Exclusive: Heroes Promotes David Anders, Hires Deadwood Star

• Aug 6, 2007 06:02 PM ET
• by Michael Ausiello

He hasn't even debuted yet, but David Anders is already making an impression with his Heroes bosses. The ex- Alias fave has been promoted to a full-fledged series regular. An NBC rep confirms that his deal just closed.

Although initial reports suggested Anders was brought in as a series regular, I assure you that was not the case. Anders was technically hired as a recurring player, but apparently after seeing him in action as the 1,000-year-old Kensei, producers decided to keep him around full-time.

While we're dishing exclusive Heroes casting news, a little birdie also tells me that Deadwood's Stephen Tobolowsky will appear in at least six episodes this season. Not much is known about his character except, well, he'll look a lot like Stephen Tobolowsky!