Tobias Menzies, best known for his dual role as historian Frank Randall and his ancestor Captain “Black Jack” Randall in the hit Starz series Outlander, almost had another role in the drama. However, executive producer Ronald D. Moore ultimately decided against it.
Speaking on the official Outlander podcast, Moore explained a key moment in the series: “When they’re at Versailles, Jamie and Claire see Alex [Randall] across the way. Claire actually faints because she thinks it’s Jack because they’re almost identical. And I thought you couldn’t go there in the show because we were casting Tobias as both Jack and Frank.”
Moore revealed that there was a discussion about whether Menzies should also portray Alex Randall. “Somebody asked at one point, ‘Will you cast Tobias as Alex as well?’ That’s a bridge too far. You’re not going to get away with it.” Instead, Laurence Dobiesz was cast in the role, and writer Anne Kenney remarked on the podcast how much he resembled Menzies.
Moore elaborated on the casting decision, saying, “Yeah, you can’t go three times. That’s too much, so we just opted to not play that card. I think it’s believable. I look at him and think absolutely that could be Tobias’ brother.”
Alex Randall had a significant role in Outlander season two, presenting a stark contrast to Black Jack, who had been portrayed as brutal and sadistic. Despite Menzies not playing Alex, his roles as Frank and Black Jack remained integral to the storyline. Frank, Claire Fraser’s (Caitríona Balfe) first husband, played a crucial part in raising her daughter, Brianna Mackenzie (Sophie Skelton), and continued to be an emotional presence in their lives. Meanwhile, the trauma inflicted by Black Jack on Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) left lasting physical and emotional scars.
Although Black Jack appears in Diana Gabaldon’s novel Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, the character did not make it into the TV adaptation. Menzies, who has since starred in The Crown and Game of Thrones, confirmed he would not return for Outlander’s seventh or final seasons.
Speaking to TV Line in 2024, he said, “What am I allowed to say? It would be great. [But] no, you will not see me. They’re going to bring it home magnificently, I’m sure.”