Ackles Teases Tracker S4 Return: 'Waiting for the Phone Call'

Jensen Ackles is waiting for the call. That's the word from the Supernatural alum regarding his potential return as Russell Shaw for Tracker Season 4. Filming for the hit CBS series is already underway, leaving fans — and Ackles himself — wondering when Colter Shaw's estranged brother will resurface.

Ackles, recently at Creation Entertainment's Toronto event, admitted he was looking for a break after a packed two years. Still, he confirmed 'Vought Rising' is on its way early next year, and he does 'dip in and out' of Tracker. Then came the money quote: 'I'm waiting for the phone call.' It seems even Dean Winchester himself is in suspense.

Russell's storyline left off on a major cliffhanger. His military contact sold him out, leading to a nasty bullet wound and a desperate plea to Reenie for help – all while keeping Colter in the dark. More critically, Russell got ensnared by the ominous Horizon Group, forced into a 'one last mission' to retrieve a file on his and Colter's father. This file supposedly implicates their dad in childhood experiments on Colter. Yeah, it's intense.

With such a weighty narrative hanging, it's no wonder fans are clamoring for a deeper dive into Russell's world. The industry is seeing a rise in 'special presentations' – think Marvel's recent Punisher one-shot or Werewolf by Night – offering a serialized, high-impact storytelling format. A standalone special could give Russell's "one last mission" the gravitas it deserves, exploring his shadowy past and the Horizon Group's machinations without bogging down the main series. It could even be a test flight for a full-blown Russell Shaw spinoff. It’s a smart move for complex characters like Russell, allowing their stories to breathe and truly shine.