Ackles reprises his role in Tracker season 3, continuing to explore the complicated sibling dynamic. But because of Russell’s narrative potential, not to mention Ackles’ familiarity as a performer, there have occasionally been murmurs about whether the veteran television star could possibly headline his own spinoff.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Reid reveals that there are hints of a spinoff in the two-part season 3 premiere. He also talks about the chemistry between Ackles and Hartley, reflecting on their differences as performers and how they play off one another:
“I just threw [spinoff hints] in there hoping fans do some work. We just threw in a bunch of teases in these two upcoming episodes. [Jensen and Justin Hartley] [are] so much fun together and they complement each other in a weird way.”
“Jensen does not do what Justin does and Justin doesn’t do what Jensen does. They’re so interesting together to watch and then they play off each other in such an interesting way.”
The showrunner and executive producer emphasized that Ackles is attached to Vought Rising, the prequel spinoff of The Boys, but noted that he has spoken with the actor about a potentialRussell Shaw series. In the quote below, Reid shares that “hopefully the audience will respond to it and hopefully the network will pay attention to it.”
“I will always take Jensen whenever he’s available. I text him all the time and ask him about that. Right now, he’s gainfully employed on The Boys spinoff. But you never know. I put it in those scripts and I dangle it out there. Hopefully the audience will respond to it and hopefully the network will pay attention to it. But Jensen is someone who I’ve loved writing for for a long time.”
Reid previously worked with Ackles as the showrunner and executive producer on the ABC drama Big Sky, with the actor having a prominent role in season 3. Ackles has generally kept busy since Supernatural ended in November 2020. Along with his crucial role in The Boys franchise, he recently starred in the Prime Video crime thriller Countdown, which was cancelled after one season. He also narrated the Supernatural prequel, The Winchesters, and appeared on-screen.
Ackles’ packed schedule may make it more difficult for him to get his own CBS spinoff or appear more frequently as part of the Tracker cast. But if an opening ever came up, there are a lot of possibilities. The season 3 premiere provides an update on Russell’s work status. However, his stints working as private security could likely fill up seasons of their own, as well as get into the complicated history between the brothers.
