'The Affair' to get massive time jump, new cast member Anna Paquin

Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Oscar winner Anna Paquin will play Alison and Cole's adult daughter Joanie Lockhart in the fifth and final season of The Affair, Showtime announced.

Her story will pick up decades after the show's most recent events as she returns to "a climate-change ravaged Montauk to piece together the truth about what happened to her mother, bringing the whole story full circle," a press release from the cable network said.

The final season is now in production and new episodes are scheduled to air next year. The series explores the emotional and psychological effects of an affair that destroyed two marriages, and the crime that brings these individuals back together.

The show stars Joshua Jackson as Cole, Dominic West as Noah and Maura Tierney as Helen. Ruth Wilson's character Alison died in Season 4.

"Season 5 will chronicle the aftermath of the season finale's horrific events and find the characters coming to terms with the consequences of their choices -- as they make the realization that if they really want to change their futures, they must first, face the past," Showtime said. "This final season is about how everything does really fall apart in the end, but somewhere in that wreckage, the seeds of change finally sprout."

Paquin is known for her roles in Alias Grace, Bellevue, True Blood, The Piano and the X-Men film franchise.

"To say we're happy to welcome @AnnaPaquin, would be the understatement of the century. Been a HUGE fan of hers for as long as I can remember. We can't wait to show you all this final season.... @SHO_TheAffair #Season5," show creator Sarah Treem tweeted.

"Super excited to join you all!" Paquin responded.