Forster to play key 'Heroes' character

Robert Forster is joining the cast of NBC's Heroes, it has been revealed.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the actor will play Nathan and Peter Petrelli's father Arthur, who has previously been presumed dead. It is not known whether he will be seen in the present day, in a flashback or during a time travelling excursion.

Cristine Rose, who plays Arthur's widow Angela Petrelli on the show, has already announced that there will be a twist involving her character in the two-hour season three premiere.

"There's a secret that comes out that if you're a true fan, you're just going to die," Rose revealed. "It's a good Angela secret, and it's [not about] her powers."

Forster has been concentrating on his movie career in recent years, following his success in 1997's Jackie Brown, for which he received an Academy Award nomination.