NBC’s ‘Heroes Reborn’ Still Happening, Casts ‘Once Upon A Time’ Star

Initially announced at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, NBC’s Heroes Reborn has had something of a staggered development, between Jack Coleman’s return as Noah Bennett, Chuck star Zachary Levi’s addition, and, well … that’s it. Until now! Once Upon a Time and Pirates star Robbie Kay has joined the Heroes cast, cementing that this thing is definitely still happening. Really!

As with Levi’s casting, no details are yet known of Kay’s role, or anything about the revival series, really, which was cryptically left off NBC’s 2015 summer schedule. If nothing else, we at least know that Matt Shalman will direct the first installment, though IMDb offered little clarification as to whom that actually is. Creator Tim Kring will at least return to executive produce with James Middleton and Peter Elkoff, so ... you know. That’s something.

Past series leads Zachary Quinto, Ali Larter and Milo Ventimiglia all previously shot down the possibility of returning to the Heroes franchise, leaving Jack Coleman the only original cast member to sign on thus far. Nashville star and Heroes alum Hayden Panettiere had also previously been asked about Heroes Reborn, though has also declined to reprise her role as immortal healing cheerleader (and Noah’s adopted daughter) Claire Bennett.

Why NBC seems so slow to actually develop the project, or at all, given the lacking demand overall remains anyone’s guess. In the meantime, who else should Heroes Reborn target for its eventual release, assuming NBC actually follows through?