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Exclusive: Robert Forster Joins 'Heroes' as (Spoiler Alert)!

Aug 1, 2008, 04:12 PM | by Michael Ausiello

Categories: Heroes

Heroes_l_2 He's alive! Or is he?

Sources confirm to me exclusively that Heroes has tapped acting vet Robert Forster to play Nathan and Peter's presumed-dead pops, Arthur Petrelli.

Given Heroes' penchant for time travel, though, there's no telling if we'll see Arthur in the present, via flashback, or during one of Hiro's little excursions. Another unknown: whether Arthur will use his powers ('cause you know he's got 'em) for good or evil.

Rumors of Arthur's possible "resurrection" this season have been burning up the Internets for months. And while it's not clear when Forster will first turn up, at press tour last month, his on-screen widow, Cristine Rose, hinted in this video interview that a bombshell would be dropped in the two-hour premiere on Sept. 22. "There's a secret that comes out that if you're a true fan, you're just going to die," she teased. "It's a good Angela secret, and it's [not about] her powers."

Well, considering the first hour of the premiere was screened at Comic-Con, and, per multiple eyewitnesses, no such Angela secret was revealed, it's safe to say the big reveal will take place in hour 2. Of course, whether or not said reveal is related to Arthur is also a big fat unknown. It's all speculation, people!

What do you think? Is Arthur alive? Is Karen Sisco's dad a good fit for the role? Are you as pumped about Heroes S3 as I am? Sound off below!


jess Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

I am so totally pumped for Heroes Season 3 to start. It's ridiculous i gotta be the only person dying for september to hurry up and come so i can see my shows. HEROES,SUPERNATURAL,BONES,GOSSIP GIRL, AND SMALLVILLE I CAN'T WAIT. TO BAD I GOTTA WAIT TILL '09 FOR FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, DOLLHOUSE, AND BSG. thanks again for the awesome scoopage.

Marie Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 10:49 PM EST

Looking forward to S3 of Heroes, and I agree with some of the other posters here: I watched S1 and S2 with a group of 10 friends here in Australia - we all loved it! We've all been scratching our heads over the S2 backlash. Whatever, I won't let the negativity affect my excitement for the next season - fantastic casting for Arthur, by the way. Roll on September, and thanks for the scoop Ausiello!

neillfilm Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 04:38 PM EST

Heroes, Heroes, Heroes.... What happenned to you? I liked the first season, but the second? I know that a lot of you are going to point fingers at the writer's strike, but I am going to give it 5 episodes. If it can't wow me in 5, then I'm done.

MK Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 03:16 PM EST

I am *convinced* that Angela's secret is that Adam Monroe (Takezo Kensei) is Nathan's, if not Peter's, biological father. I don't believe for a moment that it's a coincidence that he and Claire have the same powers.

Nathan Poitras Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 12:36 PM EST

Robert Forster rocks! Totally old school kind of tough guy, but with charisma. He'll add a lot to that show.

Lia Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 12:24 PM EST

I can't wait for Heroes this fall! Season 2 started weak but ended strong and just the headline for the new season "Villains" is enough to get me

colbea Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 11:05 AM EST

I saw hour one of the first episode at Comic-Con. It is incredible! So much happens! DOn't miss it. Heroes is better than ever!!!!!

Gre Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 09:17 AM EST

Season 2's biggest problem was that it failed to build on the momentum of Season 1. For many, there was an expectation of forward movement, of the gelling together of the show's disparate characters for a purpose. Instead, the show actually took *backward* steps, resetting some characters to places in their growth as heroes that we had already seen, and shunting a few characters into tedious side stories. I think the producers may have been trying to do what LOST did -- drawing out the story with subplots and other obstacles -- only they weren't half as successful.

Ben Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 08:52 AM EST

I really expected the news to be that Angela really was Nathan and Peter's dad in drag and that their mother is really dead.

harry Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 08:17 AM EST

you know what i just watched the entire season 2 of hero's and now I have a hard time understanding why people hated it so much. it seems like they want everything spoon fed to them. I for one can't wait for season 3 bring on the fater figure.

Hudson Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 08:10 AM EST

So completely love Forster and so just can't stand "Heroes," if only because I'm a die-hard geek and I don't think they get superheroes right. That said, I know have a reason to watch.

Jeffrey Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 07:58 AM EST

Oh, and sorry, but Robert Forster has got to be one of the least exciting actors ever, so that doesn't do a thing for me.

Jeffrey Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 07:47 AM EST

So, anyway, I'll check out season 3, but I'm hoping for a huge leap upward in quality compared to S2, and quickly, or I'm out.

Jeffrey Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 07:45 AM EST

S2 was a huge letdown after season one. First season was like the anti-Lost in that it kept moving and moving; but the downside was that in order to keep going at that pace, more and more superpowered characters had to be introduced, and the Heroes world became overpopulated like the X-Men. Also, with a world-almost ending finale (stolen from Watchmen), you make it hard to outdo yourself. Cut to season 2, they tried to slow down Hiro's progression with numbingly dull plot in the past, with the extremely uncompelling villain, cast with an uncharistmatic, unimposing actor in the role (Takezo Kensei). Introduction of more powered people (Veronica Mars, wonder-twins; how will her power ever become useful) that are not interesting, though I did like "Saint Joan". Heading for another end-of-the-world plotline. Like a lot of shows, I don't think the creator/producers even know what's appealing: interestingly-drawn characters played by compelling actors: Peter, Nathan, Hiro, Claire, her dad...

Peter Mon, Aug 4, 2008 at 06:07 AM EST

If anything I think Peter will go back in time to see his father. He has Hiro's time travel power also.

WingsStef Sun, Aug 3, 2008 at 11:33 PM EST

I don't think Arthur is alive. I too have doubts on if Arthur has a power or not. The company was founded on the protocol of "One of Us and One of Them". Like someone else said Arthur seemed really shocked about Linderman's powers in War buddies. I think there is a good chance that he didn't have powers. And well, the boys take after their mother. But yes it is possible that he had a more subtle power that manifested late in life. I have ideas about what the Angela secret is, from other vague spoilers that have been around. Plus are we finally going to find out what happened to Arthur? Somehow since suicide seems to be the "go to" excuse in the Petrelli family, somehow I doubt that is what it was.

tonyk Sun, Aug 3, 2008 at 06:57 PM EST

he is probably an escaped bad guy

Celinda Steinman Sun, Aug 3, 2008 at 05:48 PM EST

I saw the upcoming season's first episode at Comic-con a couple of weeks ago, and it's one of the best episodes of any TV show ever. It seriously had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. If the rest of the season is only half as good as this one episode, it's going to be a great season for Heroes.

charlie Sun, Aug 3, 2008 at 12:31 PM EST

I don't think that Arthur has a power as in War Buddies he was scared by Linderman's ability to heal. But if he does he may have found out about them after this. Bring on the next season!

Amy Sun, Aug 3, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

Awesome! I loved Forster as Marshall Sisco on the too-soon cancelled Karen Sisco.

Hiros My Hero Sun, Aug 3, 2008 at 07:32 AM EST

I really don't see what the problem is with Season 2. Sure, it wasn't what we were used to, but it wasn't terrible either. I actually didn't have a problem with the new characters. I actually LOVED Monica's story. I hope she returns! All I know is that I will stick with Heroes till the end, because I have faith that the writers and Tim Kring know where they're going

On the Fence Sun, Aug 3, 2008 at 01:29 AM EST

I loved this show first season. Second season was not great, and they didn't bother to give us any episodes after the strike ended. Frankly I can't even remember what was happening when it ended. I can't say I won't watch it in the fall, but they have some serious work to do if they want it to last.

LizB Sun, Aug 3, 2008 at 12:44 AM EST

I was one of the fortunate 6500 who was present at the Comic Con screening. It was a "take no prisoners" and "full speed ahead" episode that will totally blow your socks off! I can't wait to see what's next! The addition of Forster as Arthur P. will be a fine tuning for things to come in Season 3. Put your doubts aside, the sophomore slump is over!!!

J. Vennekotter Sun, Aug 3, 2008 at 12:19 AM EST

I liked Heroes very much, but, frankly, there were so many characters and plot lines at work toward the end, and the last episode appeared so long ago, I really don't remember who most of these actors/characters are, except Hiro, of course.

Nate Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 08:57 PM EST

I gave Heroes a second chance after their terrible season one finale. But sophomore season did not deliver. I'm done with it.

KAH Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 07:52 PM EST

Bullet for My Valentine concert Sep 22, Heroes S3 premiere afterwards on DVR. Can someone say *drool*?

This debate just shows how spoiled us Heroes fans are. S2 was s*** by our standards, yet pretty good and better than 90% of television. You have a shot at greatness this year Kring, dont mess it up :D

Katie Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 06:29 PM EST

I don't know, but I do know I'm definitely as pumped about heroes season three as you are!!

Heroes Hater Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 06:17 PM EST

They'd have to really try to suck more than last season. Last season was as bad as Lost in the bear cages, only it was the whole season and didn't have anything else redemptive. I wrote off Lost, now I'm hooked again and currently Heroes is written off in my book. Without some serious change, I won't be back. Yet, here I am reading articles about it and hoping...

Earl Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 04:24 PM EST

Robert Forsters great, so it'll be interesting to him here.
But can Heroes rebound from the disaster that was season two? I'm a lot less compelled to watch a season three than I was season two! The 2nd finale was pathetically weak, with nothing of note really happening.

Nate Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 03:21 PM EST

All i know is they better bring it this season. After forcing us to hear the wondertwins be boring all season 2. They have had plenty of time to sharpen the writing up Season 3 needs to be hot.

Hiro's my Hero! Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 02:47 PM EST

I heard the big bombshell is that Sylar is Angela's son! But that's just what I heard.

hebitudinous Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 01:38 PM EST

Angela's secret?

Mama Petrelli comes from the future.

Yash Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 01:36 PM EST

Heroes is one of the best shows on television!
Whether he is alive or dead.
This is season will still be
AMAZING

Deb Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 10:38 AM EST

Robert Foster is an incredibly cool, dignified actor, who will be a welcome addition to an already talented cast. I can't wait to see him interact with Angela, not to mention Nathan and Peter (hopefully, fingers crossed!). I actually enjoyed S2, and have never lost faith in this show. I'm consistently delighted and entertained by the story and the wonderful actors, and the Petrelli family in particular are enthralling to watch. Here's to Cristine Rose, Adrian Pasdar, and Milo Ventimiglia: love you, love your work. Keep it up.

Daisy Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 10:18 AM EST

I'm so looking forward to Heroes season 3 ... this is more promising news ... is it already September 22nd?

Ryan M. Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 10:12 AM EST

I am excited but hesitant for Season 3. I think that Tim Kring has a lot of redeeming to do to make up for the dead-end that was Season 2. That being said--I will always love the characters and will continue to watch the show regardless.

Ryan Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 08:31 AM EST

I already knew about Papa Petrelli's return but them actually casting the role is exciting.

Though, I'd love for some Ali Larter-and-whoever-she's-playing-this-week spoilers. Especially after that press release that mentions an amazing secret about Niki and an unknown, hidden family? What's that all about? Clone? Jessica? Something completely different? Ausiello, you've got some splaining to do!

Meg Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 06:16 AM EST

Wow, I can't wait :D
& some people need to stop moaning about the time travel thing.
If you dont like it, dont watch it :|
(:

Danny Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 03:35 AM EST

Fans need to keep harping about the sloppy/bad writing of the show. I'm hoping time-travel will not be used as much this time around - it's gotten old already. A villian really needs to dampen some of the the more overpowered heroes -- especially Hiro and possibly Peter. Hiro has become a one-note character...

Brian Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 08:16 PM EST

After last year's strike-forced short season, where nothing really happened until the end, it's exciting to know we'll get a full (and fully developed) season this year. And thank goodness gorgeous Nathan isn't dead (not I ever thought he was, anyway).

Bren Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 07:55 PM EST

awesome.. but, when is going to begin?

Jade Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 07:47 PM EST

I'd like more Maya spoilers.

Heather Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 07:34 PM EST

I am so pumped for this season. Papa Petrelli? I am SO there.

Mel Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 07:33 PM EST

Great casting choice, and I love, LOVE the fact that this indicates that we're going to get some Petrelli backstory. That family (wicked mother, the gorgeous brothers, and the illegitimate offspring) is the best thing about an already awesome show. I'm with you Ausiello - S3 is going to rock.

Ruthie Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 06:04 PM EST

Hey Ausiello!

I want to subscribe to your feed, but I want to receive it by email, any chance you can add that feature to your Feedburner?

Thanks! :)

cookie monster Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 05:52 PM EST

I don't care when we meet him. Robert Forster rocks! Perfect choice. That calm he had in Jackie Brown when he is waiting in the dressing room for the loot is priceless. And he actually lloks like the lost link between Angela, Peter, and Nathan. They really would make a good family. Robert Forster has the power of being cool, so maybe Arthur Petrelli will have the power to freeze. Huh?

Drew Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 05:49 PM EST

SO STOKED!! I'm a complete dork for saying this, but Heroes is what keeps me going. And sometimes, during off season... I get a little lonely without it!

AJ Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 05:41 PM EST

Sounds good to me! I'm so glad we'll finally be meeting Papa P. As for the big "good or evil" question, I've always wondered where Peter got his idealism and dexterity from, 'cause it sure as hell doesn't seem to be his mother. Besides, said mother did hint her 'late' husband suffered delusions of grandeur in his youth. In other words, I'm betting he'll be one of the good guys. But I'm sure whatever the writers come up with will be interesting. Thanks for the scoop.

julie Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 04:51 PM EST

This is great! Thanks for the scoop as always! You rock!

Catherine Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 04:12 PM EST

Great, I hope that he is still alive and that much more secrets of the Petrellis' lives come out.

Annie Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

AWESOME. I love Robert Forster. He's a great, underused actor and a heck of a nice guy.

MP Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 03:55 PM EST

RF is a great actor who brings lots of earthy gravitas to his roles. I hope they utilize him better than they used Malcolm McDowell.


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