Behind the Scenes of EW'sSupernaturalCover Shoot

This shot is a bit closer to what would eventually land on the cover.

The cemetery set was built on one ofSupernatural’s stages.

The stars were given zero direction when it came to the skeletons.

Samantha Highfill for EW

These poses were their idea.

Yes, the song playing during this portion of the shoot was Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

Fun fact: Ackles knew more of the “Thriller” dance than either of his costars.

Samantha Highfill for EW

Jensen Ackles

Ackles was the first to arrive on the shoot.

This is one of the very first shots.

After the brass knuckles, Ackles went straight for the chainsaw.

Samantha Highfill for EW

On a Halloween-themed photo shoot, there are plenty of pumpkins, both real and fake.

This one is real.

There are also many, many skulls.

Samantha Highfill for EW

you could’t put on cat ears without getting fully into character.

The kittens came from a local shelter.

There were four in total.

Samantha Highfill for EW

Padalecki and Collins had the same idea: Cover Ackles in kittens.

If you look closely, you could see Padalecki getting ready to join the fun.

Here, Ackles and Collins were instructed to try and hold Padalecki back.

Samantha Highfill for EW

It sort of worked.

The skeletons were incredibly professional throughout the entire shoot.

More than half the props never even made it into any photos.

Samantha Highfill for EW

Padalecki did juggle these at one point.

(They were soft.)

Samantha Highfill for EW