Misha Collins and Jared Padalecki, both renowned for their roles in the cult television series *Supernatural*, made a memorable return alongside their co-star Jensen Ackles in a recent episode of *The Boys*. This special fifth season instalment, entitled “One-Shots”, premiered on April 29 and has caught the attention of fans from both series due to its cameo-heavy nature and distinct nods to their common television past.
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In “One-Shots”, Collins takes on the role of Malchemical, while Padalecki portrays Mister Marathon. The episode features a star-studded cast that includes Seth Rogen, Kumail Nanjiani, Will Forte, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Craig Robinson, all portraying exaggerated versions of themselves. Collins expressed the significance of his involvement in *The Boys*, revealing that his motivation stemmed from family connections and the desire to satisfy long-time fans. He humorously recounted a past interaction with showrunner Eric Kripke, stating, “I think my son’s going to disown me if you don’t put me in *The Boys* at some point before the show’s over.”
The reunion of *Supernatural’s* leading trio on screen for the first time since the show’s conclusion in 2020 adds an emotional depth to the episode. As filming had progressed, Collins was pleasantly surprised to learn that Padalecki would also be present, creating a poignant moment for fans of the beloved franchise. The production allowed for unexpected celebrity cameos, which Collins only discovered on the day of filming, resulting in an improvisational atmosphere that he found invigorating.
“The script basically put a pencil in,” Collins explained. “They didn’t know who they were going to be able to get for those celebrity roles.” He described the experiences of improvisation with seasoned comic actors as a delightful challenge and a surreal adventure. He remarked on the excitement of being surrounded by talent from *Saturday Night Live* and performers with extensive improvisation backgrounds, making the episode a memorable event.
While the opportunity for the actors to work together again was a highlight for many, the darkly comedic twist of the episode means viewers will witness a shocking bloodbath. In a notable scene, Soldier Boy, played by Ackles, murders both Mister Marathon and Malchemical in true *The Boys* style. This grim turn of events is emblematic of the series’ humorous yet brutal nature, leaving viewers reeling and amused simultaneously.
Collins cheekily noted that fans might find the violent conclusion disturbing, suggesting that there may be a backlash. “I think they’re going to be horrified to see… Yeah, who knows? There might be huge backlash,” he joked. The dynamics of *The Boys* resulted in Collins experiencing “death envy,” admitting he wished for a more dramatic demise than the way Ackles’ character dispatched him. “To suddenly feel that expertly lifted and then dead felt like a bit of a wussy demise,” he lamented.
The camaraderie amongst the three actors remains intact post-*Supernatural*, with frequent communications at conventions and through text messages. Collins explained that their reunion didn’t feel like a long-lost gathering. However, stepping into *The Boys* marked a shift, with them becoming “guests in someone else’s house” rather than the leads of the show, igniting an interesting dynamic that he appreciated.
Despite the change in roles, *Supernatural*’s legacy is embedded within *The Boys*, largely thanks to shared showrunner Eric Kripke. The episode “One-Shots” paid homage to its predecessor, featuring elements such as posters and visual gags reminiscent of *Supernatural*, which are bound to please dedicated fans. One notable Easter egg includes a poster within Mister Marathon’s residence that identifies him as a “Supernatural Speedster.”
Additionally, Collins pointed out an homage to the “French Mistake,” a particularly memorable episode of *Supernatural*, calling attention to a giant portrait of Padalecki adorning the wall. The layers of nostalgia embedded throughout the episode serve to celebrate the connections between the two series, ensuring that avid followers notice and appreciate these clever references.
As the fifth season of *The Boys* unfolds, with new episodes launching on Wednesdays via Prime Video, it continues to captivate audiences. The enthusiastic response stemming from Collins and Padalecki’s involvement speaks to the enduring impact of *Supernatural* and its beloved characters, leaving fans hopeful for further unexpected reunions.