With the writers' strike looming, "Heroes" faltering in the ratings and uncertainty about anything that's likely to happen in terms of programming in the next few months, NBC has shelved plans for "Heroes: Origins," the much-anticipated spinoff series of the once hit show.

Production has been halted indefinitely on the six-episode mini-series, which had attracted such talent directors Eli Roth and Kevin Smith and writer Michael Dougherty ("Superman Returns"). NBC had planned to debut the show in April, while "Heroes" was on hiatus.

According to Variety, NBC Universal co-chairs Ben Silverman and Marc Graboff pushed for the postponement of the series in light of the looming strike of the Writers' Guild; however, the impending strike may not be the entire reason.

"Heroes" has not done well with critics so far this season, who have been quick to jump on slow or weak plot points. Additionally, fan support seems to be slowly eroding. Last week's episode averaged 10.7 million viewers, down 6 percent from the previous week, making it the show's lowest-rated broadcast ever.

"Heroes: Origins" was supposed to introduce a new character with special abilities in each self-contained episode, with the possibility on one of them showing up in "Heroes" later on.

Insiders said that "Heroes: Origins" isn't completely dead and could very well be revived as soon as next season.

"Heroes" itself airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.