The U.S. National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is seeking an English-speaking Chinese actor for the drama's planned sixth season, Yangtse Evening Post cited unnamed sources close to NBC.

Season 4, the latest completed season, will premiere on American small screens next week on September 21.

NBC is currently approaching Hong Kong-based stars Daniel Wu, Allen Ting and Stephen Fung for the role, according to the report. Daniel Wu and Stephen Fung share an American upbringing.

"Heroes", a science fiction drama revolving around a group of people with extraordinary abilities, debuted on NBC in 2006 with Japanese-American actor Masi Oka as one of its leads. Oka's presence has helped "Heroes" attract many Asian fans, particularly Japanese, according to Yangtse Evening Post.

By casting a Chinese face, NBC hopes the same thing will happen with Chinese audiences, the report says.

"Heroes", which has earned both Emmy and Golden Globes nominations for its completed seasons, has been nominated again, for Outstanding Special Visual Effects, at this year's Primetime Emmy Awards, scheduled for this Sunday.

American TV dramas, known in China as "meiju", have been enjoying great popularity through the Internet. Chinese TV watchers, especially the youngsters who want to improve their English, mostly watch meiju online or via P2P file-sharing software. Shows such as "Prison Break", "24", "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" enjoy a large fan base in China.

(CRI September 18, 2009)