Supernatural vet Jensen Ackles will produce a narrate a spin-off called The Winchesters, but apparently no one told Jared Padalecki. “I’m gutted.”
The good news: Supernatural is getting a spin-off! Variety reports that the long-running horror drama is getting a prequel series called The Winchesters, all about the parents of brothers Sam and Dean Winchester. So we’ll be following the exploits of a young John and Mary Winchester (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Samantha Smith in the original series) as they hunt monsters and take names. And the whole thing will be produced and narrated by Jensen Ackles, who played Dean. Ackles’ wife Danneel is also involved, through their Chaos Machine Productions banner.
The bad news: there’s already drama surrounding the series. Shortly after it was announced, Jared Padalecki (who played Sam), congratulated his onscreen brother, but also revealed he hadn’t heard anything about this spin-off and had to learn about it from Twitter like the rest of us plebs. “[I’m bummed that Sam Winchester had no involvement whatsoever.”
Dude. Happy for you.
— Jared Padalecki (@jarpad) June 25, 2021
Wish I heard about this some way other than Twitter.
I’m excited to watch, but bummed that Sam Winchester had no involvement whatsoever. https://t.co/bAcEvFKM7p
Some fans thought this might be a joke, but Padalecki later confirmed that it’s not: he really was kept in the dark about this, which seems like a big oversight on the part of The CW given that he was one of two guys who held down the show for 15 straight seasons.
No.
— Jared Padalecki (@jarpad) June 25, 2021
It’s not.
This is the first I’ve heard about it.
I’m gutted. https://t.co/1i8eC8YAdV
Supernatural has always had a close-knit fanbase that appreciated the family-like atmosphere promoted by the cast, crew and network, so this may feel a bit jarring.
And also Misha Collins, who played the angel Castiel on the main show, would like in:
Seems like this show would benefit from a time-traveling angel-in-a-trenchcoat character. Just saying... https://t.co/gb8oxBQZiM
— Misha Collins (@mishacollins) June 25, 2021
The Winchesters will premiere in…well, let’s see if it can get over this hurdle first.
UPDATE: After another twist in the road, Padalecki said that he and Ackles talked things out and they’re cool:
@JensenAckles and I had a great talk, as we do often, and things are good.
— Jared Padalecki (@jarpad) June 25, 2021
The show is early in the process with miles to go.
We’ve travelled a lot of roads together, and sometimes those damn roads have bumps.
Bumps don’t stop us.
Once brothers, always brothers. #spnfamily
Up and down with this show.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels
h/t The A.V. Club