In a perhaps not so surprising twist for fans of both Supernatural and The Boys, Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins are set to guest star in the fifth season of the Prime Video series.
Their inclusion promises an epic reunion with Supernatural co-star Jensen Ackles, who has been a standout as the volatile Soldier Boy since joining The Boys in Season 3. (Although remaining on ice over the last season, hints that we hadn’t seen the last of Soldier Boy were abundant throughout Season 4.)
The casting news, delivered via a playful video featuring all three actors, sent waves of excitement through fandoms old and new, hinting at a crossover event that bridges two of television’s most beloved universes.
Accompanied by a caption that read, “Season 5 just got a bit more supernatural” The Boys X account debuted a video with Ackles strolling the Toronto set where filming is currently underway. He calls out to Padalecki: “Hey, Jared. We got work to do… again.” Padalecki, standing near the iconic 1967 Chevrolet Impala from Supernatural, responds “Okay, I’ll tell Misha,” before the camera cuts to Collins, who eagerly joins the call, but seconds later playfully wonders what exactly it is they are all doing.
While details about Padalecki and Collins’ roles remain tightly under wraps, it’s confirmed they’ll share scenes with Ackles’ Soldier Boy, a character whose brash, morally dubious persona has already left an indelible mark on the series.
Showrunner Eric Kripke, the mastermind behind both Supernatural and The Boys, has long expressed his desire to bring his former stars into this gritty superhero satire. Having already welcomed Supernatural alumni like Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Joe Kessler), Jim Beaver (Robert Singer), and Rob Benedict (Splinter) into the fold, Kripke seems to be completing what he once jokingly called his “Supernatural Pokémon collection.”
Padalecki’s casting had been teased for months, with the actor himself affirming his enthusiasm in a Deadline interview last year, saying, “I’ll just say ‘Okay, when am I flying out?’” Collins’ addition, however, was a delightful surprise, amplifying the reunion’s scope.
For those unfamiliar, Supernatural ran for an impressive 15 seasons from 2005 to 2020, with Padalecki and Ackles starring as brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, hunters of the paranormal. Collins joined in Season 4 as Castiel, an angel whose loyalty to the Winchesters—and particularly Dean—became a cornerstone of the series, appearing in over 150 episodes across 12 seasons. The show’s blend of horror, heart, and humor cultivated a fiercely dedicated fanbase, many of whom have followed Kripke’s career to The Boys. Now in its fifth season, The Boys offers a starkly different tone—a darkly comedic, often shocking takedown of superhero culture—but its penchant for bold storytelling makes it a fitting sandbox for these seasoned actors.
Speculation is already rampant about what Padalecki and Collins might bring to the table. Could they play twisted versions of their Supernatural characters, perhaps as supes with a nod to Sam and Castiel? Or might they take on entirely new personas, clashing or collaborating with Soldier Boy in ways that subvert expectations? Given The Boys’ track record of gleeful debauchery and social commentary, anything is possible—and likely to be outrageous. Kripke’s knack for weaving personal connections into his projects suggests this won’t just be stunt casting; it’ll be a love letter to fans who’ve stuck with him across decades.
Production for Season 5 is currently underway, with an expected release sometime in 2026, following the pattern of previous seasons. This timeline aligns with the broader The Boys universe, which includes the spinoff Gen V (renewed for Season 2) and the upcoming Vought Rising, a prequel featuring Ackles’ Soldier Boy alongside Aya Cash’s Stormfront.
For Padalecki, this marks a return to high-profile TV after his starring role in Walker concluded its four-season run on The CW, while Collins steps back into the spotlight following his stint on Gotham Knights and other projects like the audio thriller Consumed.
As The Boys prepares to close its curtains (the upcoming fifth season will be the show’s last), this Supernatural reunion feels like a victory lap for Kripke and his collaborators—a chance to blend the familial bonds of one show with the chaotic cynicism of another.
