"Origins" and Endings: NBC Puts "Heroes" Spin-off on Hold

The potential writers strike has already claimed its first victim: NBC's planned Heroes spin-off, Heroes: Origins.

The six-episode series, which was supposed to launch this spring during Heroes' sophomore hiatus, has been shelved indefinitely as NBC has decided not to move ahead with production.

The possible explanation may be fear over the strike, which could derail production; it's thought that any unproduced projects may be shelved over the new few weeks.

Heroes: Origins had secured a number of A-list talents to write and direct installments, including Kevin Smith, Michael Dougherty, co-writer on X2 and Superman Returns, and Hostel writer/director Eli Roth. Each episode was intended to introduce a new character to the Heroes mythos, which viewers would have a vote in determining which one(s) would make join the cast in Season Three.

Project is said to be on hold but could be resurrected down the road, should the writers strike be averted, as doubtful as that seems right now.