Convention - For The Love of Fantasy 2025 – Jared Padalecki Champions Winchester Legacy at ExCeL London

By Mulder, London, ExCeL London, 17 august 2025

The For The Love of Fantasy 2025 convention, which unfolded on August 16–17 at ExCeL London, delivered one of its most anticipated and heartfelt moments with the arrival of Jared Padalecki. As the sole ambassador of Supernatural at this edition of the event, his presence carried immense emotional weight for the countless fans who had grown up with him as Sam Winchester. The build-up was already palpable in the days leading up to the convention, as the event’s official social media channels confirmed his travel to London and encouraged the “SPN Family” to prepare for his appearance. By the time he stepped onto the stage on August 17 at precisely 3:15 p.m., the atmosphere in the hall had already transformed into a celebration, charged with applause, cheers, and even tears. For many attendees, it was not just another panel but a reunion with a cultural touchstone that had shaped fifteen years of their lives and remained a deeply personal connection long after the show’s finale in 2020. The sight of Jared Padalecki greeting the crowd reminded everyone that, five years later, the bond between the actor and his fans remains unbroken.

Throughout his panel, Jared Padalecki offered an intimate look back at the role that defined his career, mixing heartfelt sincerity with playful humor. He took the audience back to the early days of production in Vancouver, vividly describing the long nights, unpredictable weather, and demanding stunts that tested his endurance but also created lifelong memories. In doing so, he underscored how those challenges forged an unshakable bond among the cast and crew, particularly with Jensen Ackles, whose off-screen brotherhood mirrored the legendary Winchester connection. He emphasized how their chemistry was not merely an asset but an essential ingredient to the show’s longevity and success. Fans responded warmly to these reflections, applauding as he spoke about the authenticity of their friendship and how it carried over into performances that anchored Supernatural’s blend of mythology and heart. For Jared Padalecki, the lines between fiction and reality blurred, as the brotherhood depicted on screen resonated just as powerfully in his personal life.

Of course, a convention panel with Jared Padalecki would not be complete without lighter, comedic stories that showcased the camaraderie and mischief that became trademarks of the Supernatural set. He shared memories of playful pranks and practical jokes, from pie-throwing escapades to unscripted bloopers that ended up immortalized in the show’s gag reels, moments that had the audience laughing as much as the cast once did. He also touched on the unique energy of conventions themselves, joking that karaoke nights, photo sessions, and autograph signings had become as central to his life as acting. Beneath the humor, however, was an unmistakable gratitude. Time and again, he returned to the importance of the fans, acknowledging that the record-breaking 15-season run of Supernatural was a direct result of their unyielding support. His acknowledgment of the SPN Family drew thunderous applause, underlining the unique reciprocal relationship between the series and its community—one that has endured far beyond television airtime.

What added even more resonance to the panel was Jared Padalecki’s reflection on Supernatural’s remarkable place in television history. Few genre series ever reach the longevity of fifteen seasons and over three hundred episodes, and he did not shy away from highlighting how extraordinary that achievement remains. He credited not just the creative risks that allowed the show to evolve from simple monster-of-the-week episodes to complex myth arcs tackling heaven, hell, purgatory, and the divine itself, but also the fans who embraced that evolution every step of the way. He spoke candidly about the personal transformation he underwent through his portrayal of Sam Winchester, explaining how the character taught him resilience, empathy, and the enduring value of storytelling rooted in family and sacrifice. For him, Sam was more than just a role; he became a reflection of ideals and struggles that deeply shaped his own worldview. He was especially pleased to note that a new generation of fans was continuing to discover Supernatural through streaming platforms, proving that the Winchester saga continues to inspire, teach, and entertain long after the final episode aired.

As the session drew to its conclusion, it became clear that attendees were leaving with far more than photos and autographs. What Jared Padalecki gave them was authenticity, vulnerability, and a shared acknowledgment of the profound impact Supernatural has had across the globe. The final moments were punctuated by a standing ovation that echoed long after he had left the stage, a spontaneous gesture that encapsulated the spirit of the afternoon. Online reactions from attendees confirmed that many considered it one of the most memorable moments of the convention. It was, in many ways, less a panel and more a family reunion, reminding everyone in attendance that while the series itself may have concluded, its legacy—and the Winchester creed of “saving people, hunting things, the family business”—continues to thrive wherever the SPN Family gathers.

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Synopsis :
Two brothers travel across the United States hunting down the forces of evil. At the same time, they hope to track down the demon responsible for their mother's death twenty years earlier.

Supernatural
Created by Eric Kripke
Showrunners : Eric Kripke, Sera Gamble, Jeremy Carver, Andrew Dabb, Robert Singer
Starring Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Katie Cassidy, Lauren Cohan, Misha Collins, Mark A. Sheppard, Mark Pellegrino, Alexander Calvert
Composers : Jay Gruska, Christopher Lennertz
No. of seasons 15 / No. of episodes : 327
Executive producers : Eric Kripke, Robert Singer, McG, David Nutter, Kim Manners, John Shiban, Phil Sgriccia, Sera Gamble, Ben Edlund, Jeremy Carver, Jim Michaels, Todd Aronauer, Adam Glass, Andrew Dabb, Brad Buckner, Eugenie Ross-Leming
Production companies : Kripke Enterprises, Wonderland Sound and Vision (2005–2013), Warner Bros. Television
Network : The WB (Release : September 13, 2005 – May 4, 2006)
Network : The CW (Release : September 28, 2006 – November 19, 2020)
Running time : 38–45 minutes