Sam Heughan is turning heads with a striking new transformation and an unexpected pivot in his career. Fresh off wrapping the final season of Outlander, the Scottish actor has ditched Jamie Fraser’s iconic flowing red hair in favor of a much shorter style. The reason? He’s preparing to take on one of Shakespeare’s most legendary roles: Macbeth.
After more than a decade as the romantic lead in Outlander, Heughan is stepping back into the theater spotlight. In an interview with Deadline, he revealed he’ll play the title role in a new Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) production of Macbeth. It will mark his first stage performance in 12 years—a return he’s eagerly embracing.
“It’s exciting to be treading the boards again,” Heughan said. “I’ve been doing Outlander for 11 years, and obviously it was brilliant, but I wanted something else.” The actor explained that watching the RSC’s Edward II rekindled his passion for the stage. “I sat in the auditorium and I felt that excitement, sort of the churn in my stomach as the lights went down and I was like, ‘Yeah, this is the drug I’m looking for.’ And it’s terrifying. And I think that’s a good thing—to be scared again.”
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Directed by Daniel Raggett, the RSC’s Macbeth will run at The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon from October 9 through December 6. Heughan will be joined by acclaimed actress Lia Williams, known for her roles in The Crown and The Day of the Jackal, who will portray Lady Macbeth.
Heughan’s dramatic makeover didn’t remain under wraps for long. On June 3, he posted a photo on Instagram revealing his new cropped hairstyle and expressing his excitement about the role. “At age 18, standing on the main stage of the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh, playing ‘spear-carrier number 2’ in a production of Macbeth, I could only dream of one day playing the infamous title character,” he wrote.
Now, more than two decades later, Heughan says the opportunity feels like a full-circle moment. “It feels full circle to be returning to the stage, after over a decade working primarily in television and film. Not only is Macbeth my favourite Shakespeare play—intense, immediate and unsettling—it also happens to be famously Scottish.”
He called his RSC debut “the pinnacle of my ambition,” and shared his enthusiasm for the production’s intimate setting. “The Other Place is the perfect space to create an intense, intimate production and, like Lady M, we will be calling upon the spirits of the RSC’s highly acclaimed past productions for their blessing. See you in Stratford Upon Avon!”
Fans were quick to respond with excitement in the comments. “I hope to see my dream come true and be in a privileged audience. Thank you, Sam, it’s going to be a real treat to see you on stage,” one wrote. Another added, “It’s super exciting seeing you back to your theatrical roots and shining in your stage element! Congrats! #breakaleg.”
What do you think of Sam Heughan’s new look? Do you prefer his hair short or long? Let us know in the comments below.