World News
Meg Donnelly on ‘Supernatural’ Prequel and Jensen Ackles’ Key Advice
Oct
Guidance from a Veteran
Meg Donnelly, star of The Winchesters, a prequel to Supernatural, shared a piece of valuable advice she received from Supernatural alum Jensen Ackles during filming. Ackles, who spent 15 seasons working on the original series, told Donnelly to focus on her posture, especially when standing next to her co-star Drake Rodger. Having worked alongside Jared Padalecki, who stands at 6’4″, Ackles advised Donnelly never to sink into her hips, which would make her appear shorter. This seemingly simple advice was instrumental in her portrayal of Mary Campbell, mother to the Winchester brothers.
Staying True to the Role
Stepping into the role of Mary Campbell was no small feat for Donnelly, who was tasked with bringing to life the character that had previously been portrayed by Samantha Smith and Amy Gumenick. The character holds a pivotal place in Supernatural lore, and Donnelly expressed her desire to honor both previous portrayals while also making the character her own. She noted how nerve-wracking it was to live up to the expectations of Supernatural’s loyal fanbase, whose passion for the series has persisted long after the show ended.
The Legacy of ‘Supernatural’
Jensen Ackles not only offered on-set advice but also played a significant role in the creation and production of The Winchesters. Along with his wife, Danneel Ackles, Jensen co-founded Chaos Machine Productions, which was behind the development of the prequel series. Although The Winchesters was a short-lived project, running for only 13 episodes, Ackles’ involvement both on and off the screen, including his voice work as Dean Winchester, helped connect the new series to the original Supernatural universe.
An Unbreakable Fan Connection
Donnelly expressed deep appreciation for Supernatural fans, acknowledging their dedication and loyalty over the years. Given the long-lasting impact of Supernatural on pop culture, Donnelly shared that portraying Mary was both an honor and a challenge, as she sought to resonate with a fandom that had followed the Winchester family’s story for years. She emphasized the importance of staying true to the established mythology, hoping to offer something fresh while respecting the beloved lore of the original series.
A Lasting Collaboration
Although The Winchesters concluded after one season, Donnelly and Ackles have continued to collaborate beyond the supernatural universe. Both actors lent their voices to the animated film Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, where Donnelly portrayed Supergirl and Ackles voiced Batman. Their ongoing professional relationship speaks to the strong bond formed on set, with Ackles’ mentorship clearly influencing Donnelly’s growth as an actress, both in front of the camera and beyond.
From viraldes