Outlander, the beloved series based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels, has captivated audiences for over a decade with the adventures of Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser (Caitríona Balfe). While the show has stayed true to its source material in many respects, adapting the intricate and fantastical elements of the books for television often comes with challenges.
Sam Heughan recently opened up to The Hollywood Reporter about one such moment in Season 7 that proved difficult to bring to life. The scene involved Jamie delivering a critical message by writing on the back of a young soldier—an iconic moment from the books.
“It’s a book moment, and even in discussing the practicality of that [moment], we were talking about ‘What is the way to write on this guy’s back?’ and we realized it’s actually very difficult,” Heughan shared. Despite the logistical hurdles, the team found a way to execute the scene, which added a layer of desperation and urgency to the story.
Reflecting on the moment, Heughan noted, “I think it’s just sheer desperation; it’s a moment where [Jamie] is completely at a loss. He can’t work out how to get his message through to these people, and he just goes for the nearest thing. It’s a really dark idea.”
The actor also remarked on how moments like these continue to surprise even seasoned cast members. “It’s amazing that after eight seasons—well, seven at this point—that these characters still surprise us as actors. There are so many times we’ve had these book moments where I’m like, ‘Jamie wouldn’t do that. Jamie knows better.’ And then, I’m like, ‘OK, let’s see what happens.’ And actually, you get this really dramatic moment which is shocking, and I think that’s what makes Outlander perhaps still resonate.”
Looking Ahead: The Final Chapter and Beyond
As the series approaches its conclusion with Season 8, the stakes have never been higher. The Season 7 finale left viewers on edge, teasing explosive developments as Jamie and Claire uncover startling truths about their past. Though production for Season 8 has wrapped, Starz has yet to announce a premiere date.
Fans can also look forward to Outlander: Blood of My Blood, a prequel that explores the love stories of Jamie and Claire’s parents. The series will transport audiences to two distinct eras: the early 18th-century Scottish Highlands, where Jamie’s parents lived, and WWI England, the setting for Claire’s parents.
Diana Gabaldon, the author behind the series, confirmed her involvement in the prequel’s scriptwriting process. “It’s so much easier than writing novels. It takes me three weeks tops to write a scene,” she told TV Insider. Gabaldon also revealed that she’s contributing scripts for both Blood of My Blood and the final season of Outlander.
Stay tuned for updates on the premiere of Season 8 and the release of Outlander: Blood of My Blood. In the meantime, fans can revisit all past seasons of Outlander, now streaming on Starz.