Scandal Season 4 Release Date, Spoilers: More Screen Time for Kerry Washington

Sep 06, 2014 01:50 AM EDT

When Scandal Season 4 premieres this coming fall, more emphasis will be placed on the show's leading lady Olivia "Liv" Pope - who is played by Emmy-nominee Kerry Washington.

Kerry's real life pregnancy last season resulted in fewer scenes for Liv. In moments where Olivia had to appear, the film crew made many awkward attempts to conceal Washington's midsection. With Kerry giving birth in April, fans should expect to see more of the character in the upcoming new season.

 "In season two and season one, Kerry is in almost every scene, and that's not possible in season three," Scandal showrunner Shonda Rhimes explained to The Hollywood Reporter in July. "So it just necessitated a different mode of storytelling, and we're very excited to get back to Olivia-centric storytelling".

Besides more screen time for Washington, new cast members have been confirmed by two different sources at roughly the same time.

On Monday, Aug. 18, TV Line critic Michael Ausiello had insider knowledge suggesting Sonya Walger is having a recurring role on the show. ABC has yet to confirm what role she will play in Scandal Season 4. Walgers' film credits include Flash Forward and Common Law. The actress also has an upcoming role on NBC's Parenthood.

Just four days after this development, Entertainment Weekly reported that Matthew Del Negro had been recruited in the cast lineup. Like Walger, Del Negro's role has yet to be confirmed. The actor is perhaps better known for his appearance on Mistresses.

Both Walger and Del Negro will be joined by guest stars Portia de Rossi, Mary McCormack, and Josh Randall.

Scandal Season 4 will debut on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 9/8c on ABC.