Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles’ Biggest Regret in Supernatural: “He couldn’t save Cas”
SUMMARY
- Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles addressed fan questions about their characters' biggest regrets.
- Looking back at Supernatural, Ackles admitted, not being able to save Castiel was their biggest regret.
- Castiel’s bond with the Winchester brothers ran deeper than just friendship, making his ultimate sacrifice look brutal.
Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles revealed Sam and Dean’s biggest regret
You know those moments in Supernatural when everything just stops and you’re like—no, this can’t be happening? Yeah, losing Castiel was one of them. And we’re not alone in feeling that heartbreak. Jared Padalecki (our sweet moosey Sam) and Jensen Ackles (Mr. Brooding Dean) admitted the same during a fan interview (via YouTube).
It wasn’t just another death in the long list of Supernatural tragedies. Castiel wasn’t a monster of the week or a one-season ally. He was family. From the moment he pulled Dean out of Hell, we knew this angel was different. His bond with the brothers—especially Dean—became next-level, cosmic, and painful in all the best as well as worst possible ways.
So naturally, upon being asked about their characters’ ultimate regret, Jensen Ackles stated, “I’ll choose one, that he couldn’t save Cas”. Oof, right in the heart. Even Jared Padalecki shook his head in unison to express similar regret for his character, Sam. Now, although Sam wasn’t as close to Cas as Dean was, Castiel’s death was ultimately the biggest heartbreak for the Winchester boys.
Exploring Castiel’s relationship with the Winchester brothers
Castiel’s journey with the Winchesters was one for the ages. At first, he was Heaven’s soldier, all serious and no-nonsense—but over time, Cas transformed from Heaven’s obedient warrior into someone who made choices with his heart (after all, he loved Dean despite a lack of reciprocation from his end), not just orders.
Played by Misha Collins, Castiel broke angelic rules, rebelled against God, and went out of his way—because his love for the Winchesters was that strong. With Sam, Cas shared a quieter, thoughtful connection, but with Dean? Whew. That bond was… intense. Whether you saw it as friendship, brotherhood, or something even deeper, their connection was the heart of Supernatural.
Over time, Castiel became Dean’s anchor—his conscience when he strayed, his protector in the darkness. And Dean? He taught Cas how to be human, how to feel, and how to choose. That’s why Cas’s final sacrifice wasn’t just noble—it was soul-crushing. He gave Dean everything, even in death.
After repeatedly choosing Dean and saving him from danger, in Season 15, Episode 18, Castiel sacrificed himself one last time. Only this time it was forever. In an attempt to save Dean from Death, Castiel sacrificed himself and poured his heart out, saying, “ I love you” before the Empty swallowed him.
We were all Dean at that moment—silent, teary-eyed, and absolutely destroyed. So, it goes without saying that Dean and Sam had their regrets tied to Cas.