“I keep wondering what I’ll do…. when @cw_supernatural finally ends this year,” Ackles announced on Instagram. “Then it hit me.” At which point in the video he’s tossed a copy of The Boys by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, while Elvis Presley’s version of the song “Soldier Boy” plays in the background.
Ackles will play Soldier Boy, the original superhero in The Boys’ universe. When Soldier Boy came home from World War II in the comic books, he came back more than a hero; he was the first “super celebrity” and maintained a recognizable figure in American culture for decades.
I keep wondering what I’ll do….when @cw_supernatural finally ends this year. Then it hit me. *volume ⬆️
A post shared by Jensen Ackles (@jensenackles) on Aug 17, 2020 at 9:04am PDT
“When I was a child, I had a crazy, impossible dream — to provide Jensen Ackles with gainful employment,” The Boys showrunner Eric Kripke said in a statement. “I’m happy to say that dream has come true. Jensen is an amazing actor, an even better person, smells like warm chocolate chip cookies, and I consider him a brother. As Soldier Boy, the very first Superhero, he’ll bring so much humor, pathos and danger to the role. I can’t wait to be on set with him again, and bring a bit of Supernatural to The Boys.”
Ackles will finish out his run as Dean Winchester on the CW‘s longest running drama. Before teaming up with Jared Padalecki, who co-starred as his brother for 15 seasons of Supernatural, Ackles had roles on Smallville, Dark Angel, and Dawson’s Creek. He also starred in the 3D remake of My Bloody Valentine (2009) alongside Jaime King.
Ackles is not the only Supernatural cast member to join The Boys. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is also in talks for a part in season 3. The series will also add Shawn Ashmore (X-Men) as Lamplighter, the original member of The Seven who mysteriously vanished from the squad.
The Boys is based on the best-selling comics by Ennis and Robertson, which focuses on a group of superhero vigilantes who make it their mission to take down corrupt superheroes. The series was developed by Kripke, who writes for the series as well as serving as showrunner and executive producer along with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.
The Boys will premiere the first three episodes of season 2 on Friday, Sept. 4. The five remaining episodes will be made available each Friday. The season finale will air on Oct. 9.
