Supernatural's Lost Jumanji Episode: The Unmade Concept

The Evolution of Supernatural

Supernatural, a beloved TV series that began as a dark horror show, evolved over its 15-season run, incorporating various supernatural elements and experimenting with different tones and concepts.

Sam and Dean stand together in Supernatural

The show initially focused on the Winchester brothers, Dean and Sam, as they faced off against urban legends and supernatural creatures. However, as the series progressed, it delved into more complex storylines involving angels, demons, and even God and The Devil.

While maintaining its dark and intense themes, Supernatural also embraced humor, often juxtaposing grisly horror with lighthearted moments. The series became known for its willingness to explore wacky and unconventional ideas, as seen in the crossover episode with Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Machine gang in season 13.

The Unmade Jumanji-Inspired Episode

During the development of the 11th season, the Supernatural team worked on a script for an episode inspired by Jumanji. The concept involved Dean and Sam becoming trapped in a Jumanji-style game, which promised to bring mayhem and adventure to the series.

The Jumanji board game from Jumanji

The idea of a Jumanji-inspired episode was a departure from the show's typical format and presented exciting possibilities for the characters and the narrative. However, despite initial enthusiasm, the episode never came to fruition.

Executive producer Robert Singer reflected on the challenges they faced with the concept, expressing that they struggled to nail down the story and make it work within the scripting phase. This unmade episode marked the first time in a decade that the showrunners had to abandon an idea, indicating the complexity of the Jumanji-inspired concept.

The Legacy of the Unmade Episode

Despite the cancellation of the Jumanji-inspired episode, the concept of Supernatural exploring a Jumanji-style adventure left a lasting impression on fans and creators alike. The potential for the Winchesters to navigate a world similar to Jumanji's was an intriguing prospect that offered opportunities for creativity and excitement.

While the idea did not materialize, the subsequent success of the Jumanji film franchise, particularly the release of 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' and its sequel, demonstrated the enduring appeal of Jumanji-inspired adventures. The revitalization of the franchise further highlighted the missed opportunity for Supernatural to delve into a similar storyline.

Ultimately, the decision not to pursue the Jumanji concept may have been for the best, as it spared the series from potential challenges in execution and maintained the show's integrity. Although the unmade episode remains a tantalizing 'what-if' for fans, it stands as a testament to the creative risks and decisions involved in shaping the iconic Supernatural series.