Posted in: Amazon Studios, TV | Tagged: countdown, Jensen Ackles

Countdown Star Jensen Ackles Discusses Training for Series Role

Countdown star Jensen Ackles (Supernatural, The Boys) offered some insights into the special training he went through for his series role.

When an officer with the Department of Homeland Security is murdered in broad daylight, LAPD detective Mark Meachum (Jensen Ackles) is recruited to a secret task force, alongside undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement, to investigate. But the hunt for the killer soon uncovers a plot far more sinister than anyone could have imagined, kicking off a race against time to save a city of millions. That's the situation heading into June 25th, when Prime Video and Showrunner Derek Haas's (NBC's "Chicago" franchise) Ackles (Supernatural, The Boys)-starring Countdown unleashes its first three episodes. Now, we're getting some insight into the specialized training that Ackles underwent for the role and how it differed from his previous efforts.

"I like to make sure I'm in shape for the long hours and stunt work. I did do some brush-up on my firearms training; In fact, we went to a training facility in California where Keanu Reeves does his gun training for 'John Wick,'" Ackles shared during an interview with Men's Health. "The police jargon, talking in acronyms, was not something I'm overly used to. We had consultants to help with that. Most of my questions were about what the acronyms mean and familiarizing myself with the terminology, rather than how to bust down a door." Joining Ackles are Eric Dane (Grey's Anatomy, Euphoria), Jessica Camacho (The Flash, Watchmen), Violett Beane (Death and Other Details), Elliot Knight (The Boys), and Uli Latukefu (Young Rock).

Countdown: Jensen Ackles on How Series Happened, Derek Haas

"In the wake of 'The Boys,' I signed a deal with Amazon. They wanted to develop something with me in mind, so I had a few meetings with different writers and different kinds of takes for shows," Ackles shared regarding how the series came to be during a previous weekend fan event. "When I met Derek Haas, who created 'Countdown' and has written all 13 scripts, I just clicked with him immediately. He and I actually grew up in the same town; we went to neighboring high schools, so we had a lot in common right off the bat. But he's just a really great storyteller, and he comes from a long line of writing really kind of intense stuff. And so the character that he created, I just felt like I could tell that story in the world that he was also creating. That led to more meetings, and then that led to some outlines. I got to read the first script, and I just really liked where it was going. I liked the kind of world that he was setting it in, and I got excited about it," he added.

Along with being able to connect with the showrunner, the show's universe, and his character, Ackles also appreciated being in on the project at an early stage. "I was fortunate enough to be in a position to do that and be there from the beginning, the genesis of it all, 'cause that's not normal," Ackles explained. "For most actors, everything is kind of already cooked, and then they come in – they get cast in a role that's already happening. I was kind of – not involved creatively, but I was already on the train from the beginning in the station, so that was nice." As for what viewers can expect from Countdown? "There are some twists and turns with this show; there are some big reveals, so to speak. So I'm excited for you guys. I'm excited to get it done – we're about halfway done with the season right now. I think they're shooting for June, probably – release next summer, and I'm excited to see what you guys think and to see it once it's on its feet."

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