On Monday afternoon, 'Supernatural' fans finally received word that many had been waiting for with bated breath: Misha Collins is set to return to the cult series for episode 717 and at least two more when the show comes back from winter hiatus.

The news was met with such enthusiasm that Collins' name became a worldwide Twitter trending topic soon after his guest spot was announced.

Reps for the show informed us that they couldn't give specific details about Collins' return or which other episodes the actor would be appearing in, so AOL TV went straight to the source. Though Collins admitted that he couldn't reveal much, he would offer one tantalizing hint about what fans can expect when he makes his much-anticipated return ...

"I can confirm that the character of Castiel is returning to 'Supernatural,'" he told us. "I'm not supposed to talk about any details, but I will tell you this: The character is coming back somewhat changed. I'm not going to tell you everything, but I will tell you that the "new" Castiel no longer wears undergarments."


Since it's almost impossible to get a straight answer out of Collins on even a normal day, we're happy to take what we can get. We did ask Collins whether he could confirm that Castiel will appear as himself, rather than as a Leviathan or as his vessel, Jimmy Novak, as some have speculated, but he deferred, "I cannot confirm or deny that."

When the season began and Castiel's fate seemed sealed, executive producer Sera Gamble reassured us, "You certainly should not just ring the final bell on seeing Cas or Misha just because you don't know what episode he'll show up in next," so keep that in mind before you make any snap judgments regarding Collins' reappearance.