVU," where he played Detective Elliot Stabler.


This new role marks the actor's return to HBO - he previously starred as inmate Chris Keller on the network's prison drama "Oz."