Variety Reports This News Today:

“Heroes” exec producer Tim Kring will attend this Saturday’s Screenwriting Expo in Downtown Los Angeles after all.

But in a reversal, recently axed “Heroes” co-exec producers Jesse Alexander and Jeph Loeb won’t be appearing, despite earlier promises that they still planned to show up.

The last minute panel switcheroo came soon after Variety reported Thursday night that Alexander and Loeb had decided to still appear on the “Heroes” panel, while Kring had opted out.

But that apparently didn’t sit well with “Heroes” producer Universal Media Studios. According to insiders, the studio warned Alexander and Loeb that they weren’t happy with the idea of the recently dismissed duo still representing “Heroes” on stage. Alexander in particular would have reason not to upset the studio: He’s got a project in development at UMS.

With Alexander and Loeb out, Kring reversed his decision to skip the panel and will now be on hand to discuss the show.

“We do appreciate that someone from ‘Heroes’ will be coming down and keeping the panel alive,” an organizer said.

Alexander and Loeb were let go earlier this month as part of a “Heroes” shakeup mandated by NBC and Universal Media Studios. That left Expo organizers wondering whether their “Heroes” panel - which was set to feature Kring, Alexander and Loeb - would go up in smoke.

But Alexander and Loeb told the organizers up until Thursday that they would still hit the stage and discuss the show. And Kring, reached Thursday night by Variety, said he wouldn’t stand in their way.

“It’s a chance for Jesse and Jeph to tout their incredible participation and involvement and responsibility for the first three seasons of ‘Heroes,’ without me pulling the focus from that, given the course of recent events.” Kring said Thursday night.

With Kring back on stage, an Expo organizer said the topic of Alexander’s and Loeb’s departure is sure to come up, but the panel’s focus will continue to be on the show’s writing.