‘The Winchesters’: Why Isn’t Jared Padalecki In The ‘Supernatural’ Prequel Series?

“Supernatural” fans rejoice! The Winchesters are back…sort of. Jensen Ackles is officially returning to reprise his role as Dean Winchester for the new prequel TV series “The Winchesters.” The show revolves around Sam and Dean’s parents, John and Mary Winchester as they hunt monsters in the 1970s. (Warning: ‘Supernatural’ series finale spoilers below)

While viewers are likely on the edge of their seats waiting to watch the new series, there are some questions about the show. One of the biggest questions is where is Sam. Dean’s sidekick and younger brother, played by actor Jared Padalecki, isn’t in the show. This may seem unusual to many “Supernatural” viewers, who know that Sam and Dean are basically a package deal (via ScreenRant).

Fans will see that Dean is the narrator of the new story as he searches for answers about his parents’ past. It’s currently unclear about the timeline of the spin-off, but it appears that Dean is narrating the show during a time when he’s still alive. “Supernatural” viewers watched Dean die in the series finale of the show, as Sam lived on to raise a family before reuniting with his beloved brother in Heaven.

When does ‘The Winchesters’ take place?

During many parts of the “Supernatural” story, Sam and Dean lived without each other. “The Winchesters” may take place during a time when Dean was without Sam, which would be a reasonable excuse for Sam’s absence from the show.

Currently, Padalecki is busy filming his new show “Walker.” However, if “The Winchesters” manages to get a second season, there is a possibility that the actor could reunite with Ackles in future episodes. Seeing Sam and Dean together again is basically all that “Supernatural” fans could ask for. However, watching Dean discover the story of his parents is a good consolation prize.

When “The Winchesters” was first announced, Ackles hit up social media to share the big news with fans. “Supernatural” enthusiasts were obviously surprised by the news, but Padalecki was equally shocked, per E! Online.

Padalecki revealed that he wasn’t told about the prequel, or asked to be part of the show. Once the series was announced, the actor took to Twitter to share his feelings.

 

Jared Padalecki wasn’t asked to be part of the ‘Supernatural’ prequel series

“Dude. Happy for you,” Padalecki tweeted to Ackles at the time. “Wish I heard about this some way other than Twitter. I’m excited to watch, but bummed that Sam Winchester had no involvement whatsoever,” he added. Later, a fan asked if the tweet was a joke and Padalecki replied, “No. It’s not. This is the first I’ve heard about it. I’m gutted.”

It seems that Ackles and Padalecki have smoothed things over since that time, and “Supernatural” fans are hoping for a future reunion between Sam and Dean.