MGM+ is sending Jensen Ackles on the hunt for a serial killer. The former “Supernatural” star has been tapped to lead “Rules of Prey,” the streamer’s adaptation of John Sandford’s “Prey” book series, TVLine has learned.
Ackles stars as Lucas Davenport, described by the streamer as a “righteous avenging angel whose sharp mind, unconventional approach, and unwillingness to let the law get in the way of justice forced him out of the Minneapolis Police Department.”
So, what lures Lucas back into action? Per the official logline, he returns to law enforcement to “investigate a series of confounding murders designed to send a message specifically to him. When an ingenious serial killer begins murdering Minneapolis citizens, Davenport, a brilliant polymath and unconventional investigator, takes the case, sparking an intense psychological duel with an equally intelligent adversary. As Davenport deciphers the killer’s twisted moral code and personal vendetta, he must match wits with a predator operating by his own rules of justice, risking everything to stop a killer who sees their conflict as the ultimate game.”
Series creator Bruce Terris will serve as showrunner of “Rules of Prey,” executive-producing alongside Ackles. Production on the eight-episode first season is set to begin this month in Toronto.
“Jensen Ackles’ classic leading man charisma, combined with Bruce Terris’ skillful adaptation of John Sandford’s enduringly popular ‘Prey’ series is an excellent fit for MGM+,” Michael Wright, global head of MGM+, says in a statement. “The series delves into the psychological depth and suspense that made Sandford’s novels unmissable reading and continues MGM+’s commitment to bringing classic Hollywood storytelling to modern audiences.”
What has Jensen Ackles been up to since Supernatural?
While many “Supernatural” fans will always see Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester, the actor has kept himself plenty busy since the CW drama wrapped in 2020.
After reuniting with “Supernatural” co-star Jared Padalecki for an episode of The CW’s “Walker” in 2022, he went on to star in the third season of ABC’s “Big Sky.” Around that same time, Ackles also stepped into what would become his next great TV role — Soldier Boy on Prime Video’s “The Boys,” a character he would play on and off through the show’s 2026 series finale. Soldier Boy will also return for the “Boys” prequel series “Vought Rising,” set to premiere sometime in 2027.
Ackles also starred opposite Eric Dane on Prime Video’s short-lived “Countdown” (2025), and he continues to recur on CBS’ “Tracker” as the brother of Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw. He’ll make his next appearance in the fifth episode of the show’s upcoming fourth season.
Are you excited to see Ackles take on a new role with “Rules of Prey”? Drop a comment with your thoughts on the MGM+ series below.