Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki Return to Supernatural Through Comic Variant Covers in 2026

Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki have returned to the Supernatural universe in a unique format, reprising their iconic roles as Dean and Sam Winchester through photo variant covers for Dynamite Entertainment’s ongoing comic series. Announced in March 2026, the return marks a creative way for fans to engage with the actors’ likenesses without a live-action revival.

The comic series, which launched in 2026, is set between Seasons 1 and 2 of the original CW television present and follows a monster-of-the-week format reminiscent of the series’ early seasons. Each issue features multiple variant covers, and in several instances, Dynamite has used photo variants showcasing Ackles and Padalecki in character as the Winchester brothers.

As of March 2026, Dynamite had released five issues of the Supernatural comic series, with previews available for issues #6 and #7. Each of these issues includes a photo variant cover featuring Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester and Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester, allowing the actors to “return” to the franchise through licensed imagery rather than latest on-screen performances.

This approach echoes a growing trend in comic adaptations of live-action properties, where photo variant covers serve as collectible alternatives to traditional artwork. For fans of the long-running series—which aired 15 seasons from 2005 to 2020—these covers offer a nostalgic connection to the characters portrayed by Ackles and Padalecki over more than a decade.

While Ackles has previously expressed openness to revisiting the Supernatural universe, noting in a June 2025 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that “I don’t know that we ever hang it up,” the 2026 comic variant covers represent the most recent official involvement of the actors in the franchise.

Their continued engagement with the Supernatural fandom extends beyond comics. Both actors have remained active in fan conventions and have participated in related projects, including Ackles’ role as producer and lead in The Winchesters, a prequel series that aired from 2022 to 2023 and explored the origins of John and Mary Winchester.

As of April 2026, there are no announced plans for a live-action revival of Supernatural. However, the ongoing comic series and its photo variant covers provide a sustained avenue for Ackles and Padalecki to remain associated with the franchise that defined much of their careers.

Key Takeaways

• Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki returned to the Supernatural franchise in March 2026 through photo variant covers for Dynamite Entertainment’s comic series.
• The comic series is set between Seasons 1 and 2 of the original CW show and uses a monster-of-the-week format.
• Each released issue (through #5, with previews for #6 and #7) features a photo variant cover depicting Ackles as Dean and Padalecki as Sam.
• This marks the actors’ most recent official involvement with the franchise since the television series concluded in 2020.
• No live-action revival has been announced as of April 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki returning to Supernatural in a new TV show?

No. As of April 2026, there is no announced live-action revival or new television series featuring Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki reprising their roles as Dean and Sam Winchester.

How are Ackles and Padalecki involved in the 2026 Supernatural comic series?

They are featured in photo variant covers for multiple issues of the Dynamite Entertainment comic series, which launched in 2026. These covers utilize licensed photographs of the actors in character rather than original artwork.

What is the setting of the new Supernatural comic series?

The comic series is set between Seasons 1 and 2 of the original CW television show and follows a monster-of-the-week format, aiming to capture the tone of the series’ early seasons.

Have Ackles and Padalecki worked together on any Supernatural-related projects since the show ended?

Yes. Jensen Ackles served as producer and lead actor in The Winchesters, a prequel series that aired from 2022 to 2023 and focused on the parents of Sam and Dean Winchester. Jared Padalecki has not appeared in that series but has remained active in Supernatural fan conventions and related events.

Where can fans discover the photo variant covers featuring Ackles and Padalecki?

The photo variant covers are available through comic book retailers and distributors carrying Dynamite Entertainment’s Supernatural series. Specific issues featuring the variants include #1 through #5, with previews for #6 and #7 also released as of March 2026.