Jensen Ackleshas made a name for himself as a massive television star. He gained recognition on the Jessica Alba cult-classicDark Angeland inSmallvilleseason 4 as a series regular. However, Ackles' most prominent role was asDean Winchester on the seriesSupernaturalfor a staggering 15 seasons, running from 2005-2020. He would reprise his role as Dean on the short-livedThe Winchesterswhere he also served as an executive producer.
Ackles has remained a mainstay on television, appearing inThe Boysand its spinoffGen Vas Soldier Boy. He will return inThe Boysseason 5, where he will be reunited with hisSupernaturalco-star Jared Padalecki. Coming to Prime Video on June 25, Ackles is starring in a new thriller series that he compares to one of the greatest action movies of all time.
Ackles Compares Countdown To A Classic Bruce Willis Movie
The Series Could Be Another Hit For The Actor
Ackles will star inCountdownon Prime Video. He plays Mark Meachum, an LAPD detective who is brought in to join a covert task force to help catch a murderer. However, the stakes become higher whenthe team has to deal with a “Chernobyl-level event"and stop a weapon of mass destruction. The cast ofCountdownalso includes Jessica Camacho (Sleepy Hollow), Eric Dane (Grey’s Anatomy), Violett Beane (The Flash), Uli Latukefu (Alien: Covenant), and Elliot Knight (Titans).
In an interview withCollider,Ackles comparesCountdownwithDie Hard.He details that he joined the series in part because of how its stakes, action, and humor all reminded him of the Bruce Willis classic. He also draws a connection toLethal WeaponandThe A-Team. All three properties he mentioned began in the 1980s, and have existed in some form long after their initial debuts. He explains that showrunner, Derak Haas, is the primary reason he joined the series, praising his work. Check out his quote below:
It checked a lot of boxes of things I just generally gravitate towards. High stakes, action-packed. There’s humor. It reminds me of all these movies and shows that I grew up watching, like Lethal Weapon, A-Team, Die Hard. It had that throwback feel to it that I was really excited about. But most importantly, it was Derek [Haas]. It was meeting him, getting to know him, and wanting to take a journey with him. It’s been wonderful.
Our Take On Ackles' Comparison
He Makes The Series Sound Like A Fun Throwback
Die Hardis often used as a comparison to other projects, for example, describingSpeedas “Die Hardon a bus.” What makes Ackles' comments interesting is how heisn’t focusing on the everyman stuck in an extraordinary situation, but the surrounding elements. What madeDie Harda success was more than just trapping John McClane inside Nakatomi Plaza, but the combination of humor, action, and an all-around tight script.
Having all of his points of reference be from popular 80s franchises gives a sense of what the vibe of the show will be. While all had high stakes, they were also all designed to be fun to watch. While many modern crime thrillers can be very serious, it looks likeCountdownwillbe taking a lighter approach.
Countdown
Cast
Countdown, released in 2025, follows LAPD detective Mark Meachum as he joins a secret task force composed of undercover agents from various law enforcement branches. Following the murder of a Department of Homeland Security officer, they uncover a deep conspiracy, igniting a time-sensitive mission to protect millions.
