Supernatural fans will be seeing a lot more of Castiel in season 9, as actor Misha Collins has re-signed as a series regular.

According to Zap2It, Collins is going to be busy in season 9:

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I don’t think the feathers to the offices campaign was what saved the angel, but it does look like i’m going to be a regular for season 9.

— Misha Collins (@mishacollins) February 25, 2013

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HUGE NEWS. Misha Collins has signed on to return to SPN as a series regular in Season 9. And he’ll be directing an episode!!!

— Carina MacKenzie (@cadlymack) February 25, 2013

Collins, whose character was introduced in season 4 as the angel who pulled Dean out of Hell, saw his role reduced in season 7 after Castiel opened the door to Purgatory and loosed ancient monsters – the leviathan. At the end of season 7, Castiel and Dean were pulled into Purgatory.

While Dean escaped Purgatory at the start of season 8, Castiel’s fate was left unclear for several episodes until we learned that a group of angels pulled him out to report on the Winchesters. Collins’ dimished role has continued in season 8, but it looks like Sam and Dean will be seeing much more of their angelic friend in season 9.

Collins will also not be the first actor to direct on Supernatural; Jensen Ackles has now directed three episodes of the series, starting with season 6’s “Weekend at Bobby’s.” Several crew members have also taken turns directing episodes, including first assistant director Kevin Parks.

Supernatural was renewed for a ninth season two weeks ago.

Are you excited to see more of Castiel in season 9?