The premiere of Heroes season 3 is just a few short days away, and one of the primary reasons for the show’s success is Masi Oka. As the lovable comic book fan Hiro, Oka has created a hero fans can identify with. Unlike many other characters on Heroes who are tortured or conflicted with their powers, Hiro loves them and is fascinated by the good he can do.

BuddyTV got the chance to talk to Oka during our Heroes set visit to find out what role Hiro will play in season 3, called “Villains.” The season premieres this Monday at 9pm with a two-hour episode, though fans can also tune in at 8pm for an hour-long clip show to catch you up in case you have difficulty remember what happened since Heroes ended season 2 last December. Continue reading for the highlights and to watch our exclusive interview with Masi Oka.



-While fans have come to think of Hiro as the one true hero of the show, Oka revealed that even Hiro will be tempted to go to the dark side this season. Season 3 is not just about the new villains who arise, but it’s also about forcing all of our returning heroes to make a choice about what side they will be on. In the truest sense of the words, the battle lines will be drawn this season.

-Season 3 will present Hiro with a new nemesis in the form of Brea Grant as a speedster whose ability to run incredibly fast will put a damper on Hiro’s time stopping abilities. It turns out Hiro’s true ability on slows time so that it appears normal action has stopped, so the speedster won’t be affected like everyone else.

-While discussing Hiro’s new archnemesis, Oka compared their relationship to that of the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, with Hiro’s attempts at stopping her constantly being thwarted as she speeds away.


-Interview conducted by John Kubicek
(Additional video footage courtesy of NBC)