Quantcast
Exclusive Interview: ERIC KRIPKE SAYS WAR IS HELL ON 'SUPERNATURAL' SEASON 3 - iFMagazine.com Send to a friend
© (c) 2007 DC Comics SUPERNATURAL Comic Book Issue 1

Television:

Exclusive Interview: ERIC KRIPKE SAYS WAR IS HELL ON 'SUPERNATURAL' SEASON 3

Series creator also talks a second comic book series and a Dean Winchester bust

By SEAN ELLIOTT, Senior Editor
Published 7/25/2007



SUPERNATURAL ended last season with a bang. The “yellow-eyed” demon finally got his just desserts, but as Sam and Dean Winchester closed one chapter in their hunting career, a new one opened with hundreds of demons being loosed from the gates of Hell.  
 
Series creator Eric Kripke knows the dark twists and turns of the world of the macabre which permeates the popular CW network drama, and so of course iF MAGAZINE sat down to find out what kind of war was coming this season. Not only did we find out about new characters and stories, we unearthed news about a new second series comic book and a new line of SUPERNATURAL collectibles.
 
 
iF MAGAZINE: Congratulations on the addition of your son to your family!
 
ERIC KRIPKE: Want to hear something creepy? My son was born on Sam [Winchester’s] birthday. It freaks me out. My son was born on May 2nd, and Sam was born on May 2nd. It’s disturbingly coincidental. I mean what are the odds that with any day out of the year he is born on Sam’s birthday? Very, very troubling.
  
iF: Lets talk about the comic book first. You have to have followed the whole series to get the subtle connections in the comic. The first issue went into a second printing…will there be more series in the future?
 
KRIPKE: Yes, from what I understand, and it’s primarily co-executive producer Peter Johnson’s domain, when the first issue sold out and people started selling copies on eBay for twenty to thirty dollars DC Comics contacted him and told him they wanted to do another series after the first six. So, six more will be coming after that. It will continue being the John Winchester story. I’ve always said to Peter, even when we were conceiving the series, that the John Winchester story is a much “cleaner” story than the boys’ story. It’s really the straight hero story, because it’s about a guy who is in the ordinary world and he’s exposed to the supernatural and becomes a hunter. It’s a very clean structure, and we always wanted to be able to tell that story. The comic book has allowed us to do that and the next six, which we haven’t quite figured out yet, but John will be a fully functioning hunter. There will be the interesting conflict of being a badass deadly and dangerous hunter who has to raise two children. The maternal impulse and the cowboy impulse don’t necessarily jive together and its how those two things work that make the story interesting.

Related Articles

  
iF: I noticed in the first series there was already a big difference in how much each of the Winchester boys was exposed to the world of the hunters and the supernatural.
  
KRIPKE: Exactly.   
 
iF: The inevitable question is will there be toys?
 
KRIPKE: Yes. They are not doing action figures, but they are doing busts. We’re starting with one of Dean Winchester and then one of the scarecrow from season one. So, we’re not starting with fully fleshed out action figures, but instead with sculptures.
 
iF: You just have to look at the lasting success of the marketing of something like BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER to see how a genre show can take off and keep going.
 
KRIPKE: Right. Exactly! 
 
iF: The “yellow-eyed” demon storyline pretty much wrapped up at the end of season two and now with season three there is a whole new worldwide demons vs. hunters story starting. Plus you’ve added layers to the Winchester brothers’ relationship with Dean selling his soul to save Sam. So is season three a re-boot of the series in a way?
 
KRIPKE: A little bit. We’re excited by that. Quite frankly the danger with an ongoing mythology that goes for too many years is that it starts to fold in and collapse in on itself. So, it’s very satisfying to end a storyline and lead it organically into a new storyline for the next season. It’s actually been an exciting time in the writers’ room because it’s a blank slate again and the sky’s the limit. It’s a more exciting story than we’ve dealt with before because war has begun and we’re living in a war time season. We always aim for the mythic storytelling of LORD OF THE RINGS or STAR WARS, and we finally have reached the point where the chessboard has been set and its time for all of the big battles to begin. That’s where we are and it’s very exciting. In a way it’s a much cleaner mythology than the yellow-eyed demon and what his plans are for Sam and what the psychic children are here for. Now its wartime to choose a side, fight, and that’s what’s at stake. It’s really gratifying to us!
 
iF: There are two new female characters coming onto the show this season, are these ladies a team?
 
KRIPKE: They’re not both hunters and they are not a hunting team. They are separate female characters that serve separate and different roles in the show. Ruby played by Katie Cassidy is a hunter and she is ruthless and tough around the edges; more violent and less morally conscious than Sam or Dean. There’s a big twist coming in for Ruby as early as episode two where she is not really all that she seems to be.
 
Bella played by Lauren Cohen is actually not a hunter, which is an interesting role in this world; she’s a mercenary. All of these amulets and all of these occult objects that the boys find to stop these creatures are very valuable to the right people and so she is a thief more than she is a hunter. So say the boys need an amulet, but she’s absconded with it. So she’s much more of that Humphrey Bogart model of not being interested in the altruistic, revenge-minded, or heroic motives all of the other “freaks” have; she’s in it to make a dollar. There’s no good and evil. There are just market forces.
 
iF: Any chance Amber Benson will return this season?
 
KRIPKE: There are no plans at the moment, but we love the character and there’s a real possibility. If we went down a vampire road, we would certainly have her because she’s great.  
 
iF: Any other characters returning?
 
KRIPKE: Here’s who we have firm plans to bring back; we’re bringing back Gordon (Sterling Brown the hunter who wanted to kill Sam), we’re bringing back Bobby, Ellen, Agent Henricksen (the FBI agent who is after the boys). So those are characters you can expect to see this season for sure.

Reader Comments

Anna from St. Cloud, MN sez....
I always love hearing from Eric Kripke. I can tell he is very passionate about the show, and that is reassuring because we the fans know he will take care of Sam and Dean and the whole Supernatural world!
10/10/2007 5:14:02 PM

Jazmine from Malaysia sez....
I love Supernatural.It was awesome!!I watched season 1 and 2 over and over again and never gets bored..what a great storyline!!Can't wait for the next season to come.Way to go,Mr.Kripke!!
8/28/2007 6:51:56 AM

samdeansoulbros from Malaysia sez....
Jensen has invested so much into shaping who Dean is,as a sexy, enigmatic, brutal and ruthless demon hunter. Hope the female hunter and female mercenary don't pull rank over demon hunting issues! The blonde as a "tough" female hunter? Gordon may "deal" with her (permanently!)in case her part doesn't work out!! Love that Sammy is not quite all there too - no visions, and non psychic = Evil Sam??? Can't wait for Season 3. More power to the fave Winchester bros!
8/25/2007 11:14:49 PM

gemini from here sez....
Just white bread thru and thru, huh
8/5/2007 1:40:08 PM

jenni from alabama sez....
They need to keep them chicks away from dean and sam because their going to ruin the show and i'm not going to watch it........WE DON'T NEED ANY FEMALE CHARACTERS ON THE SHOW
8/3/2007 5:19:27 PM

Carolyn from Melbourne, Australia sez....
Cool interview. I think the new girls will add some colour to the show - as long as they don't dominate. Don't want to take anything away from my beloved Sam [and Dean of coruse]. Looking forward to seeing where Season 3 takes them. Well done Eric and the writers. You all rock!.
8/1/2007 7:07:19 PM

TMaria from Buffalo, NY sez....
So Happy that Supernatural was granted a 3rd season, it really is the only thing I watch. Very cool relationship between the brothers- it's real ya know? So nice to see. Glad to see that Bobby and Ellen will still be around, they are almost like parental figures for the boys. Looking forward to what comes next. Its hard to comment on what we haven't seen yet, so I will reserve judgement on the new charactors until I see them. I did like Ash and Andy though. Hopefully Gordon will realize that Sam is not evil. I'm sure Dean will convince him. Can't wait to see what adventures Dean and Sam encounter in season three. Thank you Mr. Kripke for this wonderful show.
7/29/2007 11:36:43 AM

Jackie from Two Rivers WI sez....
Thank you Mr Kripke for an outstanding interview AND for bringing back Bobby and Ellen. Congratulations on the arrival of your son. I look forward to season 3!!!
7/29/2007 8:59:47 AM

ossiriand10 from Philippines sez....
Thank you Mr. Kripke for the great interview. Now as more information about the two new female characters are said, I'm no longer freaking out. LOLz. Seriously, I'm looking forward to the 3rd season and I think ending one storyline before going to the next was a good move because that way it won't confuse a lot of ppl or it won't get muddle in the process because it hasn't been overly stretched as the show goes. Collectible sculptures...Kewl!
7/29/2007 2:52:07 AM

Max Carter from South Carolina sez....
I love the show. And I hope the interviews with Mr. Kripke ring true and the new female characters are not what we were afraid they would be. However the recent interview with Katie Cassidy has me doubting that. Her treatment of the fans and lack of couthe was alarming.
7/28/2007 7:53:18 PM

Chrisee from NY sez....
I love the show. can't wait for season three to start. Sounds like it is gonna be awsome.
7/28/2007 6:23:25 PM

Mahine from Guayaquil, Ecuador sez....
Great, I love the show, even here in south america Supernatural is the best, and also are you Mr. Kripke, We love everything about it, and of course the boys....Good Luck and I can't wait to watch third season...Supernatural ROCKS!
7/28/2007 2:01:13 PM

Lucy from Norway sez....
Love the show. Not much else to say!! :) I was so thrilled to hear that it would be a season 3. Hope for many, many more!! :)
7/28/2007 3:19:41 AM

sue mcintosh from London sez....
Thanks Eric for the best show EVER. Cant wait for season 3, not sure about new girls tho, but time will tell.Glad Ellen n Bobby comin back, wish they could bring back Andy somehow.
7/28/2007 1:33:23 AM

sue mcintosh from London sez....
Thanks Eric for the best show EVER. Cant wait for season 3, not sure about new girls tho, but time will tell.Glad Ellen n Bobby comin back, wish they could bring back Andy somehow.
7/28/2007 1:32:17 AM

Anna from York, England sez....
It is and will continue to be the best show to come to the small screen. Love the concept of the show. Thank you to all behind and in front of the camera, your love and passion for this show is felt worldwide Kripke. Lets hope the CW network see the light for a long time to come.
7/28/2007 12:50:10 AM

Terry from New Jersey!!! sez....
His baby was born on Sam's birtdate. Too cute. I cannot wait for the third season until them I guess I just have to watch my season 1 dved and read my comic books.
7/27/2007 9:43:04 PM

Tracy from Grants pass OR sez....
Im so excited and thrilled about season three...my sister and i have been behind supernatural since october 2005..its been an awsome 2 years...my sister and i have separete favs..i love dean(aka jensen)and she loves sam(aka jared)..so we stay up untill 3am somtimes just going over each part and what the boys do..and its so cool to share it with my sister..:)so its like a family thing like dean and sam..even though theres new characters..theres a totally awsome team behing the show and i know they wont do anything to hurt the show..i trust them and besides they've done an out standing job so far..so im totally relaxed and excited at the same time..2 months to go and counting.. so great job guys keep up the good work and were out here loven and supporting yall all the way:)
7/27/2007 7:51:33 PM

Lisa from West Sussex, England sez....
There is a god and his name is Eric Kripke!!! Another season of the winchester boys and the rest of the crew is my idea of heaven!! Glad Bobby is coming back wouldn't be the same without him. Roll on season 4,5,6 and many more.
7/27/2007 9:52:53 AM

Jay from Behind You sez....
Wow! I have to admit I was a bit dubious about season 3, I kinda got a soft spot for the YED in a love to hate kinda way and after the finale of Season 2 I felt a little cheated from all the build up of Sam’s abilities. BUT: Having said that I have total faith in the GOD that is Kripke! And having caved to the spoilers and reading this interview I’m just as hyped about the 3rd season as I was about season 2 (which I promise you is a lot) P.s: Where can I sign up for a Dean Winchester bust?! Never mind clearing a space on the shelf I’m making room in my bed! (that was a joke, I promise I’m not that obsessed, just very nearly)
7/26/2007 5:36:06 PM

Anonymous from sez....
Great interview,Eric. I am looking forward to season 3 and I cant wait to see Sam and Dean kick some more demon butt. I love the show and I hope it comes back for more seasons. Keep up the good work!!
7/26/2007 1:27:19 PM

Lisa from Jupiter, FL sez....
Pleased Eric mentioned having Ellen and Bobby back. Dean must have deep feelings for Ellen as evidenced by the intensity of his hug in "All Hell Breaks Loose-2." I remember seeing that with only three others; Sam (during both death and revival), John when reunited in "Shadow" and (alternate) Mary in "What Is And What Should Never Be." I still want Ash's death to be a case of mistaken identity and I think the Dean should "bump" into Jo a time or two. As to the new female characters, time will tell.
7/26/2007 7:36:50 AM

Debbie from Louisville, KY sez....
I was so excited when last season ended - in anticipation of the third. Upon hearing about the two "girls", I was so disappointed but since Mr. Kripke is clearing up all the misconceptions, I'm as excited as ever. I'm 46 years old and this is the best show I have watched in my 46 years.
7/26/2007 6:54:16 AM

Bambi from CW lounge sez....
Aw Kripke had a son and was born on Sam's birthday!
7/26/2007 5:20:43 AM

Izzy from Malaysia sez....
His son was born at Sam's birthday? Now THAT is just AWESOME.
7/26/2007 3:29:58 AM

sarah from the uk! sez....
season 3 sounds so awesome :D i cant wait! a dean winchested bust....im already making room on my shelf :p great interview! im glad bobby and ellen are making a return, supernatural wouldnt be supernatural without them! thanks kripke for such a kick ass show! XsarahX
7/26/2007 3:00:30 AM

Vicky from Barcelona sez....
Wow!! I love Henricksen coming back!! I can't wait for Season 3, there are lots of very interesting possibilities, with the new characters of the badass girls and the wayward demons escaped from hell. Keep up the good work!!!
7/25/2007 11:27:53 PM

Alexa from PA sez....
My birthday's May 2nd as well. Weird.
7/25/2007 11:07:03 PM

Vivian from Beijing sez....
I absolutely can't wait for the third season. I know it's gonna be awesome, but I'm not sure I really like the girls. I'm glad you're bringing Ellen & co. back though. I repeat: can't wait for this season. Thanks for the article!
7/25/2007 9:12:23 PM

Sara from Portland,OR sez....
Thanks for bringing back Ellen and Bobby...Yay!!! Maybe we can see some backstory on them- what got them into hunting? Don't forget Missouri now! We all love her...bring her back too! Gee, with all of these interessting returning characters, there's really no need for the barbies, is there?
7/25/2007 8:46:35 PM

Becca from Here sez....
I love Supernatural, I'm not sure how I feel about girls as regulars but I think that it will work out great. Keep up the good work Kripke!
7/25/2007 8:25:14 PM

xanseviera from Malaysia sez....
whoaaa~~ coincidence? X3 hehehee~ all the best for mr. Kripke and fellow Supernatural staffs~~ let the force be with you~! *dang I want Sam and Dean figures in one box!:D
7/25/2007 7:15:04 PM

Alex from sez....
Loving Eric Kripke right now!!! I'm alwayl willing to learn more backstory and meet new characters. I'm also very excited about the return of all the S2 recurring characters. I just hope there is room for Jo to also come back at some point.
7/25/2007 6:33:28 PM

Lindsay from Michigan sez....
I cannot wait for season three! It sounds like it is going to be AMAZING. Thank you for the outstanding interview.
7/25/2007 3:57:25 PM

Jane from Acworth, Georgia sez....
Thanks Mr. Kripke for a great interview. I look forward to an awesome 3rd season. I am glad to see some old favorites are returning and look forward to what you have in store for Sam and Dean with the new characters. Maybe with the Bela character being what she is we might actually find out what Dean's amulet necklace is all about this season? That would be interesting. Just a thought. Thanks for a great show and for all the hard work everyone puts in so we have something great to watch every week without fail.
7/25/2007 3:46:20 PM

Somefangirl from Finland sez....
Thanks Mr. Kripke!! You're doing great work. I can't wait for season 3!!
7/25/2007 3:07:42 PM

amyjo from uk sez....
i was not looking forward to season 3 as i thought it would be a repeat of seasons 1 and 2 "still hunting the yellow eyed demond!" but when the demond died i was glad and cant wait 4 a new different storyline as the old one was getting so confusing and boring. cant wait 4 it now tho, it gonna be good.
7/25/2007 2:46:54 PM

Dawn from Miami, Florida sez....
Great news about the returning characters. I'll be curious to see the Gordon episode since I'm sure he's still gunning for Sam. I still have one question though ... is Sam still going to have his visions and does he still have his buried abilites in Season 3 or did that end with the YED? Hmm ....
7/25/2007 2:45:53 PM

Neus from Barcelona sez....
I die of desires of seeing the 3rd season of supernatural,although the new incorporation does not like me,the girls. I love the return of Ellen, Bobby and Gordon
7/25/2007 2:42:01 PM

Heidi from Florida sez....
SO relieved to hear that Ellen will be back! I know the actress felt like she was being forced away and now, we'll get to see her involved again!
7/25/2007 2:19:09 PM

Fran from Texas sez....
Loving it all, and I love that they are bringing back Ellen, Bobby, and etc. My only problem...did the editor spell "desserts" with one "s" in the first sentence!?!
7/25/2007 11:48:41 AM

Addie from Toronto sez....
I can't wait for season 3! Sounds awesome!!!!
7/25/2007 11:33:26 AM

sunnyjunedays from uk sez....
Loved the interview. Glad to hear the plans for Season 3 which looks to be as amazingly brilliant as the other two and pleased to hear the show will again concentrate on the brothers Sam and Dean. Love the fact Ellen, Bobby and Gordon are to return. Can't wait.
7/25/2007 11:16:29 AM

Still Waters from California sez....
WOW...a Dean Winchester bust?! AWESOME! ...And thanks for the article!
7/25/2007 10:46:33 AM

Mandy from London sez....
My word am so excited yay Ellen, Bobby and Gorden are back bring back Missouri, ressurrect Papa winchester and Ash and I'm a happy girl! ha ha! Thank you Eric for givin us such a great original show keep up the astounding work!
7/25/2007 10:29:52 AM

Heather from Baltimore, MD sez....
I can't freakin' WAIT for Season 3. It's going to kick ass!! Heather
7/25/2007 9:55:29 AM

Calli from San Francisco sez....
Nice interview. It sounds like Mr. Kripke is going to be faithful to his original concept of two guys with chainsaws in the trunk, hunting down monsters and demons. I'm looking forward to a great third season--and many, many more!
7/25/2007 8:24:05 AM

Your Comments are always welcomed here
Your name?  Your location?
Tell us what you think?

Enter Security Code:
Code Image - Click on Load New Code if you see this message.
Load New Code



WHICH CANCELLED TV SHOW ARE YOU GOING TO MISS THE MOST THIS FALL?

24
BETTER OFF TED
DOLLHOUSE
FLASHFORWARD
HAPPY TOWN
HEROES
LAW & ORDER
LOST
SCRUBS
UGLY BETTY

More Polls...