Jensen Ackles has been busier than ever since his long-running WB/CW drama Supernatural ended its epic 15-season run in 2020. The actor has a recurring role as Soldier Boy on Prime Video’s hit The Boys. He also has the lead in the new Prime Video action thriller Countdown as an LAPD cop joining a task force trying to stop a terrorist attack on Los Angeles.
Ackles also has a recurring role on CBS’ hit show Tracker as Russell Shaw, the brother of Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley). The backstory is that the two grew up with their father, a professor who suddenly went off the grid and started teaching the boys survival skills.
When their father was found dead at the bottom of a cliff and Russell ran off, Colter spent years convinced his brother had killed their dad. The pair finally reunited in Tracker’s first season, where Russell denied killing their dad. He also revealed he was doing his own solo freelance work, hinting he had some secret jobs going on.
Ackles returned in season 2 to give more hints to Colter on their dad’s shady dealings and that their mom might know more about it than she let on. That’s been the last of him so far, so can he return as Russell soon?
In a long interview with Collider, Ackles was asked about Tracker season 3 and gave an update that he is hoping to return as Russell, but nothing is confirmed yet.
“We are discussing that as we speak. That is being talked about, so yeah, I would hope so. Justin [Hartley] is a dear friend of mine and getting to play with him is always a fun thing. So, yeah, there are talks of bringing me back. To what capacity, I’m not sure yet.”
It’s no surprise Ackles can’t commit to Tracker season 3 yet. While Countdown is still ongoing, and thus, there is no word on a second season, the producers are obviously hopeful for a renewal. Ackles is also committed to appearances on The Boys and its planned prequel spinoff, Vought International. On top of all that, he’s even hinted at the possibility of a Supernatural revival.
With all that, it’s no wonder Ackles can’t fully commit to another Tracker appearance. It also means the hopes of fans of a spinoff focusing on Russell may be for naught as Ackles simply doesn’t have room for it on his schedule. Clearly, the writers would love to have Russell back to continue his storyline, but it comes down to working around Ackles' schedule.
Hopefully, we can get a Russell appearance, but it’s likely a one-off episode, not longer with Ackles too busy on Countdown to make Tracker a priority. Still, the actor seems game enough for it so here's hoping he tracks down another appearance soon.
Countdown streaming on Prime Video. Tracker season 3 premieres Sundays this fall on CBS.
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