The much-loved series – following former Second World War military nurse Claire Randall who travels back from 1945 to 1743 where she encounters, falls in love with, and marries Highland warrior Jamie Fraser – has made huge stars of Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe.
There are already 75 episodes in the can, based on the bestselling novels by American author Diana Gabaldon, although the last series had to be curtailed to just eight episodes due to the global pandemic.
Last time we saw the couple they were strugging with a huge amount of unrest as Jamie and Claire’s grip on Fraser’s Ridge became ever more fragile.
Now millions of Outlander obsessives are on tenterhooks waiting for the imminent annoucement of when season seven will arrive – bringing an end to the ‘Droughtlander’.
Details of the new episodes are sketchy but Starz, the television network that makes and broadcasts Outlander, have revealed a few titbits of information, including much of the cast.
So, here are 14 actors set to join, or return to, the Outlanderverse – and who they will be playing.
1. Izzy Meikle-Small
Izzy Meikle-Small (Another Mother’s Son, Never Let Me Go) plays Rachel Hunter. Rachel is a modest Quaker with a fiery temperament who attracts the attentions of both Young Ian and William.
2. Gloria Obianyo
Gloria Obianyo (Dune, High Life) plays Mercy Woodcock. Mercy is described as a “a free Black woman navigating the hardships of life in Colonial America”.
3. Diarmaid Murtagh
Diarmaid Murtagh (Vikings, Dracula Untold, The Monuments Men) plays Buck Mackenzie. Previously played by Graham McTavish in a cameo during season 5, Buck is Dougal and Geillis’ illegitimate son and a direct ancestor of Roger.
4. Graham McTavish
Graham McTavish (Rambo, The Hobbit, Preacher) plays Dougal MacKenzie. The War Chieftain of Clan MacKenzie is making a welcome return to the Outlander universe for season 7.
5. Joey Philips
Joey Philips (Holby City, Accused) plays Dr Denzell Hunter. Rachel Hunter’s brother is a Quaker who plans to join the Revolutionary Army as a surgeon.
6. Charles Vandervaart
Charles Vandervaart (Lost in Space, The Craft: Legacy) plays William Ransom – Jamie’s secret son who is being raised by Lord John.
7. Kristin Atherton
Kristin Atherton (Waterloo Road, Doctors) plays Jenny Murray. Previously played by Laura Donnelly, Jenny is Jamie’s sister, Ian’s wife, and Young Ian’s mother.
8. Chris Fulton
Chris Fulton (The Witcher, Outlaw King) plays Rob Cameron. Mysterious Rob is a new acquaintance of Roger and Brianna.
9. Andrew Whipp
Andrew Whipp (Cursed, Shetland) plays Brian Fraser. Another fan favourite, Jamie and Jenny’s father will be back in season 7.
10. Layla Burns
Layla Burns (Saving Christmas Spirit, She Will) will play Joan MacKimmie. Last seen in season 4, Joan is the youngest daughter of Laoghaire and Simon MacKimmie, and sister to Marsali Fraser.
11. Rod Hallett
Rod Hallett (The Last Kingdom, Ant-man) plays Benedict Arnold – a notorious revolutionary soldier turned traitor.
12. Lotte Verbeek
Lotte Verbeek (The Fault in Our Stars, The Last Witch Hunter) plays Geillis Duncan. Returning after appearing in the first three seasons (and as the main baddie in season 3), Geillis is a Scottish patriot who travels back from the 20th century to aid the Jacobite cause.
13. Steven Cree
Steven Cree (Outlaw King, Brave) plays Ian Murray. Yet another returnee from season 4, former soldier Ian Murray is husband to Jenny Murray and a close friend of Jamie Fraser.
14. Nell Hudson
Nell Hudson (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Victoria) plays Laoghaire MacKenzie MacKimmie Fraser. Another character last seen in season 4, Laoghaire is Claire’s arch-nemesis who is infatuated with Jamie.
Source: scotsman.com