Despite not being confirmed, Ackles’s comments heavily imply that he will appear as Russell in at least one episode of Tracker season 3. Perhaps they haven’t nailed down the logistics yet. The Tracker cast and crew are only at the beginning of filming season 3, after all. So, it’s safe to say that Ackles is expected to reprise his role as Russell. Since Ackles isn’t quite sure (or forthcoming) about returning, he might not appear until later in the season. He certainly won’t show up in the early episodes, given the timing of the actor’s above comments and Tracker season 3’s production start date. Consequently, we can only infer that Russell’s probable return won’t happen until season 3’s later episodes.
A Tease That Shook the Tracker Fandom
Jensen Ackles has a knack for stirring the pot—and that’s exactly what he did with his recent comments about Tracker Season 3. Ever since Ackles joined the CBS drama as Russell Shaw, Colter’s brother, fans have been glued to every scene, every word, every stare. Now, thanks to a cryptic—but thrilling—interview, the internet is buzzing with theories. So, what did he say? And more importantly, what does it mean for Russell’s future in Tracker Season 3? Let’s unpack it all.
Who Is Russell in Tracker, Again?
The Mysterious Big Brother Enters
Russell Shaw made his debut in Season 2 and quickly became a fan favorite. Played by the charismatic Jensen Ackles, Russell is Colter Shaw’s older brother—equally intelligent, stubborn, and emotionally scarred.
A Complicated Family Tree
The Shaw family is layered with trauma. Colter’s search for missing persons often mirrors his quest for closure from his own past. Russell brings tension, truth bombs, and a whole lot of emotional baggage.
Jensen Ackles’s Comments That Sparked the Buzz
The Game-Changing Interview
In a panel interview during San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Jensen Ackles was asked about his role in Tracker Season 3. His reply?
“Let’s just say… Russell isn’t done shaking things up. You might see him lead more than follow this time around.”
That’s all it took. The internet exploded.
Breaking Down the Quote
Let’s zero in on what Ackles actually said:
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“Not done shaking things up” hints at drama.
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“Lead more than follow” suggests a power shift—or even a spotlight role.
Is Russell Taking Center Stage in Season 3?
Shared Spotlight or Spin-Off Setup?
Ackles’s statement has fans theorizing two possibilities:
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Russell becomes a co-lead alongside Colter.
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The series is paving the way for a Tracker spin-off.
And given Ackles’s star power from Supernatural and The Boys, either move makes sense.
The Rise of the Anti-Hero Brother
Russell’s morally gray persona could bring edgier storylines, internal conflict, and maybe even legal drama. Fans love a complex character—and Russell fits the bill.
Russell’s Role in the Season 2 Finale
A Quick Recap
In the Season 2 finale, Russell helped Colter with a high-stakes missing persons case while hinting at deeper involvement in their father’s mysterious death.
Cliffhangers That Need Answers
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Did Russell cover up something about their father?
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Why does he always disappear after helping?
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Is he hiding more than we think?
Ackles’s tease suggests we’ll get answers—and maybe even more questions—in Season 3.
Could Russell Be a Villain in Disguise?
Turning Brother Against Brother
One fan theory gaining traction? Russell may turn out to be a pseudo-villain. Not evil—just… not on the same page as Colter.
Think Loki to Thor. Or Dean to Sam… at their worst.
The Psychological Tug-of-War
Season 3 might dig into Russell’s motives:
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Is he jealous of Colter?
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Is he trying to protect him?
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Or is he working his own agenda?
Behind the Scenes: Why Ackles Is a Big Deal
The Star Power Factor
Let’s not forget—Jensen Ackles is a household name. Bringing him on board wasn’t just a casting choice. It was a strategy.
Boosting Ratings & Expanding the Universe
Ackles’s involvement helped draw Supernatural fans to Tracker. If Season 3 increases his screen time, we could see record-breaking numbers.
Writers’ Intentions: Foreshadowing or Fakeout?
Reading Between the Scripts
Ackles has a habit of dropping hints that only make sense in hindsight. Could this be more foreshadowing?
A Masterclass in Character Arcs
Writers love slow-burn development. Russell’s role might gradually evolve into something massive over the course of the season.
How Season 3 Could Reshape the Show
Dual Protagonists? Yes, Please
The idea of two Shaw brothers—each with different methods, philosophies, and emotional wounds—solving cases? That’s binge-worthy TV.
More Depth, More Drama
Expect more flashbacks, more fights, and maybe a full-blown fallout. Season 3 won’t just be about the cases—it’ll be about the characters.
Potential Storylines for Russell in Season 3
5 Possible Arcs We Could See
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Redemption Tour – Russell tries to make amends.
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Double Life – Is Russell working undercover?
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Family Feud – Colter and Russell clash over ethics.
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Romantic Entanglement – Russell gets involved with a client?
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Truth Seeker – Russell launches his own investigation into their dad’s past.
The Shaw Brothers Dynamic: A Deep Dive
The Push-Pull Relationship
Russell challenges Colter in ways no one else does. He questions, provokes, and even undermines him. But there’s love underneath it all.
A Relationship Worth Exploring
Their chemistry is electric—part trauma, part loyalty, and all complexity. Fans want more of it.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Is Obsessed
What the Fandom Is Saying
Twitter (X), Reddit, and TikTok lit up after Ackles’s comments:
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“Russell needs to be in every episode.”
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“Spin-off when??”
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“I swear if Russell turns out to be shady…”
A Fandom That Wants More
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: Fans are hooked. And they want Russell front and center.
What This Means for Tracker’s Future
Bigger Cast, Bigger Stakes
Adding layers to Russell’s character means expanding the universe—and setting the stage for new stories.
Renewed for More?
With rising ratings, juicy character arcs, and fan engagement, Tracker Season 3 might just be the beginning of a long, thrilling journey.
Final Thoughts: Russell’s Journey Is Just Beginning
Jensen Ackles knows how to drop a breadcrumb and watch fans go wild. His comments may have been subtle, but they speak volumes. Whether Russell becomes a hero, anti-hero, or something in between, one thing’s clear:
Tracker Season 3 is about to get a whole lot more intense.
