Advertisement

‘Supernatural’ Prequel About the Winchester Parents Headed to The CW

Supernatural,” the hit CW drama series starring Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, is getting a spinoff. The network has given a script commitment to “The Winchesters,” a prequel that will focus on Sam and Dean Winchester’s parents, John and Mary. The one-hour drama will be produced by Chaos Machine Productions, the production banner of Jensen and his wife Danneel Ackles, through their overall deal with Warner Bros. Television.

UPDATE: On Thursday night, Padalecki voiced his surprise at Ackles’ spinoff, tweeting that he’s had “no involvement whatsoever” and that he was “gutted” to learn about the show via Twitter.

More from Variety

Per the logline, the new show will be told from the perspective of the narrator, Dean Winchester — and Ackles will be reprising his role. It’s described as the epic, untold love story of how the Winchester parents met and how they put it all on the line to not only save their love, but the entire world.

“The Winchesters” is executive produced and written by Robbie Thompson, who formerly co-executive produced the original source material. Executive producing alongside Thompson are the Ackles couple.

“Supernatural” wrapped its 15-season run last fall and was much beloved by its passionate fanbase. Ackles and Padalecki starred as brothers Dean and Sam Winchester who hunt demons, ghosts, monsters and all manner of dangerous beings. Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Samantha Smith appeared on the show as John and Mary Winchester, but John died in the Season 2 premiere and Mary was killed by a demon when Sam was a baby, spurring his decision to become a monster hunter.

Other “Supernatural” spinoffs have been attempted, but ultimately weren’t picked up. “Supernatural: Bloodlines” and “Wayward Sisters” were in development for the 2014 and 2018 seasons, but The CW did not pick them up.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.