At this point, it’s almost impossible to shock Sam and Dean Winchester. They learned the truth about monsters before they could drive, and from that moment on, they’ve met imaginary friends, fought talking teddy bears, and visited fairy realms. (Well, at least one.) And yet, Supernatural’s season 12 finale managed to throw something new their way: When Lucifer’s son was born, he opened a rift to a world where Sam and Dean never existed and heaven and hell are locked in an eternal war. And that won’t be Sam and Dean’s only shock when they learn that Archangel Michael is alive in this alternate world.

“The Michael of apocalypse world is the victor,” showrunner Andrew Dabb says of the new version of the character, who will be played by Christian Keyes. “He’s a very different character than the one we met even in season 5. He’s Genghis Khan. He’s been through the wars. He’s conquered the world.” All the brothers can hope now is that he won’t conquer theirs, seeing as how Dabb says the worlds will collide…eventually.

EW has an exclusive first look at Michael’s return below.

Image zoom Jack Rowand/The CW