Now that Orange is the New Black has announced its June 6 release date, we are filled with excitement and ready to reunite with the ladies of Litchfield. After last year’s Lori Petty appearance and a promise for more, for this week’s Top List Tuesday, we’ve put together a dream list of actresses we would love to see join the Orange family.
A reunion with Natasha Lyonne right on the OINTB screen? What more could a lesbian ask for? I’m picturing But I’m a Cheerleader, 20 years later, after Megan gets really into heroin and becomes a top.
Clea Duvall
Another fabulous lesbian and sex symbol for us to daydream about. Shimizu has eyes full of mystery and a heart full of gold. Plus, it’s time for an Asian butch woman to join the ranks of Litchfield.
Jenny Shimizu (Photo: stylelikeu.com)
I do not know if she acts, but she seems like she could bring a special breed of crazy. She could either be the strikingly beautiful girl that went down the wrong path and help us fill the Trish void, or Kohan could meth her up and throw her in with the Pennsatucky crowd. Something tells me she’d be up for it.
Cara Delevingne
Not only did she play both conniving and likable on Gossip Girl, Meester herself was born while her mother was serving time in a federal prison. In reference to her surprisingly stable childhood, Meester once said, “It made me realize that you can’t judge anyone, especially your parents, for what they’ve done in their past because people change.” What better person to be on a show that highlights the stories of prisoners?
Leighton Meester
Three words: Set. It. Off. There are many more reasons that I’ll just leave alone for right now, but you know you miss a cornrowed Queen Latifah.
Queen Latifah
When a friend first said this name, I was skeptical. However, when she pointed to Tomlin as a hardened criminal with a teardrop tattoo on Lisa Kudrow’s Web Therapy, I was sold. Yes!
Lily Tomlin (Photo © Showtime 2012)
I’m picturing Alex’s ex-girlfriend. She’d be super nice to Piper at first until she corners for her in the bathroom with a shiv and explains that Alex is hers and always will be.
I know she’s more of a big ticket, post-apocalyptic movie kind of actress, but I’d love to see what else she could do. Also, we need a little more soft butch action in Litchfield’s Latina population.
Michelle Rodriguez
Not only did she kick ass in the guilty pleasure that is Sucker Punch, but if you’ve seen the movie Eden, based on a true story of a human trafficking victim, you’ll realize that Chung can act with the best of them.
Jamie Chung (Photo: Phase 4 Films)
She would either be her hilarious and laid back self that could offer comic relief to some pretty intense situations or Kohan could take her in a totally surprise direction. Either way, we love Fortune and she’d be a great addition.
Fortune Feimster (Photo: twitter/fortunefeimster)
Someone’s visiting mother? A long-term inmate at a rougher prison? Long shot, I know…but gal can dream.
Susan Sarandon at the premiere for “Loveless” at the 70th Festival de Cannes, Cannes, France. Photo by Featureflash
Sorry American Horrory Story, Litchfield is going to need to borrow her for a little while. Actually, that would be Angela Bassett’s decision because Angela Bassett does what she wants. She’s just too much of a powerhouse to not have a place in a show about such strong women.
Angela Bassett
This is more of a personal request. We’ve seen her as a scream queen and a sociopath, but now we want to see what kind of havoc she could bring to OITNB. Plus, being married to Rob Zombie means she could probably handle anything one could throw at her.
Sheri Moon Zombie
Whether it was on Bound or Bride of Chucky, you probably had a crush on Jennifer Tilly at some point in your life. That soft voice and demented mind makes her a perfect addition to the cast.
Jennifer Tilly
Honestly, I don’t think this is reaching too much. Yes, she’s a feminist icon, but she’s also the queen of cameos.
Gloria Steinem (Photo: The Feminist Bride)
Discovered at Queens Pride while living in an LGBT group home, Santana was the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a major acting award in the United States. She is a dynamic actress and powerful activist. We would love to see another transgender woman on the OINTB lineup.
Harmony Santana (Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images North America)
Mostly, this is just for young lesbians who daydreamed that Xena would come by on her horse and whisk them away. Also, because Parks and Recreation is over and those five minutes she was in The L Word were just not enough.
Lucy Lawless (SCI FI Channel Photo by Justin Stephens)
Yes, yes, I know she is busy. But is it just me or when you think about her, doesn’t it feel like she’s already in this show? Her sass just belongs on Orange is the New Black. Plus, she can play sweet and she can play rough. She’d be a good inmate, but maybe even a better guard.
Octavia Spencer (Photo: gifthetv.tumblr.com)
Honestly ladies, I just really want to see her in that Dangerous Minds leather jacket again.
Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Minds
Last, but absolutely not least, Regina King. Can you imagine? She could be Crazy Eyes’ new mentor, or maybe just best friend. Either way, she and Uzo Aduba would be a match made in heaven.
Regina King
Orange is the New Black has become an institution in just two seasons. It is a symbol of feminism, LGBT visibility and shedding light and humanity on many other minority groups. This is our list of women we feel can add to that legacy. Who would you like to see in the hopefully many seasons to come?
