In a development that continues to unfold behind the scenes of the NBC hit series Heroes, cheerleader Claire's best bud Zach may not be gay as previously indicated in interviews with both creator Tim Kring and openly gay co-executive producer Bryan Fuller. The character's sexual orientation has been ambiguous on-air, and any future plans to reveal that Zach is gay appear to have been scrapped. In a statement on afterelton.com, Kring says Zach was forced back into the closet after it became "too complicated behind the scenes to push this issue further with this particular character."

GLAAD spoke exclusively with Heroes executive producer Dennis Hammer who confirms that the story has shifted. "Zach was undefined in many ways, but who or what he is will be moot for now since Claire may soon be on a path that won't intersect Zach's for a while." This coincides with the news that actor Thomas Dekker (Zach) has been tapped to star in the Fox pilot The Sarah Connor Chronicles and could permanently be M.I.A. from Heroes. Hammer indicated that this change opens the door for a new gay character in the future. "Heroes promises to continue to be diverse, and if a character yet to be seen happens to be gay — just like in life — so be it. We're not afraid of having a gay character on the show, and the network and studio have never discouraged it."

Kring was quoted in the August issue of OUT magazine as saying that he hopes to bring a gay hero to the canvas in the future. "I am intrigued by a gay character front and center, and we are openly discussing it in the studio and in the writers' room." He echoed this sentiment in a statement to afterelton.com: "There is no reason to believe that a gay character will not be represented on our show in the future. It is my hope that when we do, we do it with honesty and dignity. That will certainly be our attempt."

In other Heroes news, out actor George Takei has joined the cast as Mr. Nakamura, Hiro's father.

Related articles:

AfterElton.com - December 11, 2006
"Heroes Straightens Up Its Gay Character"

Out - August 2006
"Rocket Man"