When you think of Jensen Ackles, you likely picture him as Dean Winchester, the sarcastic, pie-loving demon hunter from , or perhaps the morally ambiguous Soldier Boy from . For 15 years, Ackles anchored one of television's most beloved series, endearing himself to a legion of fans. But like every actor in Hollywood, Jensen Ackles’ career path is peppered with missed opportunities, “what ifs,” and surprising detours. As it turns out, some of his near-misses are downright iconic.
Let's dive into the roles that got away, the ones he snagged after a twist of fate, and why Jensen's story might be one of Hollywood’s most interesting "almosts."
It’s hard to imagine without Ackles’ unforgettable portrayal of Dean Winchester, the older and tougher (but secretly soft-hearted) half of the demon-hunting duo.
But in an alternate universe, Ackles could have been playing Sam Winchester instead—yes, you read that right.
Back in 2004, when was gearing up for production, Jensen auditioned for Sam, the younger brother who reluctantly gets pulled into the family "business." During a podcast appearance in 2022, Jensen spilled the tea about that fateful audition. “I went in and read for Sam,” he shared. “And at the end, I was like, ‘Guys, I really appreciate it, but is there any way I could read the other guy for you?’”
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