Directing episodes of Supernatural is nothing new for series star Jensen Ackles, who has been helming an hour of the series each season (except for Season 9) since 2010’s “Weekend at Bobby’s,” the Season 6 installment that served as Ackles’ impressive directing debut. And yet, even though the actor may have gotten used to sitting in the director’s chair, that doesn’t mean that every episode of the show that he has crafted has felt the same, and that certainly won’t be the case again Supernatural Season 11, as he told us during our roundtable interview with him at San Diego Comic-Con.
This year’s directorial effort from Ackles (which will be the season’s third episode but the first one that the Supernatural production team began filming about a week and a half ago) will most certainly be different than any other episode he’s done. However, it’s not because of some major twist or huge scene; instead, it’s due to the hour’s place in the story and how it move the characters’ journeys forward in Season 11.
For more information on the Season 11 episode that Ackles is directing, along with details on what he thinks about the opinions of the fans (or the “Supernatural Family,” as he and costar Jared Padalecki affectionately refer to viewers as) and the funny and interesting way he became a Game of Thrones fan, check out the video below. Also, if you want to know what Ackles is telling us “you’re welcome” about in the beginning of the video, be sure to watch our interview with Jared Padalecki, if you haven’t already. That video will most certainly give you an answer.
Supernatural Season 11 premieres on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 9 p.m. on The CW.
[Photo via YouTube]
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Jensen Ackles is such a wonderful and amazing person. He is always there for the fans and his friends, like Misha, Jared and Rob Benedict.
I hope there’s a good storyline for Dean, but it’s hard to think there is, since Jensen didn’t really have anything to talk about in the way of what’s coming up for Dean.
Thanks for commenting! I got a chance to talk with Jensen after the interview for a couple minutes, and I couldn’t agree more. He’s a real, genuine, and just plain awesome guy and was nice enough to take a photo with me, too, and since I’ve just been a fan of Supernatural long before I became a critic/reporter, that was really special.
Also, with regard to Dean’s storyline for Season 11, while Jensen himself didn’t get the opportunity to talk about it, the producers (the interviews with them will be published tomorrow) did preview that this season will be a lot more of the brothers fighting together, which will be refreshing. It sounds like (at least for the first half of the season) they’re going away from Sam or Dean or in danger/keeping secrets and going back to a Season 1/Season 2 feel. I’m definitely excited to see what they come up with and am optimistic that both Dean and Sam will have strong stories this season.
I hope so too, Chris. It’s hard for me not to feel discouraged, though, after hearing Jared, Jeremy, and Andrew rave about Sam’s visions of a higher power, his encounters with dead relatives, his search for faith, his childhood imaginary friend, etc. while no one- even Jensen – had one thing to say about Dean. And in past years, if there haven’t been any Dean spoilers coming out of Comic Con, that’s essentially translated to “no Dean story” for that season. Maybe this year will be different, I don’t know.
Thanks for the great Jensen interview, though. Love hearing his thoughts and looking forward to seeing the episode he directed. I’m sure it’ll be awesome like all his previous directing endeavors!
Yeah, Chris, my dentist of eight years–the one I spent $41,000 with for veneers–was “real” and “genuine” with me too, up until I found out he was a staunch Evangelical who was against gay marriage, immigration and women’s rights, all of which are things I hold particularly dear. My point is, when the money is rolling in, whether it’s from veneers or viewers, EVERYBODY is “nice.” Sorry, I don’t mean to rain on your article or your opinion, but I’ve heard way, way, way too many things about Jensen’s political persuasions to be a fan any longer. Misha Collins, now, that’s is a different story.
Dear God, I hope he’s a better director than actor. If not I fear we’re in for an episode of everyone, females included, speaking in an affected deep, completely fake sounding voice. Let’s just say that as an actor Jensen’s range is, cough, somewhat limited.
I watch the show, but i I’m not maniacal about it, even so I think of myself as a fan. But your comment made me laugh so damn hard!!! Jensen, poor thing, isn’t Sean Penn but he tries.
You are aware that he’s directed before now, yes? I also think it might be difficult to comment on his range, when he’s only played one character for 11 seasons. Just a thought.
No, Jensen isn’t the best actor on the planet, I know; but it’s a fun, mindless show to kill an hour. And yes, his voice for Dean is a little over the top. I think the best actors on the show are the guy who plays Crowley and the guy who plays Castiel.
Thanks for this interview. I think Jensen is a wonderful actor and he’s shown it over the past 10 years. If he weren’t on a genre show on The CW, I think he would have an Emmy or Emmy nomination by now, e.g. he was brilliant in The End. Even with the show being in it’s 10th season last season, you can see he’s still passionate about it and gives 110% and gives wonderful performances, like The Executioner’s Song. That fight scene with Cain was fantastic!
So, I find it disheartening that we’re hearing about specific individual arcs for Sam, Castiel and Crowley, but nothing for Dean. All we hear about regarding Dean, even from Jensen, is about the brothers. What about an individual storyline for Dean? The Darkness is associated with the Mark of Cain, and Dean killed Death. Those have to have ramifications for Dean. But, we’re getting nothing from Carver, Dabb or Jensen about anything for Dean.
Thank you so much for this!! I love Jensen, he’s an amazing actor! He brings Dean to life so vividly. And I’ve really enjoyed his directing as well. Hr has a real talent for both roles!!
I agree with liz and the other poster tho: I’m disappointed that we didn’t hear about any role or story for Dean. We heard a lot of stories for Sam, stories for Crowley and Cas. But nothing for Dean. Especially after so much was set up for him last season. Sigh.
Regardless, thank you so much for the interview! And loved reading your comments about him! Great to hear he’s lovely in person too.