Jensen Ackles Almost Landed Superman Role – But He's Glad He Didn't
Yes, the star of The Boys and Supernatural could have donned the famous red cape. Here's why Jensen Ackles doesn't regret missing out on the opportunity.
Jensen Ackles' Hollywood career could have turned out completely differently if he had landed the coveted role of Superman. However, the actor admits that everything worked out the way it was supposed to when he looks back.
Ackles began his career with small roles on shows like Days of Our Lives and Sweet Valley High. However, he had his real breakthrough when he entered the world of sci-fi and teen dramas.
Jensen Ackles Auditioned for the Role of Superman in 'Smallville'
Dark Angel and Dawson's Creek were important steps in his career, but Smallville changed everything.
Ackles initially auditioned for the role of Clark Kent, the young Superman whose story was the foundation of the series. However, instead of playing the main character, Ackles got the role of Jason Teague, a new character who appeared in the fourth season.
Jason Teague Was a Breakthrough Role for the Actor
In an interview with Collider, the actor admitted that he was never upset by unsuccessful auditions. Instead, he viewed each of them as a valuable experience:
“I never felt discouraged by the ones that I didn't get. [...] There was a multitude of people who told me that every audition, every meeting, every time you get into a room is a learning experience. So, even though you might not get the role, you learn from it.”
Although Ackles didn't become Clark Kent, his role on Smallville was pivotal. Jason Teague not only added intrigue to the plot, but also allowed Ackles to show off his range.
The show's creators later admitted that they were glad Ackles was available for the project, despite the original plans:
“They brought me in after [Smallville] Season 3 and said, ‘We've been trying to think of a way to incorporate you into the show, and we're just thankful you’re still available.’”
Jensen Ackles Has No Regrets About Not Being Cast as Clark Kent
Ackles emphasized that the relationships he built at auditions and on sets made many of his roles possible. Even when he was turned down for a role, directors and producers remembered him and offered him other projects:
“By then, they ended up going, ‘Hey, it's not this role, but we really like you for something else.’ So, I just kept driving.”
Jensen Ackles is best known today as Dean Winchester from the cult series Supernatural, which brought him worldwide fame. However, if he had gotten the role of Superman, his career might have taken a different path.
Perhaps Ackles's failure to land the Superman part allowed him to blossom into other roles and eventually become one of the most recognizable TV actors.
