The intersection of two of television’s most dedicated fanbases—those of the long-running CW hit Supernatural and the subversive Prime Video superhero drama The Boys—has reached a new peak of significance as Nathan Mitchell reveals the personal history that links his career to both productions. Mitchell, known for his portrayal of the enigmatic and formidable Black Noir, recently shared details of a decade-long journey that began with a chance encounter in a Vancouver bar and culminated in a lead role in one of the most successful streaming series of the era. This "full-circle" narrative underscores the deep-seated professional loyalty and creative continuity established by showrunner Eric Kripke, who steered Supernatural through its first five seasons before creating the television adaptation of The Boys.
The Genesis of a Professional Bond
The timeline of Mitchell’s ascent within the industry serves as a testament to the collaborative nature of the Vancouver filming scene, a hub for high-profile North American television production. According to Mitchell, the journey began in 2013, a year when he was a newcomer to the Vancouver area, seeking to establish a foothold in a competitive market. During a casual walk through the city, Mitchell spotted Jensen Ackles—who at the time was already a household name due to his role as Dean Winchester on Supernatural—inside a local establishment.
Mitchell, a self-professed fan of Ackles’ previous work on the DC Comics-inspired series Smallville, made the decision to approach the established actor for professional guidance. Rather than a brief exchange, the encounter evolved into a meaningful dialogue. Ackles invited the then-struggling actor to join him, spending an hour discussing the nuances of the industry and offering practical advice on navigating a career in television. This early mentorship, though informal, set the stage for a professional relationship that would lie dormant for several years before resurfacing at a critical juncture in Mitchell’s career.
From Celestial Guest Star to Silent Assassin
By 2017, Mitchell had begun to secure more prominent roles, eventually landing a guest spot on the series that had made Ackles a star. In the twelfth season of Supernatural, Mitchell appeared as Kelvin, an angel who aligned himself with Castiel (played by Misha Collins) in the episode "The British Invasion." While the role was a guest appearance, it placed Mitchell directly within the creative orbit of the "Supernatural family," a term often used by the show’s cast and crew to describe their tight-knit professional community.
The significance of this role was cemented during the 2017 holiday season. Mitchell recalls a second chance meeting at a bar, this time involving both Jensen Ackles and his co-star Jared Padalecki. The two leads of Supernatural recognized Mitchell from his performance as Kelvin and offered him high praise, confirming that they had watched his episode and were impressed by his acting caliber. Mitchell described the experience as a "Christmas miracle," noting that the validation from two industry veterans provided a significant boost to his confidence during a pivotal time in his career.
The professional momentum generated by this encounter was almost immediate. Within two weeks of receiving praise from Ackles and Padalecki, Mitchell was called to audition for the role of Black Noir in a new project for Amazon Prime Video: an adaptation of Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s comic book series, The Boys.
The Kripke-Verse and the Supernatural Pipeline
The casting of Mitchell as Black Noir is one of many instances where Eric Kripke has tapped into his Supernatural roots to populate the world of The Boys. Kripke, who served as the creator and showrunner for Supernatural’s foundational years, has developed a reputation for maintaining long-term relationships with actors he trusts. This creative philosophy has resulted in what fans often call the "Supernatural-to-The-Boys pipeline."
The data reflects a significant overlap between the two shows. To date, numerous Supernatural alumni have appeared in The Boys, ranging from minor guest roles to series regulars. Notable examples include:
- Jim Beaver: Played Bobby Singer in Supernatural; plays U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert A. Singer in The Boys (a character named directly after his previous role).
- Jensen Ackles: Played Dean Winchester; joined The Boys in Season 3 as the legendary "first" superhero, Soldier Boy.
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan: Played John Winchester; joined The Boys in Season 4 as Joe Kessler.
- Rob Benedict: Played Chuck Shurley (God) in Supernatural; appeared in Season 4 of The Boys.
- Gattlin Griffith: Played Jesse Turner (the Antichrist) in Supernatural; appeared as Gunpowder in The Boys.
Mitchell’s story adds a layer of personal serendipity to this pattern. When Ackles was eventually cast as Soldier Boy for the show’s third season, it represented a reversal of roles from their first meeting in 2013. Mitchell, who had once sought advice from Ackles as a newcomer, was now a foundational member of a hit series that Ackles was joining.
Navigating the Dual Roles of Black Noir
Nathan Mitchell’s contribution to The Boys is unique among the cast due to the nature of his character. For the first three seasons, Mitchell portrayed the original Black Noir, a character who was entirely silent and never removed his mask. This required Mitchell to rely heavily on physical acting, posture, and subtle movements to convey emotion and intent—a challenge that earned him significant acclaim from critics and fans alike.
Following the death of the original Black Noir at the end of Season 3, Mitchell returned in Season 4 to play a "New Noir"—an actor hired by Vought International to replace the deceased hero. This new iteration of the character allowed Mitchell to finally speak on camera and showcase a comedic, albeit meta, performance as a frustrated actor trying to find his "motivation" while wearing a superhero suit. This transition showcased Mitchell’s range and further solidified his value to the production, as Kripke was unwilling to let the actor go even after the original character’s narrative arc had concluded.
Industry Implications and the Power of Networking
The narrative shared by Mitchell serves as a case study for the importance of networking and mentorship within the entertainment industry. The Vancouver film sector, often referred to as "Hollywood North," relies heavily on a recurring pool of talent. Mitchell’s ability to turn a chance meeting into a lasting professional connection highlights the often-overlooked human element of television casting.
From a production standpoint, the "Kripke-verse" model demonstrates the benefits of creative shorthand. When a showrunner works with a familiar cast, there is an established level of trust and an understanding of the actor’s capabilities. For a show as tonally complex as The Boys—which balances extreme gore, political satire, and deep character drama—having a reliable ensemble is a logistical and creative advantage.
Looking Toward the Final Season
As The Boys approaches its fifth and final season, the stakes for the characters have never been higher. The series has evolved from a niche comic book adaptation into a cultural phenomenon that satirizes modern media, corporate overreach, and the cult of celebrity. Mitchell’s "New Noir" remains a key part of The Seven, the central group of "supes" serving as the show’s primary antagonists.
The upcoming season is expected to feature further nods to the Supernatural legacy. With Jared Padalecki recently expressing interest in appearing in the final season—and Eric Kripke publicly welcoming the idea—the possibility of a "full" Winchester reunion remains a major talking point for the industry. If Padalecki joins the cast, it would complete a cycle that began in 2013 when Mitchell first walked into a bar and saw Jensen Ackles.
The journey of Nathan Mitchell from a guest star on The CW to a central figure in a global streaming hit illustrates the interconnectedness of modern television. It also highlights the enduring influence of Supernatural, a show that ended its 15-season run in 2020 but continues to shape the landscape of the industry through the careers of its alumni. For Mitchell, the experience remains a profound example of how professional respect and a single hour of mentorship can alter the trajectory of a career, leading to a full-circle moment on the set of one of television’s most ambitious projects.
