An exceptional horror series that could have been.
Eric Kripke, the creator of the iconic series Supernatural, took a bold risk when he decided to change the show’s main characters at the last minute. Had he stuck with the original script, the audience would have never been introduced to the legendary Winchester brothers.
The initial concept of the cult classic series was not about Dean and Sam and their eternal battle against evil. Kripke’s original vision involved two journalists investigating urban legends. The story was meant to be spine-chillingly terrifying, without any traces of humor or heartwarming moments.
According to the screenwriter, his main inspiration for the horror aspects of the show came from popular 2000s films like The Ring and The Grudge. However, the first creepy script featuring the investigative reporters was turned down by the television studio. Kripke quickly pivoted, stating that he would instead focus on two brothers and their family drama, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
The studio executives were thrilled with the new direction and moved forward with the production. As a result, the series went on to last for over 15 years and recently spawned a prequel called The Winchesters. Meanwhile, Kripke spent years on set and eventually went on to work on Amazon’s high-budget series, The Boys.
Imagine a Supernatural series without the beloved Winchester brothers and their unique sibling bond, which became the heart of the show. The original concept, while intriguing and undoubtedly chilling, would have likely been a vastly different experience for the audience. It’s fascinating to consider how the show’s trajectory might have changed had it been based on the initial idea. However, the last-minute shift in focus undoubtedly contributed to the series’ lasting success and its enduring place in the hearts of fans worldwide.