Season four of Heroes begins filming next Monday

Season four of Heroes begins filming next Monday, and the cast of guest stars is beginning to fill out. Along with returning regulars, like Star Trek's Zachary Quinto, Volume Five: Redemption will include a new villain and a new friend for Hayden Panettiere's wayward Claire.

Who are these new characters, and what is the setting for season four? Here's what we know:

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Prison Break's Robert Knepper (aka creepmaster T-Bag) will be playing Samuel, a charismatic fellow with a knack for mischief. For at least six episodes, Knepper's Samuel will be the key figure in the death carnival, the primary new setting and storyline for season four. (Because as anyone who's ever dipped a toe in contemporary popular media knows, there's nothing more evil than traveling carnies and their rictus-faced clown friends.)

Also on deck for Heroes season four is Madeline Zima, whose life this summer will be intercutting between Californication, where she plays cerebral tease Mia, and the environs of fictional Costa Verde, Calif., where she will be in college with Claire. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Zima's Heroes character, Gretchen, is "an edgy outsider."

In other news, look for the casting later this month of new character Emma, who is hot, hearing impaired and smart. Emma will first appear in episode three and recur throughout the volume. She is expected to be a new love interest for Peter Petrelli (Milo Ventimiglia). Masi Oka's Hiro Nakamura will also be a major focus of Volume Four, as he works to undo some of the damage done to his life since the eclipse unleashed his powers.

Are you excited for season four? Do you think Samuel will be more of a breakout character than Zeljko Ivanek's Danko? Take our poll below and then weigh in on the future of Heroes in the comments.

From:www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch