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EXCLUSIVE: Sony Pictures TV has closed a deal for the rights to Outlander, Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling fantasy/romance/adventure series of books. Battlestar Galactica developer/executive producer Ron Moore will write the series adaptation, with Jim Kohlberg’s Story Mining and Supply Co producing. The project will be taken to cable networks this week.
The book series starts off in 1945 and follows Claire, a married WWII combat nurse who accidentally steps back in time to the Scottish Highlands of 1743. Catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that send her on the run and threaten her life she is forced to marry Jamie, a gallant and passionate young Scots warrior, igniting a passionate love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire… and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives. The seven-book series has sold over 20 million copies. An eighth novel is slated to come out next year. The books have developed passionate fan following, with multiple companies running “Jamie and Claire” tours of Scotland, where they visit locations from the books.
For Moore, the project stems from his overall deal with Sony Pictures TV. Star Trek veteran Moore, repped by CAA, started his writing career on Next Generation and also spent five years on Deep Space Nine. He then served as co-executive producer/co-showrunner on the WB’s Roswell and as executive producer/showrunner on HBO’s Carnivale before segueing to Battlestar Galactica.
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Great book, but this is going to be a bitch to adapt. Casting will be absolutely key. And in the case of Jamie Fraser, nearly impossible. I hope they’re planning on something along the lines of a mini-series rather then just one film.
i agree with you !00% on this… Not sure how you can cast Jamie I think they will have to go out and look for someone new.. I do not see any actors today filling the bill on that one
My only concern will be if Diana Gabaldon will be consulting so that they stay true to the book.
I agree wholeheartedly!! There is so much material to work with in this wonderful series of books that my hope is that they stay true to the storyline and the characters that Diana has brought to life.
I have read many of these comments and there are some REALLY valid points. I have been in LOVE with Jamie and Clair from the time of the very first book. Yes, some screen adaptations have turned out badly but others have not. Just as casting has failed at times it has also worked. Example: Tom Cruise as Lestat in Interview with a Vampire. NONE of us, including Anne Rice, thought that would work but it did. That movie is now a classic. Scripting a book to TV is also a big concern. Those of us who are Charlaine Harris fans were a bit surprized when True Blood came out and concerned because it did not exactly follow the books. Let me tell you, the show is AMAZING and has a HUGE following that has led so many who had not read the books to do so. I agree that the actors chosen for Outlander need to come from Scotland and England because of the dialects. I don’t care what anyone says, if it is not your Native language you will always have an “accent” and that just will not do for this series. I am excited to see this happen and can’t wait to see some of my favorite “people” on screen
Unfortunately Diana has stated before that she is uninterested in being all wrapped up in a filming project. It’s too much time consuming stress when she’d rather focus on what she does best -writing more novels. Check out her website or facebook page for more of her opinions on the subject.
Hugh definitely gets my vote!
She just cannot let them bastardize her great writing can she? She has to have some involvement, PLEASE!
The movies or in this case tv series are never spot on, but it will be fun to see where the differences are. I agree casting is vital, Jamie is so multi-dimensional, but not impossible. I do hope that it is someone newish that will be willing to hang in there for the long run. I would rather have Diana Gabaldon spend her time cranking out more books. We are about the same age and since it takes three years to get a book out, there aren’t that many years left to complete it. I hate it when a favorite author retires before I die.
I agree!! The books are too great to be “messed with.”
I agree that Jamie is going to be a tough one to cast, but I think Claire will be too. The amazing chemistry between the two jumps out of the books when you read them. I hope they can duplicate the humor, respect and love they have for each other.
I’d love to see Diana participate in making sure they stay true to her books. But I want her to keep writing and finish her series before I die! Now that would be a bummer!
I agree. There have been some popular book to screen projects recently that have not worked because of ridiculous casting and the origianl author not making sure that the story is the same. Ex: Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher (come on, 5’6″ instad of 6″4″? It is actually laughable. And as much as I like Mark Harmon in NCIS, he is just not Lucas Davenport.
I totally agree! They better do it right!
They’d bloody well better consult with Diana – heavily!!! Too many great books have been made into lousy screen garbage!
Once they turn it over the author has no say so in what happens.
depends on how the contract is written
but – yes – in vast majority of cases the author has little to no say in casting
The Outlander series should be a snap to convert to a television series because of the way Diana writes. She writes scenes then compiles them into episodes that are later called chapters which are then ordered into the books. This is why the book breathes life each chapter is richly crafted with historic depth an believable characters. I just hope the subplots and colorful characters are not chopped like the abridged audio books chopped them. The abridgements were mostly lifeless because the comic relief and historical references that anchor the fantasy story line of time travel were almost completely left out.
As to casting. Jamie is not a chunky hunky or hunky six pack jock. He is a tall, agile, wirery,intelligent, determined, high cheek boned cat-slanty eye, rosey cheeked, cheeky youth. His muscles come from work. His universal attraction is due to his wit and sense of self and the place he lives in.
The best the director can do is to make sure whoever he picks can really act and loves the books and characters. A good actor can overcome almost any physical misses.
OMG, Benedict Cumberbatch immediately came to mind – going back to his natural ginger hair color, of course.
I agree. I just saw a picture of Hugh Jackman and he actually looks perfect for the role of Roger!
I read earlier on a different site that though she will not have any power such as the likes of JK Rowling, she will be serving as a co-producer and will be constantly in contact with Moore and his staff. On that score, I am truly happy!
have you seen pictures of hugh jackman with long hair? he would certainly have the right dialect and i could imagine him very well playing jamie. i thought about that for a long time, too, since i have a very strong image of jamie. but my vote would be either someone completely new to the acting scene (but in his 30s) or hugh. just my opinion
Hugh COULD pull it off
)
Hugh Jackman is WAY TOO OLD. Jamie is supposed to be a young man in his early 20s in the first book.
NOOOOOOOO!!!! casting Jamie is an impossible task…love Hugh Jackman But NOOOO!!
Hugh Jackman is not nearly young enough anymore to play the Young Jamie Fraser.
I think one key thing everyone forgets about ‘young’ Jamie is that people aged MUCH more quickly then than they do now. Claire is almost ten years his senior and just because she ate vegetables and brushed her teeth growing up Jamie thinks she is his age.
Also, what makes someone look different from the time they are 20-30, sure, now especially people tend to gain weight, but if you look at really fit people they generally tend to look about 30 for quite a while.
What about Prince Harry as Jamie?!
Jackman is way too old for the part.
Hugh jackman can’t play young jamie…and i don’t see him at all as jamie!
I agree with Chris Helmsworth as Jaimie… but who would be good for Claire???!!!
Hugh would be a great Frank/Jack Randall. NOT Jamie. He Chris Hemsworth (Thor) would be a great Jamie. Or….. Jamie should be an unknown new actor. Total surprise. I could cast Clair time and time again.
Sorry, I don’t see Hugh as Jamie. It’s virtually impossible to identify a real live Jamie!
That’s true. He lives only in my dreams
*starts singing* only in my dreams, as real as it may seem, it was only in my dreams…
sorry, am I dating myself? I’m not to sure about Hugh Jackman as Jamie, although he might make a better Dougal. I think you also have to take into consideration who’s playing Claire. You need to find the right chemistry between those 2. I think I might be able to forgive physical differences or accents if they get that right.
Not that I think nationality/accent will absolutely affect the casting. Just remember the Highlander – Sean Connery (a Scot) playing a Spaniard and Christopher Lambert (French) playing the Scottish Highlander…
NO. The main issue for this series, of course, would be casting, specifically for Jamie. That said, Jackman would be great as Dougal, NOT Jamie. For Jamie to be cast correctly, the producers NEED (X10)to find an unknown red-headed Scottish actor who is young enough to portray Jamie. If casting had to go outside of Scotland (*GASP*), Liam Helmsworth would be a decent actor. That said, the producers have a daunting task ahead of them for casting Jamie, and even Clair.
I don’t know why everyone is so concerned about the young Jamie – most of the series portrays him in his 40′s and 50′s …
Wow…I totally agree with you. The books are amazing and the characters even more so. They do need to keep with a Scottish actor and a British actress for Jamie and Claire…but not big star actors. They would take away from the characters. Have not a clue where they’d find a BIG tall strapping Scot to play Jamie. He is supposed to be rugged not pretty boy. Claire would be rough to cast as well. I am still reading the books and don’t know if I could bring myself to watch the series. They will not be able to hold a candle to the books and if Diana is not consulting…they will not have the same effect at all. I hope Diana keeps writing!!
I totally agree with you. Jamie has to be an unknown. This chacter matching makes me nervous. lol
While most of the series is Jamie older, we fell in love with him as a young man. You gotta hook ‘em first.
But Hollywood can do magic with special effects and makeup, make someone look older or younger or even smaller (Captain America) and larger.
I agree that the actor who plays Jamie Fraser should be tall, red-haired, and a Scotsman. He should also be on the muscular side. Jamie was/is not a wimp.
Liam Hemsworth or even Chris Hemsworth. He looked AMAZING in Snow White and even had the accent down! Just a bit of hair color and he’s perfect!!
Excuse me! Did someone say the AUSTRALIAN actor, Hugh Jackman, would have the right accent?! Seriously?! Jamie comes from the Highlands of Scotland! Let’s think back to Mel Gibson trying, and failing miserably, to pull off a Scottish accent for Braveheart. He was all over the place. Scottish accents are very place-specific so someone from, say, Glasgow or Aberdeen would be very different to Edinburgh or Inverness.
I liked Mel in Braveheart. His accent wasn’t perfect but his character spent his childhood moving around the world with his uncle so it is almost believable that his accent wouldn’t be exactly like true Scottish ones.
too old jamie was only 23 or so when they first met. i thought of him too.
they could use a latin star, there are some quite handsome men out there who could make a great Jamie. But like all of you not sure it can be pulled off. I’d have to hear reviews before i saw it, i can’t say how dissapointed I was with the first twilight movie.
Hugh Jackman is a fabulous actor, and I love his work. The problem with casting for Outlander is that Diana has gone to such lengths to describe her characters physical traits, that her readers are going to absolutely revolt if the actors looks do not measure up to their imaginations. Hugh doesn’t stand a chance.
So True….Casting for Jamie will be the most important & difficult part for this venture
too old though. Jamie was only 23 when they first met
Yeah. Hugh Jackman is going to do a television series on cable.
Get real people. He’s a film actor.
Won’t be watching if they are produced No one put forward as Jamie even comes close. The Hemsworths and Hugh Jackman are Australian
and as much as I like Hugh – no way.
Hugh Jackman is Australian, not Scottish!
I can’t see Hugh Jackman for Jaime but how about him for Roger!! He has the right color, cheeks, height and could modify his accent!
Gerard butler, he is already Scottish
Google Tom Hiddleston . . . check the educational background as well as the physical looks. Remember, Jamie is classically educasted!
have you seen DG’s photos on facebook? she has a dream cast collection there and I must say chris hemsworth is the closest to jamie we can come
I vote for Chris helmsworth, I watched Thor just to see if he is up to the task for Jamie and I think YES. Hugh jack man is a favorite of mine but I think too old for Jamie as Jamie was young in the first book
Agreed about one of the helmsworth bros playing Jameyand maybe Rachel McAdams as Claire.
I agree! Chris Helmsworth gets my vote or Jamie.
SO AGREE with Chris Helmsworth being cast as Jamie! He could totally pull that off!! They could age him for an older Jamie easily, and he looks boyish enough to play young Jamie. Hope the powers that be recognize him as THE ONE!!!
Chris Helmsworth… close, but no. While the right height and hunkiness, his resemblance stops at the eyes. His features are very UNJamie-like, with his short snub nose and small mouth.
All Jamie’s descriptions say the same thing, like a bizillion times… Long straight nose, wide mouth that always has a hint of a smile, and blue slanted cat eyes. He is the tallest man in the room most of the time. He’s not overly bulky, but very muscular. (Have you ever tried to swing a broad sword?)
Casting Jamie is going to be VERY hard and SO important to the success of the series! Do they know that there are herds of fans with VERY strong opinions? The books MUST be followed!
Absolutely agree! Chris is the only person I have ever thought could pull off young Jamie – Imagine Thor in a kilt!
Oh my!!
I agree that Chris Hemsworth is a suitable Jaimie. Watch him in Snow White and you’ll see what I mean. The most important issue I think is that it be treated as a mini series and not a stand alone TV film, having said that, the press release did mention that Sony was shopping it around to cable TV networks.
Chris Hemsworth just might fit the part. He has had long hair in at least two of his movies, and with a red wig, he might do justice as Jamie.
I watched Snow White and the Huntsman last night and I can see Chris Hemsworth as Jamie. He is 6’4″ and though a little older at 29, I believe that he would be great in the part. And, he does a Scottish accent well. But, he is a film actor. What are the chances he would want to do a series for TV?
Michael Fassbender.
Michael Fassbendsr??? really!?? Way too small framed of a man to play Jamie!
Actually I think Chris Hemsworth who played Thor could play Jamie — all he needs is the red hair dye.
The actors for Jamie and Claire absolutely MUST be unknowns and absolutely true to their nationalities in the book.
If they don’t do this right, they will lose millions of dollars because the fans of these books are too emotionally tied to what the author created them to be. If they screw the first one up, no one will watch any of the others.
Those producing the onscreen adaptations need to by VERY careful.
I agree that they have to get it right, but it will be impossible to get every event into a miniseries. The story can still be well told even with a few missing scenes. After all, some of the scenes advance the understanding of the character rather than an important story line. In visual presentations, e.g. some of Clair’s distress in the confusion about who she loves needs very little more than a very short flashback showing some of Frank’s good (or not so good?) behavior or a quick shot of Frank’s “sophisticated” or “skilled” lovemaking compared to Jamie’s “joyful” abandon. Some of that character understanding usually comes by the acting, rather than the story itself.
I am willing to bet the first series will be all Book 1, (and further installments will depend on whether or not we like that). Book 1 is complete in itself with various crises resolved. The others almost demand that we read the one following because there are things left deliberately unresolved.
I am not familiar with the proposed actors since my interest in young ones has diminished. (e.g. I like old Sean Connery better than the young one.) But I do agree that it would be ridiculous to use anyone who was not tall, muscular (like a basketball player, Clair muses)and a certain craggyness under the youthful flesh. He moves like a cat, etc. He is no pretty boy, but very strikingly masculine. Hair can be dyed, makeup can age or make youthful to some degree.
Jamie is the key choice in appearance. Any lovely woman might play Clair if she can act well enough to give her strong character and determination.
Gerard Butler
Agree wholeheartedly! I would rather we end up with the same true-to-the-books film quality similar to Harry Potter than what we are getting with True Blood! The author collaboration and insistence to authenticity is crucial.
The only person to fit in Jamie’s shoes is Chris Hemsworth!!!!!!
I agree with the comment that this book should be done as a mini series rather than a film or a weekly show. there is a lot to material with the seven books total, but i agree it will be a bitch to adapt. Sticking to the story line and the casting will either make or break the whole show!!! Read the books!!! the details are critical. Remember that these were also not a lot of pretty hollywood type people. Good luck!! I am an avid fan, have read the books several times, I am excited!!
The should do the books like HBO has done with Game of Thrones, each book a season. I think the Game of Thorns series is very good and true to the books.
I agree a season or each book would be the best thing to do.
Yes, I agree with the HBO or even AMC quality.
Agreed!
A season for a book sounds great, I am just trying to imagine capturing everything that happens in 8-10 1hr clips. I personally hope they would make it longer than 10 episodes. Its a daunting undertaking to say the least. Diana has a HUGE following of very loyal readers (understatement). As many have already stated casting is crucial. It would be nice to have Diana over watching things, but she has stated she does not want any part of it (maybe we can all convince her!). If the Brits think they had a hard time controlling the Scots, wait till they screw up the series or even the casting, LOL! I can not wait!
HBO’s Game of Thrones true to the books? Well apart from changing some of the names, there are a number of actors who don’t meet the physical descriptions from the books, all the kids have been aged up – Daenerys Targaryen was only thirteen when she was wed to Khal Drogo and Robb Stark was 15, not the muscly bloke with chin stubble in the series. Tyrion Lanaster is described as deformed in the books with mismatched eyes. Peter Dinklage can’t be described as deformed at all. And that’s just for starts…
Point is, no matter how fans of Outlander shriek and yell, they’ll cast who they want, who’s available and whose price is in budget. The stalwart book fans who hate the casting will be replaced by new fans who have never read the books. For me, the accents are of utmost importance. I will not watch the series at all if they cast Americans as Jamie and Claire, simple as that.
Your comment is on target, but the characters of Game of Thrones are cast as well as they could have been for an adult themed miniseries. The ages of the characters had to be cast to the best possible use of the parts to be played. I don’t think younger actors could have portrayed the maturity that character like Rob and Daenerys could have been done with younger actors. But you are absolutely correct that Americans should not be cast in any of the parts until they reach the Americas. Just because we don’t see them, does not mean that talented and believable actors from Scotland and England. Just make sure the accents are not too heavy to be easily understood by us Yankees! I hope this does come to happen – I will certainly watch it because I love the books.
I’m opting for HBO too. More people subscribe for HBO and they did a terrific job with The Tudors if you recall! Some of the Outlander books are quite lengthy and I hope they don’t chop it up to fit it into a series!
The Outlander books with all the rich historical threads running through the story is perfect for a “Game of Thrones” type of treatment. Let it happen. Please!
I agree with you…unknown characters that would be my choice…a mini-series would be great…one book a season…the best they can do to make everybody happy…of course, must be cast older actors for the next books…in the course of the saga, the characters age, too…that is my opinion…I can’t wait!!!
I agree with you, Elke. Two unknowns and mini-series with a book each season. Hugh Jackman is not the right guy.
I SO agree…casting will be both the key and the worst part of getting this together. All of the fans, myself included, are pretty fanatical about the books and our idea of how everything should look. We will be naturally critical and demanding so I hope they’re up to it! LOL
The biggest problem I see is in casting. You must remember that the lead characters in Book 1, are Jamie age 22 and Claire age 25. Yet as the Scotland portion of the series where they reconnect Jamie is 45 and Claire 48, and by the America portion they both get well into their 50′s. I can see “aging” an actor for older roles, but I cannot see starting out with the current lead actors of today playing these roles … This includes the contests that Diana Gabaldon ran on her Facebook site over the past several weeks. All of those chosen are way too old for the characters as they would have been in the first book.
Also, the facial and bodily features have been so well defined in the author’s books, that the actors playing these roles will have to at least “come close” to conforming.
I agree that it’s not going to be easy meeting all of our, the avid readers and mega fans, personal imaginations. We will, I’m afraid have to put our own imagery to one side when watching on screen adaptations. The specifics of Jamie’s blade sharp long nose for example, but please don’t rewrite his eyes, lol. I just hope they don’t go all Hollywood on us and do try to keep it gritty and very visceral.
It says series and as long as they stay true to the book it might actually work. Casting will be a huge deal!
Yes, two things will make or break it: Sticking to the story and PERFECT casting. Not porno sex scenes or over the top blood and gore. The story is strong enough to stand on its own. Please tell me it’s going to be a miniseries!
I agree 100% & these stories can definately carry the series on it own. I sure hope they’re very true to the books. But it’s great that it’s finally happening. I wish them all the luck in the world.
M. Myers, I agree about the porno sex, although in some cases in the books it comes close, there is always the build up and then camera fade, leaving the viewer to use his imagination as to all the exact details. As to the blood and gore … I don’t know how you can avoid that in the battle scenes, both with the Scots & English in the battles before and through Culloden, as well as those in the American Revolution. Those wars really did happen, and they were very bloody and gory indeed.
HAHAHA, but there are some pretty intense sex scenes in the books! There’s gotta be a little sex in the show at least.
Valerie, I couldn’t agree with you more. I have been hoping deep in my heart that this will be done to honor the book and by that I mean explicit in every sense of the word. The mini-series Rome is a good example of what I’m talking about. They dealt with the savageness and the intimacy in a very realistic manner. The physical relationship between Jamie and Claire is integral to the story. I am a rabid ( but sensible) fan of the series and can barely wait for the next installment. I was a bit underwhelmed by the last book though. Not enough sex for me but Jamie and Claire are in their 50′s………I want the sex to be nearly pornographic but tasteful. And the battles need to be visceral.
Strange to me that the above anonymous person thought there wasn’t enough sex in the last book. For me, the last book was the first time that I thought there was too much sex. I feel that I’ve come to know the characters so well that I felt uncomfortably voyeuristic during the love scenes. But I agree that the love scenes are an important part that seperate the “love story” aspect of these tales from your run-of-the-mill harlequin romance and should not be left out or down played in a film/TV version.
I agree to some extent, Claude, and I can’t imagine this series can be classed at any less than a PG17 or even R rating, but there are some scenes in the book that would be difficult to play on TV in quite the descriptive way they are in the book(s.) One I’m thinking of is in the book Voyager, when at Lallybroch, the teenage stepdaughter slams open the bedroom door to see “Daddy” Jamie, in a lovemaking scene with “who is this woman?” Claire.
I think the producers and directors can come up with a satisfactory method of handling some of these love scenes without diminishing either the book or revealing too much to the TV audience.
Okay, here’s the thing. I read the first Outlander novel back when in was in high school–so perhaps 1995 or 1996? Shortly after the first one was published, anyway. And I fell in love with the book and have faithfully read the sequels ever since, always trying to picture in my minds’ eye the characters (I always had the hardest time with Brianna, because it’s difficult to envision a six-foot+ girl who’s proportionate and who embodies all the Scotch-warrior-like features of her father while still staying attractive…or is that just my limited imagination?) However, I’d like to say that while I’ve enjoyed all the stories (and the resultant Lord John Grey tales) as a avid fan, the only ones I’d really be excited to see are the first three books, Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, and Voyager. Back when Jamie (Oh, Jamie!!!) and Claire were young, the action was crazy, and the sex was toe-curlingly hot. Cast with those three books in mind, and leave the last four books to, well, the books.
Emily, I agree with you about Brianna. I keep imagining a very tall, very bulky red headed woman. Clearly, there is something wrong with my imagination
I’ve always thought a TV series was the only way possible to do these book. Far too much material to cover in a movie. But even a TV series is going to be quite a challenge. Many TV series run only 10 to 13 episodes per season. I don’t see how you can cover any of these books in only 13 episodes without leaving out so much that you are going to anger die hard fans of the books. Historical, costume dramas, are expensive. I signed up to HBO solely on the strength of “Game of Thrones” I enjoyed Season 1 but then stopped watching it because in Season 2 so much was being condensed and left out. I fear Outlander will suffer the same fate unless the backers have VERY deep pockets and even greater patience.
nooooooo!!! hbo!
Yes I aggree please no HBO. Don’t make me pay extra (I’m retired & can’t afford it) to see this.
I see your point, but there is no way to honor the story in a 2 hr. movie, the story is way too rich!
I agree! Jamie Fraser will be hard to cast, however they could look at someone with a similar physique while having to dye their hair ‘red’.
Diana, it’s not a matter of just dying someone’s hair … Jamie has been described in extreme detail … his razor nose, slant eyes, his muscular build and stature. 6’4″ in 1745 was VERY tall indeed. Deep blue eyes can be handled with contacts, hair can be dyed, but you can’t manufacture the build, AND remember throughout the books, Jamie’s gait and manner is that of someone in control, even when he doesn’t realize he portrays that.
Yes, but a movie or TV show is an *adaptation,* not a literal translation. Actors do not have to perfectly match book descriptions to be successful.
Remember they are making this for the audience, Unless you (they) want a riot or boycott, they better try to match the characters! A LOT of very loyal reader.
This is the best story I have ever read , I so loved this series that everyone I see, meet, know or ever will know, I will tell how much I love Diana Galbaldon’s highlander series. It wasn,t just the series it is the way the story is told that makes it so good.. Everyone that reads it falls in love with claire and jamie. Jamie is so much in love with claire, I hope they can fine away to pull this into life.. I don,t know I guess we will see.
The title states it’s to be a TV series…. so no worries!!! Yay!!!
Chris Hemsworth as Jamie…hands down
Yes, Chris Hemsworth is perfect! He’s only 28 so he could definitely pull it off.
Chris Hemsworth would make a great Jaime!
Check out D. Gabaldon’s website. Her fans have suggested the perfect cast – including Jamie!
I agree with you 100%. They could ruin the whole “bloody” wonderful series. Ugh.
It saqys Series…not movie or miniseries, it might be ok…but you are right, casting is a huge point the need to consider.
two words: Hugh Jackman
And a working, popular movie star would sign on to a TV show… why? And even if he would, how would the show possibly afford him?
I would say the same thing about Chris Helmsworth. Dude has been in how many successful movies so far? There is NO WAY he would be Jamie.
If it’s Ron Moore, I would expect a redux of some Battlestar Characters. And I think they will be aged somewhere upwards than 23 and 27 so that they could fast forward in two seasons. What about Tahmoh Penikett? With red hair, he might work…
Definately mini-series material. check out what they did with Game of Thrones and do it the same way, marvelous. Jamie is going to be tough. Fans have already chosen a bunch to fit their ideas of the actors for the various rolls…check it out Mr Moore. I have loved your work in the past, please stay true to this marvelous book!!
Having seen the casting of Tom Cruise(!) as Jack Reacher (described in the books as 6’5″ tall and built to match blond ex-US Marine Redcap) by the Hollywood machine, I expect Danny de Vito will get the part of Jamie!
I’m thinking along the lines of Chris Hemsworth dyed up all red….just might work!
wow, first if you don’t follow the story line a bzillion women readers will hang your hide on the barn door guy. You cannot possibly do this in one movie…story line remember and I hope to heck you read the book. If you do it like Game of Thrones was done you can’t lose and I bet every one of us who own all the books hardback, soft back audible, etal., will buy every copy for them and their friends.
I just hope they use people from Scotland…the accent is hard to fake. It would be nice to have a true Brit for Claire as well.
I will subscribe to HBO just to see it!!!
Agreed!! I’m a huge fan. I cannot wait!
Most of the people I visualize are too old, sadly. Jason Isaacs in ‘The Patriot’ pretty much sealed him as Randal in my mind. Alex Kingston would make a good Claire for the later books, but not this one. I had a Roger Mac in mind, but damn if I can remember. And Jamie, oooh Jamie. It took forever to find him, then I saw Thor. Give Chris Hemsworth the proper accent and thats my Jamie.
Chris Hemsworth will certainly work as Jamie, and I seriously want Richard Armitage to be considered for Black Jack/Frank Randall once he finishes filming The Hobbit. He was wonderful in the BBC Robin Hood series!
The only problem with Chris may be his film schedule…Claire could be Rose Leslie or Zoe Boyle from Downton Abbey…
Gabriel Aubry = Jamie Fraiser, If only he was an actor not a model.
If you read the title of the article, this will be a cable TV series, so your wish will come true, and I think as long as they us unknowns for the main characters, who can act, the show will do well, I’ll tune in!
Wonderful news!
I can see a series being so much better than a movie would ever have been. With a series, they will be able to fully present the characters while developing the full book. I hope the writers stick very closely to the book. Outlander fans want this story and we won’t like anything not in the book.
Really, I hope every Jamie and Claire fan will watch the series and find it to be a well done, loyal to the book series. Having a huge number of readers watching the same show will really add big numbers for those all important ratings numbers.
Now, go make the Outlander Series so we can watch it.
Please get a Scots actor for this with a genuine Highland accent. How about Gerard Butler , or is he too old? He’s certainly good-looking enough and he is a Scot.
The “Outlander” series is my absolute favorite book series. I love the style that Diana Gabaldon writes with. Each book is a refreshing long drink of ambrosia! A TV series is such a fantastic idea for Outlander but yes, actor selection is CRUCIAL! However there are two other impotant aspects too: shooting location and true to actual physical considerations (ie, clothing, props, even the food they are eating!). There is a disticnt flavor to seeing a real castle in a real setting or a real log home in the wilderness. I have had the luck to live in Europe for 8 years and my favorite thing was to go castle hopping in Germany, Italy, England, Scotland etc. Even the views from high castle walls were seen diferently than from on the ground. Clothing ALWAYS transports the viewer too! And since the majority of the audience will be female, they need to pay attention to details ! Best wishes for creating this series; it will be a daunting task all around! but it will have a HUGE following if it is done right!
I have read all these books, hope this is true. The books are wonderful, have meet Diana in Kansas City, she was so good in reading parts of her books. Hope you can get the right people to play all the parts in the book.
Nena, when was Diana in Kansas City???? I never heard of it or I would have been there!
Hahahahah OMG. Ron Moore? Handling the most iconic romance novel couple of all time? I hope fans are ready for Claire to poof out of existence at the end.
You got that right!
Please let this end up on a network that I get!
You know, you can change networks as series stop and start. That’s what I do for Game of Thrones.
There’s enough in each book to do a weekly program for several years (especially if it isn’t every week all year).
I’m only vaguely familiar with the books, but ridiculously excited for anything RDM does. Hope it goes further than his last couple of projects.
I’ve admired Ron Moore’s work for years, as well as being huge a fan of the Outlander series, so I am very excited about this news.
I wonder if they plan on covering one book per season? I’ve often thought that this would be the best way to handle an Outlander adaptation.
News flash to HBO, etc. – I will become a subscriber for this.
I, too, will become a subscriber for this. I just hope they don’t do a hack job on it like has happened with several other great historical novels.
I hope they do not make this like science fiction. We who love these books “almost” believe they are real. Casting is really important not like the casting of Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher in the new movie by Lee Child. Whoever heard of a 50 year old 5’7″ man playing the part of a 35 year old 6’5″.
I absolutely agree with you. I adore the Outlander series. Also like the Jack Reacher books. I am glad someone else thinks Tom Cruise is a poor choice for the movie. Hollywood is so silly sometimes with the casting. I was nervous when I heard they were making a movie for the Stephanie Plum series. But Katherine Heigl is a funny lady although shes way to tall and busty to be Stephanie. I know that Janet Evanovich wanted someone like Sandra Bullock for the part. Never know what you are gonna get these days. Avid book readers always know the books are always better than the movies they try to make out of them. The only example of a very well done adaptation is what Peter Jackson did with the lord of the rings series. I think he did a fantastic job. But he spent tons of money and years making them. But he proved that it can be done well if you make the effort.
Oh, I pray so MUCH that Katherine Heigl is no where NEAR this. Ughhhh.
I agree. ONE FOR THE MONEY was a huge disappointment. Katherine Heigl was so wrong for the part of Stephanie, and while I like the actor who played Joe Morelli (his name slipped my mind just now), he is Irish and NOT Italian. Also, Debbie Reynolds was all wrong for Grandma Mazur. Ranger should have been played by Dwayne Johnson. I so looked forward to that movie, and was so disappointed. It was nowhere near as funny as the book, and I don’t see how there can be any more movies in the Janet Evanovich series, unless they get different actore for the various parts.
Oh dear, can you even imagine the horror of Heigl doing this?
Casting for outlander:
Claire-Olivia Wilde
Lord John Grey-Jamie Campbell Bower(remember we see him first at sixteen, then at 25)
Frank/Black Jack Randell-Jason Issaccs(remeber he is ten years older than Claire)
Collum MacKenzie-Sean Bean
Can’t agree more on the TC playing Jack Reacher!!! I believe his production company is producing the movie with Paramount so that explains why he’s in the lead. blech
OMG, I was just thinking about that one! I don’t want big names, I want the right cast who will “become” big names, due to being well cast in this series.
At last! This is the most exciting news! You’re right that casting is key. The difficulty is that the series spans so many years. Jamie is about 22 in the first book, and in his 50s in the most recent book. Whether they will choose different actors to accommodate this or try to “age” one actor will be interesting to see.
My fervent hope is that Diana Gabaldon has retained some creative control.
If she has not, I hope she will follow the example of J.K. Rowling when Warners originally wanted to make the Harry Potter series in animation. When she objected, Warners politely told her that THEY owned the film rights, not she. Rowling responded that she would bury them in bad publicity if they went the animation route. Warners caved and look at the results!
I did not know that. That’s really interesting. I do love the HP series the way it was done but I wonder what a *good* animated series could’ve looked like. Imagine the animation on the Three Brothers story that Hermione tells in Deathly Hallows part II. THAT would’ve been awesome. Of course, WB probably would have cheaped out and cheesed it out.
The movies were good and progressively got better. Howevere, would it have asked for too much to have Harry have his famous GREEN eyes (the only festure) he got from his mother? A pair of contacts would have fixed that problem!
Please oh please try not to change anything!!! It is such a perfect story!!!
Wow!! This is such great news!!! I love this series and Ron Moore is such an exciting choice. After seeing what he did turning the originally banal sci-fi series of Battlestar Gallactica into what could easily be considered the most thought provoking, compelling space soap of all time, I can’t wait to see what he does with source material that’s actually good.
Good Luck Mr Moore. What a job you have upon your shoulders. Suggestion: READ the books (and I mean more than once), stick to the story and dont change anything or you will have millions of angry women after you!!
Keep Diana on your speed dial
Perfectly said Suzy!!!
AMEN to that!
Absolutely Suzy! Don’t underestimate the fans of this series. We want the characters as written-complex, interesting, dynamic, endearing and human. Don’t change the story! (Like TruBlood has done, resulting in a hot mess)We want more than romance-we want the history, the intensity, the scope of the novels! Please READ, READ, READ the books!
Couldn’t agree more!!
ABSOLUTELY! We are all very devoted fans! The young actor who just played Thor in the Avengers is a MUST for Jamie Frasier.
Can’t wait!
Eddie Redmayne is the perfect Jamie
I agree wholeheartedly. This is one book series Mr Moore you don’t want to change any. We the dedicated readers of the Outlanders series will not forgive you if you mess it up and don’t follow the story line. We all have read and re-read the series a number of times.
My sentiments EXACTLY!
I second that Susy!
Susy, you are absolutely right!
Amen to that!!!
Amen! And, Mr Moore, if you turn Ian Murray into a woman, or Jenny Murray into a cylon… a pox on you.
I totally agree with Suzy. Please read the books and even listen to the audiobooks, get a really good idea what you are working with. The series “True Blood” has been butchered so much by the writers, the books are practically non-existent leaving a sour taste and in avid readers mouths. Good luck with that and actually why don’t you look at all the You Tube videos of fans who have cast the “Outlander” series. No AMERICANS should play these parts, except in the case of Bree.
I agree! Read the book is a must, and consult Diana too!!!!!!
Oh! I so agree with all said…Please Mr Moore READ the books at least twice.
Yeah — I agree. I always hoped the producers/director of Lonesome Dove would do this, since they succeeded so completely with that great book.
I do worry that my favorite book will get ruined. Oh sigh.
Good luck, sir.
Amen Suzy
Absolutely one of the best book series I’ve ever read, but it’s historical fiction, romance, and magical time travel. At best it requires epic historical battle scenes, not at all in line with Moore’s style of world building previously seen with his re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek TNG which are steeped in technology and had sterile approaches to romance, all set in the future.
In fact, both of those series had one major flaw, that the story telling in those science fiction worlds suffered from the continual attempts to bring in viable romance that the audience could sink their teeth into.
Moore is a good writer/producer, but this may be something too far removed from his style of story telling. At first glance this seems a mismatch. Gabaldon’s fan base has waited years for her books to be adapted to screen. I hope this project progresses better than one might expect, it’s not an easy adaptation. This is reminiscent of Moore’s ill fated attempts to adapt the Anne McCaffrey “Pern” books years ago. I wish Moore luck, but this doesn’t look good on paper.
It should be noted that Ron Moore started out on “The Next Generation” and wasn’t in charge of the series, though he was allowed to innovate and improve upon it where allowed. A better gauge of his work is “Deep Space Nine” where he was given free reign and did excellent work. The best gauge, of course, is “Battlestar Galactica”, where, although happy romance wasn’t so well done, he explored the painful side of love beautifully, better than any TV series I’ve seen.
Hope they are going to be working with Gabladon. If not it won’t work.
All I can say is he had better get it right. Listen to what the fans of this incredible book series have to say. Listen to any input from Diana herself.
So excited and nervous at the same time. They have to nail the characters/actors or else it might make the fans revolt.
I love this series. Please take care with it.
You couldn’t be more correct! Jamie is going to have to be someone beyond belief!
ok, this both thrills me and worries me–casting for this series is going to be CRITICAL. Let me repeat that for you, Ron Moore, proper casting is CRITICAL! You did a fabulous job with Battlestar(one of my fav series ever), but it wasn’t hard to improve from the original. If you screw up casting Jamie, I swear, THERE WILL BE BLOOD…figuratively, of course, but fans around the world and on my page will be watching and hoping, ye ken?
I am so excited. Picking the right person to play Jamie and Claire will be so important. It can either make or break it.
I am thrilled to see that the Outlander Series will be making it on tv! My favorite book series of all time!!! Like ‘Game of Thrones’ a TV series is the perfect vehicle for this book, there is so much ground to cover, and such beautiful characters, I know it will be loved by millions, the books already are. Yay!
Like many others have said….I have been a fan of these books for 20 years – DON’T MESS WITH THE STORY!!!!! Casting for Jamie will be very important he is the perfect ying/yang and that won’t be easy to cast. Beware he is a fictional character who thousands of women already adore and we don’t wan’t Diana’s character messed with – he is perfect just as he is written! By the way a mini series on HBO would be so cool!
I agree, they need to be faithful to the story line in the books. Thousands of us have read the series multiple times…so we know the details. Ron Moore might be tarred and feathered if he strays from the original story. Casting of Jamie and Claire will be key to the success. Jamie MUST be a real Scot. Gerard Butler has been mentioned often. I’m good with him because he’s Scottish, his facial features are right and they can always die his hair red. His facial features can also be made to look younger with makeup and will “age” well as the story progresses. He has a razor straight nose, a mouth that looks like he’s just about to grin and cat-like slanted blue eyes. He has the height, body and charisma to pull it off. Chris Helmsworth has been mentioned often, YUCK. His facial features just aren’t right and he doesn’t project the presence that is the essence of Jamie. Claire has to be English, “whiskey” colored eyes and brown curly hair.
What fantastic news! This series is liked by men as well as women who will all be watching to make certain it isn’t screwed up.
This is exciting! I do agree that the books will be difficult to adapt but I think it will make a better TV series then a movie.
Finding Jamie is going to be very hard. I imagine he going to be played by an unknown.
OMG after waiting 20 some yrs…. yeah!! I hope they don’t fork it up like they do a lot of Novel to TV series. Like M. Night Shamawhatever totally screwing up the Avatar: Last of the Airbenders. I was not looking forward to him doing that series and when I saw the movie my fears were realized, he forked it up. I cant wait to see who they get to play the main characters, they have to be perfect or it wont work.
Wouldn’t that be “frack” it up? Hee hee!
I have been waiting for this news for fifteen years! If Diana Gabaldon isn’t personally involved though, it could be a train wreck. Done properly, this could be a brilliant series of epic proportions. Done badly, 20 million fans will arrive at Sony with axes and pitchforks. Please follow the books and don’t go for the “creative” approach! There is a reason these books are so well-loved!
I have my pine torch ready to go just incase. I like the Battlestar series a lot, so I really respect this guy’s work writing wise. I love these novels and do not want them screwed with to much. Unlike Alan Ball who takes to many liberties with the True Blood series on HBO. THAT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!!!! Hopefully Diana will be involved with finial approval.
Definitely agree with you, these books don’t need any “editing” and they certainly don’t need any “additions for theatrical effects”. Mr. Moore needs to read the books, as does the cast.
I’m sharpening my pitchfork as soon as I am done typing…. PLEASE get it right! Great minds…….
Yes, please, show it on the normal channels-PBS would be great just like the awaited Downton Abbey-a book every season!! These days we can’t afford the extra pay networks-make it for us that love the books with just the basic channels!
HUGE fan of this series, PLEASE don’t screw it up! Work with the author, don’t change the story, and please cast well! It’s a difficult undertaking, we all have our own versions of these characters that live in our heads when we read the books, and sometimes to see it brought to life in someone else’s vision is difficult! That being said, I can’t wait to watch it! Good luck!
Well said, Jen Davis!!! I concur wholeheartedly!!!
Yeah, agree. Exactly. Sigh.