'Orange Is the New Black' season 5 release date, plot spoilers: Laverne Cox stays on; a new mob boss and a death for fifth season opener?

The cliffhanger that marked the season 4 finale of "Orange Is the New Black" certainly piqued the curiosity of fans, who are anticipating what the fifth season has in store for them.

However, there is still uncertainty as far as the final cast of season 5 goes. Given that the season 4 finale ended in utter chaos following Poussey's (Samira Wiley) death, Litchfield's inmates could at best be described as being in a confused state.

According to Movie News Guide, filming for season 5 has started, led by no less than the main stars of the Netflix series. There are reports that the aftermath of the season 4 finale's events would open the fifth season, and if that's the case, Poussey's death could be season 5's opening scene.

Too many deaths in a series could mean the introduction of new characters, and fans wait with bated breath regarding new actors that would be added to "Orange Is the New Black," as well as existing characters who might see bigger roles in the upcoming installment. There is talk that Blanca (Laura Gomez) would be taking over Piper's (Taylor Schilling) role as leader of Litchfield.

Actors with minor recurring roles in the series might see longer exposures in the coming season. According to reports, Stella (Ruby Rose) and Lolly (Lori Petty) could come back for wider arcs and bring more drama to the show.

Season 5 could also see a new mob boss in the person of Maria (Jessica Pimentel), something that the emotional rush scene involving Daya (Dascha Polanco) in the season 4 finale could have triggered. The last season's final scene showed Daya pointing the gun at Humphrey (Michael Torpey). It remains to be seen if she would pull the trigger or not, although Pimentel hints that Maria could prompt Daya to do it.

Meanwhile, E! News confirmed that Laverne Cox's character on "Orange Is the New Black," the stylish and friendly Sophia, is coming back for the fifth season.

Cox has been busy juggling work as the first transgender person to become a regular on CBS' new series "Doubt" along with her appearance on the new version of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." She admitted that while juggling projects is quite difficult, she's grateful that Sophia stays on through "Orange Is the New Black" season 5.

"Oh god, that has been very tricky. We're trying to figure out when I get back to New York to shoot some more 'Orange'. That's still a work in progress, but I'm so blessed that they really wanted to keep writing for Sophia over at 'Orange' and that we have brilliant writers writing for Cameron here," she revealed at the "Doubt" 2016 TCA Summer Press Tour.

"Orange is the New Black" is set to return with its fifth season on Netflix in June next year.