SDCC 2018 Supernatural: What we learned from the panel

Supernatural took to the SDCC 2018 stage in the legendary Hall H. Opening with a sizzle reel of Season 13 and sneak peek of the first season of Supernatural 14, the cast and EPs took to the stage to tease the upcoming season.

Supernatural at SDCC 2018 was a highlight for many of you. With the wristband system, it sounded like it was much better getting into the panel and there were fewer worries about whether people would get in. And what a panel it was. While it was always going to be hard to meet the highlight of the previous year’s panel, it tried by opening with a sizzle reel of Supernatural Season 13 and an exclusive sneak peek of the Supernatural Season 14 premiere.

Richard Speight Jr. and Rob Benedict once again took to the stage to moderate the panel. It consisted of (in order of seating) Robert Singer, Andrew Dabb, Misha Collins, Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Alexander Calvert, Eugenie Ross-Leming, and Brad Buckner. There were a few comments about the odd seating plan, but the way I see it, J2 are taking center stage, with their co-stars either side and flanked by the EPs.

I will say now that there are a few spoilers from the Supernatural SDCC 2018 panel. Here’s a look at what we learned about the upcoming season.

The sneak peek of Supernatural Season 14

Up first was the sizzle reel of Supernatural Season 13 and then a sneak peek of the first scene. It was a long first scene, bringing the opening moments–and the first real look at Michael!Dean. There is certainly a difference in the way Jensen Ackles speaks as Michael, which will help remind us that this is a very different character.

After that, Speight Jr. and Benedict took to the stage, where they tried to make up for a lack of Kansas. While funny, Supernatural has a lot to live up to after last year’s panel!

The first question was for Jensen Ackles about playing Michael. While challenging, it’s also fun to do. And yes, he’s had some involvement in the crafting of the character, especially with the connection to Peaky Blinders. Jensen has paid attention to how Christian Keyes played the character and asked Christian for some tips on playing Michael to help with that continuity.

How is Sam dealing with no Dean?

Jared Padalecki shared what’s going on with Sam for the season. There may be a bit of a beard, as it turns out Sam hasn’t shaved for a while. I know there were a few who wanted that and it certainly sounds realistic.

More from Supernatural

• Jensen Ackles and The Winchesters cast kick off #SaveTheWinchesters campaign
• Will The Winchesters be saved? (Can Supernatural fans save the prequel?)
• Did The Winchesters get renewed? (Is The Winchesters season 2 happening?)
• Is a new episode of The Winchesters on tonight? (March 14, 2023)
• The Winchesters Season1 finale explained: Did it connect to Supernatural?

More importantly, Sam is taking more of a leadership role. There are also a bunch of hunters that he’s trying to lead, as they try to save Dean from Michael.

And Castiel is going to become a little more hunter in the series.

Will Jack have any powers?

Alexander Calvert let slip that (at least at the start of the season) Jack isn’t going to have any powers. He “used to be” the most powerful creature in the universe. Jack is definitely going through some struggles right now.

There are still plenty of jokes on set. Calvert really has become one of the family.

There will be more bonding between Castiel and Jack this season. It’s about time considering the hope from last season and very little time of seeing them together.

The showrunners and writers tease storylines

When it moved onto the EPs, we learned Michael!Dean has a plan for Supernatural Season 14. Michael doesn’t have the army of angels he had in the Apocalypse World, so he needs to change things up slightly from how he acted in that world. It’s going to be an intriguing setup for the season.

Will Wayward Sisters be included in the season?

There will be a few familiar faces in the upcoming season. Jody and a few others from Wayward Sisters make an appearance now and then. Ruth Connell’s Rowena is also likely to show up again. We did leave Rowena alive and on a road trip with Apocalypse Charlie last season, so this isn’t too surprising but definitely welcome news.

Jared Padalecki did ask if Ruby would show up again since his wife Genevieve was in the audience. Of course, that led to a huge round of applause, but it doesn’t look like the demon will return. The EPs didn’t say no, though!

There’s a plan for the 300th episode

Robert Singer refused to say anything about Episode 300, except that he is directing. He actually said that Andrew Dabb has a plan for the milestone episode and hasn’t shared those plans with anyone yet.

Jared shared that Jensen apparently wants everyone to wear togas in The 300 for the episode. This does sound like it could have been Jensen’s request since he likes to ask for specific costumes, especially when time traveling. Remember the gym coach? That was Jensens’ request.

The message of the show hasn’t changed over the years. There are still messages of loyalty and betrayal. Characters have just gradually mutated and the writers are pushing themselves to find ways to explore the brothers. However, part of the reason the show has survived is the sense of family both on screen and off screen.

That’s all from the Supernatural SDCC 2018 panel (it ended with the gag reel for Supernatural Season 13). Here at SPN Hunters, we’ll break down some of the information and share a few theories and spoilers for Supernatural Season 14, so don’t forget to check back in (we’ll be clear when it comes to spoilers so you’re not spoiled if you don’t want to be). This is definitely going to be an exciting season.

Next: 14 major questions about Supernatural Season 14

What did you take away from the Supernatural SDCC 2018 panel? What are you looking forward to seeing? What was the highlight of the panel for you? Share in the comments below.

Supernatural Season 14 premieres on Oct. 11 at 8/7c on The CW.