Heroes new guest star: Madeline Zima from Californication

Californication’s Madeline Zima is headed back to prime time.

The actress who first made a splash on CBS’ The Nanny will guest star on the next season of Heroes on NBC, playing Claire Bennett’s college roommate.

Zima’s character, Gretchen, is an “edgy outsider” who meets up with Hayden Panettiere’s Claire at school in Washington, D.C., according to the Hollywood Reporter. Claire may find it hard to focus on her classes, though, with a mysterious suicide on campus and the ongoing drama of her parents’ divorce.

Heroes returns for its fifth season, titled “Redemption,” in September. Californication’s third season is in production.

Image: Bauer-Griffin