Fans of Supernatural were torn when the long-running series finally came to a close in 2020 after 15 seasons. That’s why there’s been a huge swell of interest in the idea of a Supernatural Prequel, as recently discussed by actor Jensen Ackles and others connected to the project.

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Those other people didn’t – at first – include Ackles’ former co-star Jared Padalecki, something that caused a brief spat all over social media. Even though the project is still in its infancy, there is plenty to talk about.

Ackles’ Wife And Other Supernatural Alumni Involved So Far

Ackles is acting as both executive producer and narrator for the series, which is set to debut on the CW. Ackles wife Danneel, through Chaos Machine Productions, the company the couple formed, will also act as executive producer. Danneel played Anael / Sister Jo as a recurring character on Supernatural from 2018 to 2020.

“After Supernatural wrapped its 15th season, we knew it wasn’t over. Because like we say in the show, ‘nothing ever really ends, does it?’” Ackles told Deadline. “When Danneel and I formed Chaos Machine Productions, we knew the first story we wanted to tell was the story of John and Mary Winchester, or rather the Supernatural origin story. I always felt like my character, Dean, would have wanted to know more about his parents’ relationship and how it came to be. So I love the thought of having him take us on this journey.”

Supernatural-Sister-Jo-Anael
via ScreenRant

Danneel, who recurred on the long-running drama, celebrated the news via Instagram.

“We look forward to beginning the journey with these beloved characters, given to us by the one and only Mr. Kripke. We are going back to 1972… cars, music, peace, love and monsters,” the One Tree Hill alum wrote on Thursday. “The Winchester’s is in the capable hands of Robbie Thompson @rthompson1138 and we couldn’t be happier about that. It’s been a tough secret to keep, so we’re excited to finally be able to share the news. Can’t wait to tell this story.”

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Robbie Thompson, who served as co-executive producer, producer and writer for Supernatural, will also write and co-executive produce The Winchesters. The only cast member that’s known for sure is Ackles himself, who will narrate as Dean Winchester.

In the series, the scenes of young John and Mary were played by Matt Cohen and Amy Gumenick. Another possible crossover from Supernatural may be actor Lex Medlin, who played the cupid who brought John and Mary together in the first place. Naturally, immortal angels like Castiel (Misha Collins) and Uriel (Matt Ward) are also possibilities.

Samantha Smith in 'Supernatural'

Jared Is ‘Gutted’

Ackles’ former co-star in Supernatural, Jared Padalecki, apparently only heard about the new series via social media – and he wasn't happy about it.

After a fan responded that his tweet was a “bad joke,” Padalecki replied, “No. It’s not. This is the first I’ve heard about it. I’m gutted.”

Padalecki also Tweeted at Thompson, (as documented in TVLine), although he deleted it later. “Et tu brute? Wow. What a truly awful thing you’ve done. #Bravo you coward.”

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Just a few hours later, though, it seems that the two had talked, and all was good. “@JensenAckles and I had a great talk, as we do often, and things are good. 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,” he tweeted on Friday, June 25. “Bumps don’t stop us. Once brothers, always brothers. #spnfamily.” He urged his fans to stop hating on Ackles and anyone else involved.

supernatural
via Revenge Of The Fans

Mary And John – With A Retcon To The Original Story?

Mary and John Winchester appeared in Supernatural, with some of their backstory revealed. The series begins as the brothers search for John. They find him, but he dies at the beginning of season 2. Mary Winchester only appears in flashbacks until she is resurrected in season 12. There were a couple of instances of time travel that also fleshed out some of the story.

According to the official synopsis, the prequel series will cover "the epic, untold love story of how John met Mary and how they put it all on the line to not only save their love, but the entire world."

Supernatural Prequel
via CBR

Based on the basic description for The Winchesters, though, there could be a major retcon of the story. As revealed in Supernatural, Mary was the original demon hunter – not John. In fact, Mary vowed to give up her life as a hunter when she got engaged to him. But, demons and supernatural creatures being what they are, it all came back on her.

As the story goes so far, John didn’t become a hunter until Mary was killed by the demon Azazel when she tried to protect baby Sam from his influence. Dean was 4 years old.

However, the description clearly says the Winchesters will be "putting it all on the line to not only save their love, but the entire world" – long before the boys were born.

Perhaps a deal will be struck. While John and Mary were still dating, Azazel killed Mary’s parent – and John. Mary made a deal with Azazel to reap her 10 years’ later if he resurrected John. Azazel does, and John’s memory is wiped of the whole episode. In Supernatural, John is also shown to be unaware of his family’s history with the Men of Letters. It may be that John’s memory was wiped multiple times in his earlier history.

The project is in early days yet, and the commitment from the CW so far means that they have agreed to pay for one (or more) scripts. The next hurdle would be to produce a pilot episode and then develop a first season of the series. The process could take two years or more.

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