'Orange is the New Black' Season 3 will see the departure of controversial character George "Pornstache" Mendez - the hated mustachioed corrections officer in the popular series.
Pablo Schreiber, the actor who plays Pornstache, confirmed this in an interview with the NY Post on Wednesday.
"I'm not taking part in the third season," he said. "I'm a member of a show called 'The Brink' that's going to be on HBO. It's a half-hour comedy with Jack Black and Tim Robbins and me [as] the three leads. I'm really excited about it."
The actor explained that he wanted to take part in shows that allow him to be the lead character.
"Yeah, I was never a series regular on 'Orange Is the New Black.' I was always a guest star. The role that I have on 'The Brink' is a starring role, and it's a no brainer," he says. "Absolutely, I chose to jump on board with that show. It was a better move for me as an actor."
Previously, his absence from Season 3 was teased but never confirmed. Even so, Schreiber assured audiences that Pornstache's status may not be permanent.
"For all the over-reactors: Just bc P-Stache won't be on Season 3, doesn't mean we won't see him again," Schreiber tweeted on Thursday.
Two weeks ago, Schreiber confessed on Jimmy Kimmel Live that his character's iconic mustache is actually fake. The actor also said he was glad most people did not recognize him, once he took off the facial hair.
In the second season, Pornstache is led away in handcuffs after being framed for statutory rape by the women inmates. Prior to his arrest, the sadistic prison official has his hands in illicit activities that include drug smuggling. He often coerces inmates to perform sexual favors for him, and is a virtual tyrant within the prison.
Although Schreiber had limited screen time in prior seasons, his convincing performance left audiences both astounded and horrified. Fans' reactions have ranged from admiration to absolute disgust. Last year, the actor told TV Guide that he still gets death threats in the mail.
Netflix is still filming 'Orange is the New Black' Season 3 at this time, and has not confirmed an official release date. Still, it is likely the new season will premiere in about early next year.
