So much for that idea.

NBC has pulled the plug on Heroes: Origins, the Heroes spin-off that was slated to run next April. The network declined comment, but sources said the possible strike by the Writers Guild of America — which could happen after the guild’s contract expires midnight Thursday — played a role in the decision.

We wouldn’t be surprised, however, is the declining ratings and sub-par reaction to the second season of Heroes itself played a major role, as well.

“Looking at everything in context of the strike, we’re evaluating all of our production commitments,” said one source. “Scripts haven’t been written yet.”

We’ll keep you updated about this situation if anything changes.

For those that don’t wish to read any Heroes spoilers about future episodes, turn away right now.

For everyone else, here’s the official NBC summary of Monday’s new episode, “Kindred,” along with a couple photos from it:

Upon his return to New York, Suresh (Sendhil Ramamurthy) is unnerved to find an undiscovered Issac Mendez painting that foretells death of someone close to him. Both Claire (Hayden Panettiere) and H.R.G. (Jack Coleman) pursue their own secret personal agendas.

Determined to make it to the U.S., Maya (Dania Ramirez) uses her deadly abilities to free Alejandro (Shalim Ortiz) from a Mexican jail. Ando (James Kyson Lee) returns to his job in Japan and makes a happy discovery.

Meanwhile, in Japan’s past, just when Hiro (Masi Oka) had written off Kensei (David Anders), his childhood hero surprises him. Niki (Ali Larter) and a lost Hero individually strike shady bargains to reach their goals.

Two familiar people with abilities make an unexpected return.

Anyone who has seen the commercial for this episode knows that one of the people coming back is Sylar (Zachary Quinto).

Here are two images from the third episode of season two:

Kevin Smith isn’t the only film scribe on board for Heroes: Origins.

Word is circulating that both Eli Roth (Hostel) and Michael Dougherty (Superman Returns, X-Men 2) are preparing to write and/or direct episodes.

The six-episode Heroes: Origins will launch in the spring, after the main show’s sophomore run has ended. It will focus on characters not previously seen on the series. Viewers will then vote on which new Heroes they’d like to see join the mother ship for Season 3.

Best known for directing the cult movies Clerks and Mallrats, it was announced at Comic-Con over the weekend that Kevin Smith would be behind the camera for Heroes: Origins.

Smith is well-known for his love of comic books, as they’ve often served as side stories in his films. He even wrote a draft for the most recent Superman movie.

How funny would it be, fans, to see Jay and Silent Bob on the street corner during some future Heroes episode?

The Heroes: Origins series will be single shot episodes that focus on either known or completely new characters. Nothing has been revealed yet about any the plot details.

Heroes: Origins is currently expected to produce six episodes that will run immediately after the conclusion of Heroes‘ second season. Because the episodes do not necessarily intersect with the continuity of the series, writers and directors like Smith are, in theory, free to create their own one hour superhero movie.

We can’t wait to see what they come up with.

At the 38th Annual Comic-Con International, fans of the sci-fi and fantasy genres proved they’re no longer on the fringe of pop culture.

The mammoth convention, held this past weekend at the San Diego Convention Center, attracted more than 125,000 people. And our beloved cast of Heroes was deservedly front and center.

The entire Heroes ensemble appeared and was given a rock-star welcome. Fan favorite Masi Oka (pictured with Bionic Woman star Michelle Ryan, Skeet Ulrich and Matt Dallas) played to the crowd and even showed his geek cred when he helped fix a faulty speaker on stage.

On the first day of the convention, it was officially confirmed that Zachary Quinto, Heroes‘ slithery villain Sylar, will be playing Spock in the next Star Trek movie (opening December 25, 2008).

“It’s really incredible,” Quinto said. “To be a part of something so iconic with the support of the man [Leonard Nimoy] who created the role is a true honor… I certainly intend to bring my own spin on Spock, and with these guys I’m sure I’ll be able to find that.”

The franchise’s other big news was the announcement that another Comic-Con demigod, Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back), will write and direct an episode of next year’s spin-off, Heroes: Origins.

After receiving thunderous applause, Kevin Smith gushed about being a fan of the first season, which he says mastered “the art of the cliff-hanger.”

It’s not yet known what Kevin Smith’s episode is about (the spin-off is an anthology of standalone installments, featuring as-yet unknown characters coming to grips with special abilities), but he said, emphatically:

“I don’t want to be the guy who ruins Heroes.”

Executive producer Tim Kring was effusive in his gratitude to the Comic-Con fans, who last year gave the show its first major buzz. At TV Guide’s Hot List panel he acknowledged the power of the cult fans: “This audience was always there, ready to become a mainstream audience.”