Jensen Ackles has proposed a new ending scene that could set up a return for the fantasy drama series Supernatural following its 2020 finale.
Ackles, who starred as Dean Winchester throughout the show's 15-season run, suggested altering the final moments of the series so that the character Jack returns to send Dean and his brother Sam back to Earth.
Speaking at a recent event, the actor explained how a minor addition to the original series finale could re-open the storyline for future projects. He proposed that Jack could approach Sam and Dean in heaven and tell them that he has to send them back, right before the screen fades to black.
Ackles said he would have liked Jack to appear, walk up to Sam and Dean, and inform them that he needed to send them back into action. The actor noted that such a moment would leave a clear path for a future continuation of the story, adding that the team could still shoot new footage on the bridge setting to prepare for a potential revival.
Supernatural, created by Eric Kripke, originally aired from 2005 to 2020 on The WB and The CW networks. The dark fantasy series follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, as they travel across North America hunting demons, ghosts, monsters, and other supernatural beings.
How the Supernatural finale ended
The original ending of Supernatural proved controversial among viewers despite its emotional resolution. In the 2020 series finale, Dean Winchester dies during a routine hunt that normally would not have posed a fatal threat to him, a creative decision that sparked widespread criticism from the fanbase.
Following Dean's death, his younger brother Sam lived out a full life on Earth before eventually dying of old age. When Sam arrived in heaven, which had been recreated by Jack, he reunited with Dean on a wooden bridge in a poignant moment that brought the long-running franchise to a close.
Ackles pointed out that this emotional bridge scene could easily be re-filmed with new footage of Jack to justify bringing the Winchester brothers back into the living world. The show recently celebrated a milestone anniversary, which helped re-engage fans who have actively campaigned for the universe to return in some format.
Although Supernatural has been off the air for several years, multiple key cast members have repeatedly expressed their willingness to return for a future project set within the franchise.
Ackles busy schedule and future plans
Official updates regarding a sixteenth season or a prospective spin-off project remain non-existent for now. However, Ackles continues to publicly generate creative concepts that could justify a revival, signaling that he would be unlikely to turn down an opportunity to reprise his iconic role.
Any potential production would also have to work around Ackles' demanding schedule. The actor is currently involved in Vought Rising, an upcoming prequel spin-off of the Amazon Prime Video superhero series The Boys, where he plays Soldier Boy.
While fans wait to see whether television executives act on Ackles' proposal, all 15 seasons of Supernatural remain available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
