SDCC 2024: Tracker Star and Writer Talk Jensen Ackles’ Role Heading Into Season 2

SDCC 2024: Tracker Star and Writer Talk Jensen Ackles' Role Heading Into Season 2

As a die-hard fan of both Supernatural and Tracker, I must say that the addition of Jensen Ackles to the latter show has been nothing short of electrifying. Having followed Ackles’ illustrious career for years, it was a thrilling moment to see him step into the role of Russell Shaw in Tracker.


Beyond being acclaimed as the top fresh series on television last season, the show Tracker generated a lot of buzz when it was disclosed that Jensen Ackles, known for his role in Supernatural, would be part of the cast, portraying a crucial character. Ackles made an appearance in one episode of Season 1 of Tracker, embodying Russell Shaw, the enigmatic older brother of Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw, who had been hinted at for some time.

In the upcoming Season 2 of Tracker, it’s uncertain exactly what we can anticipate from Russell, but the actor has confirmed his intention to rejoin the series. During San Diego Comic-Con, ComicBook participated in a joint interview with Hartley and Tracker’s executive producer Elwood Reid. When asked about Ackles’ role on the show, they didn’t reveal any Season 2 spoilers, but they did discuss how seamlessly Ackles fits into the show’s narrative goals, and how a strong chemistry between Hartley and Russell enabled them to develop something distinctive together.

Hartley praised Reid, saying, “You’ve done an excellent job developing a compelling dynamic between the brothers in your writing. The portrayal of their relationship is authentic, fraught with tension due to past events and shared hardships, yet underscored by the bond of brotherhood. From the start, they haven’t spoken or interacted at all, creating an intriguing silence that adds depth to their characters. Now, they’re working together, which makes for a fascinating twist. I find it captivating and the dynamic is quite cool because we see Colter in a new light – a lone wolf who does his own thing, suddenly forced to share space with someone else. There’s tension initially, but I believe there will be respect and affection by the end.”

Reid discussed the unique relationship between Hartley and Ackles, and how it impacted his future portrayal of the Russell Shaw character, as he had the chance to do so.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel it’s not just acting when Hartley and Ackles share the screen together; it’s electrifying! Writing for them always makes me jittery, wondering if their chemistry will spark. But when they perform, the dynamic speaks volumes, without a single word needed from me. These two actors are truly something special.

He chuckled as he said, “I thought to myself, ‘This might turn out disastrous,’ given my past experiences with Jensen,” referring humorously to the unpredictability of working together. It was amusing because during the initial days of filming, I was present. I was just thinking, ‘Ah, I see what’s going on.’ But they taught me how to write it. The aim was to observe their chemistry. Incredible… He shares a long history with him as well. So when they enter the set, I believe you can sense it immediately. That’s quite unusual in this industry to have such a connection.”

Tracker is set to return to CBS with its second season on Sunday, October 13th.

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2024-08-02 03:09