Forget donning the infamous red cape. "Superman Returns" star Brandon Routh will now head into the world of international espionage for a multi-episode run on the NBC series "Chuck."

According to Michael Ausiello from Entertainment Weekly, Routh will take on the role of a new mysterious spy who swoops in and takes control of Operation Bartwoski. In addition to his sleuthing, Routh's character also will serve as a mentor to Chuck (Zachary Levi) himself, and at the same time will become something of a rival for Sarah's (Yvonne Strahovski) heart.

Routh's casting on the series comes as a welcome surprise for fans of "Chuck" who feared that the show was on its last legs following its second season. "Chuck" had been described as dangerously close to cancellation, and it's now hoped that such a notable name attached to the show will pull in the extra attention needed to hopefully bring a fourth season of the show.

However, NBC is not planning a fall launch of the series, and instead, has pushed to well past the mid-season mark of the upcoming 2009-10 schedule.

Those who are huge followers of the Chuck and Sarah developments need not worry about Routh stealing the spotlight as the focus will always be on the two government agents, producers said. In addition to Routh's character stirring things up a little for the couple, Mini Anden will also return to the show and will continue to heat things up between Chuck and his beloved Sarah.

There is no official date for the new season of "Chuck." However the third season is expected to premiere in Spring.