Robert Knepper becomes "Heroes" regular

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "Heroes" is getting more villainous: Robert Knepper has been upped to a regular on the sci-fi series.

Knepper's character, Samuel, is at the center of the major new story line on the NBC drama. He's the charismatic but evil Earth-moving ringleader of a traveling carnival who recruits people with special powers for a mysterious purpose.

Knepper originally signed for six episodes and so far has appeared in every episode of the show's upcoming fourth season. He follows in the footsteps of another baddie on the show, Zachary Quinto (Sylar), who also started off as a recurring character before becoming one of the show's stars.

(Editing by Sheri Linden at Reuters)