A familiar name in Hollywood joins the cast of the upcoming eighth season of ABC's television mockumentary "Modern Family."

After the unexpected cancellation of another ABC series, "Castle," lead star Nathan Fillion's acting chops will be put to test in the comedy series, which returns for season 8 next month.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Modern Family" co-creator Steve Levitan confirmed at the recent Television Critics Association's summer press tour that the actor will appear on the comedy series for a multiple-episode role. Fillion will portray the role of Rainer Shine, a television weatherman. Aside from Fillion, "Maya and Marty" actor Martin Short will also be appearing for a guest role next season.

Fillion starred opposite Stana Katic on the crime procedural drama "Castle," which was recently axed by the network after wrapping its eighth season.

As for the main characters of the series, according to reports, Mitch (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), Cam (Eric Stonestreet), and their daughter Lily (Aubrey Emmons) return home from their Kansas vacation. It will be revealed if Cam's grandmother accepted his relationship with Mitch.

Meanwhile, Haley (Sarah Hyland) and Andy (Adam DeVine) called it quits again in season 7 because the latter had to leave town to pursue his dreams. Haley may find another love interest next season.

In other news, the series' casting director revealed on Observer some secrets in the casting of "Modern Family." He said, "When we were casting the pilot of 'Modern Family,' you try to have 'chemistry readings' between characters...especially husband and wife, or siblings, whenever you can. Still, we offered Jay and Gloria to Ed O'Neill and Sofía Vergara, and they didn't didn't meet till the first table reading of the show. Because they didn't audition: we made (both actors) offers. So we could never see any chemistry beforehand."

"Modern Family" season 8 premieres on Sept. 21, Wednesday, at 9 p.m. on ABC.