Behind the scenes with Director Jensen Ackles during filming of “Soul Survivor.” Image: Diyah Pera/The CW.

Jensen Ackles has crafted his role as Dean Winchester on the CW’s Supernatural into a compelling and relatable character. As well as acting in over 200 episodes during the long-running series, Ackles has been developing his skills as a director.  Ackles will be directing his 5th episode of Supernatural in Season 11, titled “The Bad Seed.” Though this episode was shot first in order to give Ackles time for all the preparation that directing calls for, it will be the 3rd episode in the season.

Richard Speight, Jr. emceeing Salute to Supernatural San Francisco Convention 2015.

Read more about Ackles as director here.

Episode 8 of Season 11, titled “Just My Imagination,” will be directed by former series guest star Richard Speight Jr. Speight has previously directed, but this will be his first time directing an episode of Supernatural. As well as stepping into the role of director, Speight has continued his connection with Supernatural through involvement at conventions and the creation of his new show Kings of Con, which provides a comical look at the Supernatural convention world. Fans remain hopeful he will make a reappearance as favorite archangel Gabriel in the series.

Read more about Speight’s directoral debut on Supernatural here. 

Robert Singer will direct the premeire episode “Out of the Darkness, Into the Fire,” while Philip Sgriccia will direct the 2nd episode, titled “Form and Void.”

Executive Producer Jeremy Carver talks about the first episode of Supernatural Season 11 in “Inside: Out of the Darkness, Into the Fire.” Season 11 of Supernatural premieres on Wednesday, October 7 on the CW.