AceShowbiz - Nearly six years have passed since the conclusion of Supernatural, the long-running CW series that made stars out of its leads, including Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles. Since then, both actors have maintained busy careers, albeit on different paths.

While Jensen Ackles expanded the Supernatural universe through the prequel series The Winchesters and took on various TV projects such as CBS' Tracker and Prime Video's Countdown, Padalecki charted his own course. He quickly transitioned from his iconic role as Sam Winchester to a new leading part in The CW's Walker, a reboot of the classic Chuck Norris Western. After four seasons and an executive producer role on its spin-off, the show was canceled around this time last year.

Undeterred, Jared Padalecki continued to build momentum by securing a role alongside Jensen Ackles and fellow Supernatural alumnus Misha Collins in the upcoming season of The Boys. This reunion of sorts has fans excited to see the former castmates collaborate once again.

In addition to his television work, Padalecki is making a significant return to feature films for the first time in over ten years. His last live-action movie role was in 2009’s Friday the 13th, followed by voice work in the English dub of Phantom Boy. Now, he is starring in the Netflix film Guarding Stars, marking a cinematic comeback.

Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum and adapted from Katherine Center's 2022 novel The Bodyguard, Guarding Stars follows a bodyguard, portrayed by Padalecki, assigned to protect a popular action star, played by Leighton Meester, during the holiday season. The film promises a blend of drama and suspense set against a festive backdrop.

Recently, Padalecki took to Instagram to announce the official wrap of filming on Guarding Stars. Alongside a photo from the set in Calgary, he shared a heartfelt message thanking the city for its hospitality. He wrote:

“Hey Calgary. Thank you for letting this annoying Texan come and stay in your town for a hot second. Y’all are incredible hosts, and I had an incredible time.... Hope that we all did you proud. Hope that we can all make it back soon. #GuardingStars #ThatsAWrap. ??? (PS. If I may be so bold, maybe a little less snow next time?... It sure was beautiful, but I sure was freezing my b***s off... ?????”

This milestone marks a notable shift for Jared Padalecki, expanding his repertoire beyond television and into feature films once more. Fans of his work will be eager to see how he handles this new role and what the film brings to the screen.

Guarding Stars also features performances from Leighton Meester and Andie MacDowell, with production credits including Gina Matthews, Grant Scharbo, and both Jared and Genevieve Padalecki as producers. The screenplay was written by Richard Keith and Erin Cardillo.

As Padalecki continues to diversify his career, the anticipation for Guarding Stars builds. Netflix viewers can look forward to seeing him in a fresh context, taking on a role that combines elements of protection, holiday spirit, and star power dynamics.

Stay tuned for more updates on Guarding Stars and other projects featuring Jared Padalecki here at Collider. His journey from the small screen back to feature films is a significant development in his evolving career, demonstrating his versatility and enduring appeal.