After much anticipation, the first cast members and director for The Winchesters pilot have been announced! With both new faces and familiar ones, the Supernatural prequel is set to explore the origin story of John and Mary Winchester. The prequel is produced by Danneel and Jensen Ackles for Chaos Machine Productions and will be written and executive produced by Robbie Thompson.
Glen Winter is set to direct and executive produce the pilot episode. He is no stranger to genre television and is well known to fans of the Arrowverse and DC Comics, directing the DC’s Stargirl, Supergirl, Doom Patrol, and Legends of Tomorrow pilots along with being the director of photography for The Flash pilot. He was also a series cinematographer and director for Arrow, and has also helmed episodes of Titans and Batwoman.
But Winter is perhaps best known for his massive contributions to Smallville. He directed 12 episodes over the series’ run, but more importantly served as the director of photography for 92 of Smallville‘s 217 episodes.
Two new characters not referenced in the original canon series were introduced in today’s casting announcement, and both will mark big steps forward for diversity in the Supernatural franchise.
Latika Desai (Nida Khurshid): Described as intelligent and brave, Latika is in training as a hunter, holding her own and providing invaluable research assistance despite her fears. Khurshid is best known for her roles on Station 19, For The People, and Danger Force.
Carlos Cervantez (Jonathan “Jojo” Fleites): As a counter to Latika, Carlos is a natural hunter with an easy confidence in the heat of battle. Fleites is a theater actor making their television debut in this role. Aside from their talent at acting, Fleites is a gifted singer as well, with several musical theater covers posted on their YouTube page.
The Winchesters is currently in production in New Orleans, with no word yet on whether it will move to series at The CW. Keep following Nerds and Beyond for more information as we get it!
