Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki played brothers Dean and Sam Winchester in the hit fantasy drama series Supernatural. The series lasted for fifteen seasons, making the duo household names as they became synonymous with their now iconic characters. However, despite sharing the same lead billing, there was reportedly a pay gap between the two actors.
According to some sources, Ackles was reportedly paid a larger sum than his co-star. However, when looking at the duo’s lengthy tenure on the series, it is easy to deduce why Ackles’ salary might’ve been higher and why it wasn’t the elder Winchester’s fault. Here is everything you need to know about Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki’s salaries on Supernatural.
Jensen Ackles Reportedly Got Paid More Than Jared Padalecki On Supernatural
Jensen Ackles played the role of Dean Winchester starting with the first season of Supernatural in 2005. The series also starred Jared Padalecki as Dean’s younger brother, Sam Winchester, with the duo continuing in their respective roles for fifteen seasons.
According to a report from Variety, Ackles made a sum of roughly $175,000 per episode of the show. The report was published in 2016 when the series was in its twelfth season. As a result, there is a possibility that those figures would’ve risen before the show concluded in 2020.
On the other hand, Padalecki was reportedly paid close to $125,000 per episode for his involvement in the series. However, Padalecki’s reported salary is allegedly from 2012. As a result, the pay gap between the onscreen brothers must be taken with a grain of salt.
Irrespective of the reports’ accuracy, it is likely that if the two lead actors were paid different salaries, Ackles getting the higher paycheck is justified because of his behind-the-scenes involvement. He also directed six episodes of the series, which might explain why Ackles was paid more. However, it is possible that both actors were likely paid equally by the final season.
Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki Were Embroiled in Off-Screen Supernatural Drama
Despite sharing a close bond on and off the screen for over a decade, Ackles and Padalecki had a brief fallout but not over the reported disparity in their salaries. Instead, the two actors found themselves in a misunderstanding after a prequel series titled The Winchesters was announced with Ackles attached to it as producer.
Padalecki stated in the media that he was completely in the dark about the proposed project when it was announced. As a result, he was understandably upset with his onscreen brother. However, as quarrels between the Winchester brothers usually go, the misunderstanding did not last long.
I hadn’t heard of it, and then he and I chatted [the next morning]. He just kind of explained, ‘Man, it’s not picked up yet. It’s not even written yet.‘
Padalecki made the above statement (via Entertainment Tonight), explaining that he was gutted about not being involved with the prequel because of his love for Supernatural.
The actor added that he and Ackles quickly sorted things out and there was no bad blood between them. The prequel series was eventually picked up for a full season. Ackles had a recurring role and acted as an executive producer. However, the series was canceled after one season. Ackles also directed an episode of Padalecki’s series Walker.
Source: fandomwire.com