Over the years, Supernatural stars Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki have built a bond that’s as strong off-screen as it was on. Fans see it at conventions, fan events, and interviews — and Ackles just gave another perfect example while filming GQ’s 10 Things Jensen Ackles Can’t Live Without.
In the video, Ackles lists his daily must-haves — from electronics and sunglasses to sentimental notes from his kids. But around the 8:15 mark, he pulled out a well-worn beanie and explained its origin.
“I did not buy it. There’s a friend of mine, some of you may know, Jared Padlecki. He has an affinity for winter headgear, beanies, toques… if you’re from Canada,” Ackles recalled.
He explained that before a flight, he mentioned wishing he had one to help him sleep. “I was headed to the airport, and I was like, ‘Man, I wish I had one of those, just so I could pull it down over my eyes and go to sleep, cuz I am dead tired.’ He reached into his bag and tossed me one of his beanies. I think I’ve had this for a year, and it stays in my bag. And anytime I’m on the plane, I can just throw it on, throw it over my eyes, and I’m out like a light.”
Ackles added with a grin, “I’ve washed this cuz, you know, otherwise I would smell like him, and that’s not necessary. Did I wash it? I washed it. [pause] I don’t know [laughing].”
Talking Supernatural Revival With Eric Kripke
During a Men’s Health interview in July to promote Prime Video’s Countdown, Ackles also shared thoughts on what a potential Supernatural revival could look like — and who should lead it.
“If I had my druthers, I’d want someone like Kripke [Eric Kripke, Supernatural and The Boys creator] or Andrew Dabb or Jeremy Carver [writers and executive producers on the show] at the helm — somebody who was truly in the trenches with us and understands the heart of the show and all the lore,” Ackles said. “I would feel comfortable if any one of those guys were to come back with an idea to crank up the Impala again. But everybody’s off doing their own thing. And everybody’s doing very well, thankfully. The stars will really have to align for that to happen.”
He revealed that he had once pitched the idea to Kripke — but the timing was off. “I mentioned it one time, but he was in the middle of putting out a fire on Gen V while also putting out a massive fire on The Boys. He was like, ‘You want me to think about another show?!'” Ackles said, though he admitted he might bring it up again after The Boys wraps.
What the Cast Wants in a Revival
In a TV Insider interview celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary, Ackles, Padalecki, and Misha Collins were asked what Supernatural revival format they’d prefer — a series, limited series, or a feature film.
The trio couldn’t resist joking. Collins suggested “a puppet show,” Padalecki went with “anime,” and Ackles proposed “Marionettes,” sparking laughter and a Team America: World Police reference.
On a more serious note, Padalecki admitted, “We’re all a lot older than we were 20 years ago. I don’t know if I have 22 episodes of Supernatural in me. I think a limited series would be great.”
When it came to tone, Ackles reflected on how streaming might have changed the show: “It would’ve been a little more R-rated. But part of me feels like, because of what we did for so long and what the tone is, I feel like changing that now might be doing it a disservice. I could see the benefit in keeping it like a broadcast show.”
Padalecki agreed, saying he liked “the rules that broadcast television put on us because we still played.” Ackles pointed out that they still pushed the envelope, with Padalecki adding, “We pushed the envelope so much within those boundaries. There’s an art to that.”
Collins revealed that he once asked Kripke what a reboot might look like. “He said he would want it to be as horrifying as possible,” Collins said. Padalecki wasn’t surprised — and Ackles joked, “He’s doing that. It’s called The Boys!”