While most Supernatural news is focused on its big upcoming episode, a more subtle milestone will occur soon when Jensen Ackles finally gets to play another character. Supernatural has gone in a number of directions over the years as it's tried to fill almost 13 seasons worth of material. Armageddons have come and gone, we've met God's sister and Lucifer's son, and we've seen a book series, TV show, and play based on Supernatural. But soon, Supernatural will crossover with Scooby-Doo.

The move makes a certain amount of sense given all of the meta episodes Supernatural has done and its own blend of comedy and road tripping, but it's still going to be the boldest direction the show has made in all these years. The series, however, has commonly made a number of smaller leaps. The Winchesters, their friends, and family have all changed a lot, with different versions of the characters popping up in other realities and time periods. In all this time, though, Jensen Ackles has never really had the opportunity to do what Jared Padalecki has - but that's about to change.

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EW spoke with Jensen Ackles about his character's future on Supernatural, and it turns out season 13 will finally allow the actor to play a character other than Dean. The conceit of Supernatural, what with possessions and other mystical events, has meant Padalecki and other actors on the show have had the chance to play other characters. Now, Ackles will finally get to do the same.

Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester in Supernatural

“Over the years I’ve only ever had to just play Dean, whereas Jared has had to be Lucifer and Gadreel and all these different actual characters other than Sam. Dean never had to do that. He’s only been Dean. The biggest stretch was Demon Dean but it was still Dean, it was just the demon version of himself, which I always love because it makes my job easier — I can just play the character I know. That is all going to change soon. Something big’s coming.”

We don't know where or when the new incarnation will occur, but it's certainly some exciting news for Supernatural fans. As Ackles points out, the closest he's come is playing Demon Dean. And though that character was certainly more unhinged, he wasn't far off from the wild Winchester brother we already know. Padalecki's turns as Lucifer and Gadreel, meanwhile, have been drastically different personalities that let the actor stretch his legs more.

Ackles and Padalecki haven't done much outside of Supernatural, so anything that gives them the oppurutnity to try something new is likely welcome. As the trailer for 'ScoobyNatural' shows, voice acting their characters in a cartoon will definitely be something new. They'll also get the chance to cut loose in the roles more as they deal with the reality that Scooby-Doo and the gang inhabit.

Beyond Supernatural, the universe of the show will also be exploring new territory thanks to Wayward Sisters. We've heard the show won't be too different in tone, but Wayward Sisters won't be a road show. By changing that key aspect, it will allow the series to strike out on its own. Still, expect Sam and Dean to pop up now and then if the series gets picked up. And with yet another show in the world of Supernatural, Ackles may just get the chance to try out more characters.

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Source: EW