SPN News: 8 weeks down, 11 to go

The end is near!

Well, of course not really. On the show, the end was averted. And IRL, we still have months and months to go before the season premiere. Until September 24th to be exact! The CW was the first network to announce premiere dates, and unfortunately, our beloved show is the last one on the schedule.

But up in Vancouver, they're already shooting. Jim Beaver tweeted that they were beginning filming of Jensen Ackles' directorial debut on June 30. Whether that's episode 3 or episode 4 seems open to debate. Ausiello and Jim Beaver say it's ep 4, but other sources (including Jensen Ackles) said it's ep 3.

Does it really matter? :)

They're filming this episode first so Jensen can have his prep time without interference from or in the episodes that come before his. You can find details of the episode, titled "Weekend at Bobby's," here.

Is it September yet?

In other news...

Mark Pellegrino tells Fearnet (article via Digital Spy) that he would love to return to the show.

The Complete First Season of Supernatural was released on Blu-Ray (finally!) last month, so if you're a Blu-Ray user looking to complete your collection, now you can!

Spoiler TV has amalgamated some casting and behind-the-scenes spoilers about potential guest stars and the episode Jensen is directing at the beginning of the season.

Sun Valley Magazine has a article about "The Perfect Winter Wedding." The focus is on Genevieve, a Sun Valley native, but it has some beautiful photos of the wedding.

Ausiello announces the official word on Mitch Pileggi's return, with other casting news. Minor spoilery.

Going to Comic-Con? Warner Bros. announced their lineup, and the Supernatural screening and Q&A will be on Sunday, July 25, from 11:15 to 12:15. Eric, Ben, and Sera will join unnamed actors to present a sneak peak of season 5 DVD extras as well as season 6.

The CW Sourcies (fan awards) are currently being conducted. Keep track of them here and vote on Most Heartbreaking Moment, Best Villian, etc. Voting time frame for each category is short-lived, so check back often!