Supernatural: 10 Hidden Details About The Main Characters Everyone Missed

Supernatural is perhaps one of the most-followed fan bases ever to grace the entertainment platform. Fans make it their personal mission to keep up with anything and everything concerning the show, from the plotlines to the personal lives of the actors. There are plenty of Supernatural trivia nights all over the place from bars to the comforts of fans’ homes ⁠— who doesn’t love a good night reliving Sam and Dean’s greatest hits? Much to fans’ sadness, the show’s much-anticipated fifteenth and final season begins on October 10, 2019. Whether you’ve been a loyal fan since the beginning or are a newcomer to the party, here are 10 hidden details about the main characters that everyone missed.

10 The Original Last Name

The boys weren’t always going to be Winchesters. According to series creator Eric Kripke, their original last name was meant to be Harrison, as a nod to Han Solo actor, Harrison Ford. Yet, it wasn’t meant to be, as there was already a Dean Harrison living in Kansas at the time. So, Kripke’s lawyers made him change the name. On a whim, thinking of the gun and the mysterious house, Kripke suggested the name “Winchester.” Sometimes things align just right for a show, and this is a perfect example.

9 What’s In A Name?

Castiel, played by Misha Collins, is an integral part of the show. Audiences everywhere love him. The Winchesters at first had an icy relationship with the angel, but over time, it evolves into something more of a brotherly bond. The funny thing about this character is the origin of his name: a Google search. Eric Kripke mentioned in a Twitter post that since the show was airing on Thursdays and he needed a new character name, he googled “Angel of Thursday” for luck,” and the name Castiel popped up. Sometimes Google really does know the answer.

8 Danneel And Genevieve

Genevieve Padalecki, formerly Cortese, met her future husband Jared on the set of Season 4. Later, Jensen Ackles’ wife Danneel joined the Supernatural cast as Sister Jo in Season 13. Ironically, Genevieve Padalecki played a demon and Danneel Ackles an angel possessing a human vessel. In any case, the boys have each had their wives on the show, making for interesting workdays.

7 Age Differences

We all know Dean’s birthday: January 24, 1979. We also know Sam’s (Jared Padalecki): May 2, 1983. Ironically, the actors who play them are a year older than their characters. Ackles was born in 1978, while Padalecki was born in 1982. This just seems to add to the fact that Ackles and Padalecki were meant for the parts of Dean and Sam; not only are they close in age, but they have a marvelous chemistry as brothers ⁠— the two are best friends in real life and they both hail from The Lone Star State. It’s no wonder why it’s so easy to believe they’re brothers.

6 Surrounded By Deans

Ackles and Padalecki, as well as their on-screen father John Winchester (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), share a name in common: Dean. For Morgan, Dean is his middle name in real life. Obviously, Ackles’ first name on Supernatural is Dean. Meanwhile, Padalecki’s character that he played on Gilmore Girls was named Dean. Funnily enough, Ackles and Padalecki have joked at conventions as to who makes the best “Dean.” That has yet to be determined, but when it comes down to it, it won’t be an easy decision.

5 Bobby’s Appearances

Everyone knows and loves Bobby (Jim Beaver). He’s the curmudgeonly hunter that always looked out for Sam and Dean over the course of many years before eventually dying while battling Leviathans. We were just as heartbroken as the Winchesters by Bobby’s loss, but thankfully the series brought Bobby back on-and-off throughout the years following the Season 7 tragedy. We can’t imagine the show without Bobby, simple as that. Yet, Bobby was only ever supposed to make a one-time appearance. Obviously, people loved his character so much that the show conducted a reevaluation to include him more, and we’re glad they did.

4 Bobby’s Name

Speaking of Bobby, his name derives from that of the show’s executive producer Robert Singer. You may have noticed Singer’s name in the opening credits. It’s kind of cool and thoughtful to include the names of those behind-the-scenes into the show. Besides, it seems to suit the character incredibly well: can you imagine Bobby being named anything other than Bobby? At one time, Bobby’s name was meant to be Bobby Manners, after another important behind-the-scenes figured named Kim Manners, who directed several episodes before sadly passing away. Upon discovering there was already a Bobby Manners in South Dakota, the show stuck with Bobby Singer.

3 How Baby Was Nearly A Mustang

Creator Eric Kripke’s original choice for the show’s car was a 1965 Mustang. Now, this is a classic car, and it would’ve been cool; it just wouldn’t have suited the Winchesters so well. We have a neighbor of Kripke’s to thank for the change in car. Upon their suggestion that a 1967 Chevrolet Impala would be able to fit bodies in the trunk, as well as make people want to “lock their doors” if they ever stopped next to it at the lights, the car was re-cast, so to speak. Hence, now we have Baby, a character as important as the Winchesters themselves.

2 Misha Collins Read For The Part Of A Demon

Before Misha Collins was the beloved angel Castiel, he auditioned for the role of a demon . At the time, the introduction of angels to the show was kept secret so as to not spoil the surprise. Not only this, but upon being cast, Collins was only meant to make a few appearances over the course of Season 4. Luckily, fan response to the character of Castiel was so significant and positive that he was kept on, even to the point of bringing him back each time he was killed. We’re glad for that.

1 Jensen Auditioned For Sam

Yes, that’s right. Ackles originally read for the part of Sam. Luckily, Padalecki’s audition changed the casting and Ackles was offered the part of Dean instead. Can you imagine Jensen playing the brainy, sensitive Sam over brawny, aggressive Dean? We don’t think he could’ve pulled it off, and we’re not so sure Padalecki could have pulled off the pop culture aficionado, “shoot first and ask questions” later personality of Dean’s.

Just when you think you know everything there is to know, Supernatural has a few more surprises up its sleeves. That’s what makes the show so enticing: it does a great job of extending the mystery in such a way that we become hooked. Season 15 no doubt has more of these surprises, and we can’t wait to uncover them.

About The Author

Kacie Lillejord
(374 Articles Published)

A Seattle native, Kacie has loved entertainment in the forms of books, films, television and music since day one. Inspired by a filmmaker relative, Kacie has been pursuing a career in the film and television industry in Los Angeles ever since. A graduate of The University of Arizona, Kacie has written for her college newspaper The Daily Wildcat, Harness Magazine, 25YL, and now has added Screen Rant to her resume. She loves writing and all things pop culture.

More From Kacie Lillejord