IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Kathy Bates to guest on 'Two and a Half Men' as Charlie Harper

Charlie Sheen is returning to "Two and a Half Men" ... kind of!Sheen's character Charlie Harper, who died off-screen in the beginning of this season of the CBS comedy, is returning to pay his brother Alan (Jon Cryer) a visit after he lands in the hospital. Of course, given Sheen's less-than-ideal parting with the series, there's a twist: He's not playing the character, Kathy Bates is!Yes, really!

Charlie Sheen is returning to "Two and a Half Men" ... kind of!

Sheen's character Charlie Harper, who died off-screen in the beginning of this season of the CBS comedy, is returning to pay his brother Alan (Jon Cryer) a visit after he lands in the hospital. Of course, given Sheen's less-than-ideal parting with the series, there's a twist: He's not playing the character, Kathy Bates is!

Yes, really! So how is this gender-bending casting switcharoo going down?

More from E: When is 'Glee's' graduation? 'House's' big send-off? Fox reveals finale plans!

It's a ghost invasion!

The "Harry's Law" actress is set to guest star as Charlie Harper on the April 30 episode of "Two and a Half Men." The catch? She's playing the ghost of Charlie who returns in the form of Bates to visit Alan after he suffers a minor heart attack and lands in the hospital.

While this does seem to be one pretty random casting choice, there is a connection between Bates and "Two and a Half Men": "Harry's Law" and the CBS sitcom are both produced by Warner Bros. Sure, it's a stretch, but it's still a connection.

We're sure Sheen isn't sweating this casting coup too much: He's busy filming his new series "Anger Management" for FX.

This will be Alan's second trip to the hospital this season: He ended up in a mental institution alongside Gary Busey after having a mental breakdown.

What do you think of this casting news? Are you excited to see Bates play Charlie Harper? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

Photos from E: 'The Walking Dead's' OMG moments!

Related content: