The Boys/Supernatural

Eric Kripke is gonna catch ’em all. “The Boys” showrunner has slowly but surely been casting the stars of the iconic CW series “Supernatural,” which Kripke created, on his R-rated Amazon Prime Video superhero drama. And he’s got one “very big one” he’s eyeing to bring on in Season 5, even if it’s for “a single episode” — Jared Padalecki, a.k.a. Sam Winchester.

“He’s been busy the last few years, so schedules haven’t worked out,” Kripke told Variety in an interview Thursday, referring to Padalecki’s starring role on the CW’s “Walker,” which was canceled earlier this week after four seasons. Padalecki starred alongside Jensen Ackles on the CW’s “Supernatural” for 15 seasons, from its debut on what was then the WB in 2005 through its series finale in 2020.

But now, unfortunately, [‘Walker’] got canceled — but the good thing is he’s free,” Kripke said. “And I feel like I have to complete my game of ‘Supernatural’ Pokémon and I have my one big one — very big one — left to catch.”

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So far, there has been a coterie of “Supernatural” grads who have appeared in guest-starring or recurring roles on “The Boys,” which has been picked up for Season 5 — even before its fourth season premieres on June 13. Jensen Ackles (who played Sam’s brother Dean Winchester on “Supernatural”) appeared as Soldier Boy, and Jim Beaver as Robert Singer (who was Bobby Singer on “Supernatural”). And in Season 4, Jeffrey Dean Morgan (John Winchester, Sam and Dean’s father) joins the cast in a mystery role, and Rob Benedict (the prophet Chuck) will play supe Splinter.

Kripke was speaking with Variety ahead of “The Boys” Season 4 premiere, in an interview alongside “The Boys” actors Colby Minifie (Ashley Barrett) and series newcomers Susan Heyward (Sister Sage) and Valorie Curry (Firecracker) — who were all very on board with the Padalecki casting conversation.

“As a childhood fan of ‘Gilmore Girls,’ I would also vote for that,” Minifie said, referencing Padalecki’s role as Rory (Alexis Bledel’s) first boyfriend Dean on another iconic CW show. “That would be great.”

Curry added: “Same! Same! Second that.”

“OK, all right, the crowd has spoken!” Kripke declared, which hopefully seals the deal for Padalecki.