The CW's fantasy drama Supernatural has entered its 15th and final season after a stunningly successful run ever since the show started in 2005. The story of the brothers Winchester developed quite the cult following over the years.
It is natural for a long-running show such as this, that has had the fans laughing, crying, and been terrified along with the hunter brothers for all these years, to have some equally interesting goings-on behind the scenes. As the series gets ready for lights out, let's take a look at some fun facts about the show behind the camera.
Jensen Ackles Could Have Been The Younger Winchester
It turns out that actor Jensen Ackles who plays the older Winchester had originally auditioned for the role of Sam, although he had almost instantly developed a liking for the character of Dean.
The actor expressed his preference for the role of Dean and got his wish after Jared Padalecki turned up to audition for the role of the brooding, younger Winchester. Otherwise, had Padalecki never showed up, history might have been written quite differently.
Ackles Directed A Number of Supernatural Episodes
Ackles not only stars as Dean Winchester but has also tried his hand at helming several episodes from behind the camera over the years. Important episodes like "Weekend At Bobby's", "Soul Survivor" and the more recent "Atomic Monsters" were directed by the actor.
The actor put his heart and soul into this career-defining series. Donning the director's hat also gave him the opportunity to dramatize scenes to his liking. Season 15's "Atomic Monsters" opens with a stylized action sequence where Ackles is said to have directed the stunts himself.
Misha Collins Also Directed
Everyone's favorite angel, Castiel, also made his directorial debut with the episode "Mother's Little Helper" in season 9. Collins joined the show in season 4, when the fantasy drama was already nearing its originally planned finale and has been an integral part of the Winchesters' journey ever since.
The actor has been known to thank fellow actor Ackles for giving him tips on how to go about directing. The episode which gave him directorial credit saw Dean dealing with the Mark of Cain and explained the Knight of Hell, Abaddon's backstory and how she came to possess the woman Josie, who happened to have been in love with Henry Winchester, Sam and Dean's grandfather.
Sam Is Married To Ruby
Okay, this might not be much of a secret. Most fans of Supernatural would know by now that Sam is actually married to the actress who played the demon Ruby in season 4 and 5.
Genevieve Padalecki met Jared on the set, and the two apparently hit it off at once. The episode "The French Mistake" which went full-on meta, pulling off an act within an act format, made references to Jared and Genevieve's real-life relationship, showing the couple living in a luxurious house with huge triptych portraits of themselves adorning the walls.
Dean Is Married To Sister Jo
For those who aren't aware, even Dean's wife has made an appearance on the show in recent years. Danneel Ackles essays the role of the self-seeking angel-turned-faith healer, Sister Jo.
Daneel got her breakthrough role in The CW's One Tree Hill as Rachel Gatina. She joined the cast of Supernatural in season 13 as a recurring guest star, playing one of the angels who landed on earth during the Great Fall from Heaven, with an affinity for pretty, expensive things.
The Actors Are Master Pranksters
The lead actors are experts in fooling around on the sets and have been doing so for over a decade now. Brooding and haunted by their past as their characters might be, Jared and Jensen take pleasure in messing around with the other actors on set and it is believed that the crew participates fully in the ensuing chaos.
Rumor has it that the brothers have targeted Misha Collins in the past to pull their pranks but in recent years they have set their sight on young Alexander Calvert who plays Jack; the latter has been inducted into the Supernatural family after having fallen prey to numerous pranks while filming.
Gabriel Actor Has Helmed Episodes
The actor who played the archangel, Gabriel, has been an important part of the Supernatural family, having lent his skills as a director, even when he wasn't acting.
Gabriel first turned up as the trickster, appearing in some of the most hilarious episodes in the show's history. He was then revealed to be Gabriel who had grown tired of his family feud in Heaven and taken refuge on earth, leading a hedonistic life, and drawing sadistic pleasure in torturing and killing people. Actor Richard Speight Jr. reprised his role over the years and has gotten behind the camera.
Dean Is Also Musically Gifted
Fans know that one of Ackles' many talents is music. Apart from his dual role as actor and director, Dean Winchester had the audience swooning at his feet with his musical histrionics way back in season 4.
But the comedy aside, the actor is genuinely gifted as a musician. In the ongoing season, the episode "Atomic Monsters" features a song, 'Sounds of Someday,' recorded recently as part of an album by the actor himself. Even after that, Dean absolutely owned a tap dance number in the hysterically funny episode "Heroes' Journey" that allowed him to further show off his versatility.
Mark Sheppard Was Disappointed With Crowley
Crowley was an instant fan favorite and a great addition to a cast known for their exceptional comic timing. There was a time when the sassy demon used to own every frame he walked into. However, at the end of season 13, Crowley was killed off rather unceremoniously, upsetting fans.
Curiosity was naturally piqued after a vital character bid the show farewell. It seems that Mark Sheppard, who aced the role of the Winchesters' antagonist-turned-ally, grew disappointed with the arc his character took over the years and wanted out when he realized the writers didn't have much of a plan for the snarky King of Hell.
Actors Cut Down On Episodes
The trio of Ackles, Padalecki, and Collins announced in 2019, that the usual 24 episode arc would be brought down to 20 episodes from season 14 onwards.
The series is shot in Vancouver throughout the better part of a year which means that the actors do not get to be with their family. Since all the lead actors have young kids at home, the decision was taken to cut down on the number of episodes to allow them more time with their families back home.