April 30th, 2013
Per deadline.com, four writers have been hired!
Joining Moore on Outlander are two writers who have worked with him before — Battlestar alumna Toni Graphia and Caprica‘s Matt Roberts — along with veteran showruner Ira Behr (Alphas, The 4400) and Anne Kenney (LA Law, Switched At Birth). ~ Nellie Andreeva/deadline.com
This is good news people! It indicates progress!
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April 4th, 2013
In an interview with Startrek.com, Ron Moore mentioned the Outlander tv series for Starz:
I’m developing a series called Outlander for Starz, which is based on a series of books by Diana Gabaldon. The idea would be to do a season a book, and she’s done seven or eight books at this point. It’s sort of a big adventure period piece with a romance at the heart of it. If all goes well, they’d also go straight to series and not do a pilot first. So, we’re hopeful. ~ Ron Moore
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January 4th, 2013
A quick update from Herself (click here for the full posting- you may want to, it’s verra funny in places) on progress of the show:
i. It’s being _developed_.
ii. It’s not (yet) being _produced_.
iii. There is no casting call at present.
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November 6th, 2012
Starz To Develop Series Version Of ‘Outlander’ Novels From Ron Moore & Sony!!!
Finally! Outlander has a home with a cable network! Remember the tv series based on the Ken Follet’s Pillars of the Earth? It was so well-done (not to mention it was actually my gateway book to Outlander/Historical Fiction)! Also, the show Spartacus is on Starz—what a great place for Outlander to land!!!
Dan Roth from blastr.com couldn’t have said it better:
Ron Moore makes a great choice considering how well he’s handled complex character drama in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Battlestar Galactica. That prowess for balancing high-concept universes with rich personal stories could very well make Outlander the next Game of Thrones.
Ron Moore’s thoughts on the subject, from his Facebook page today:
Very excited to land Outlander at Starz. Think they have the right sensibility and the creative outlook to make this a tremendous project. They love the books and the pitch and I think this is going to be a great experience and deliver a great show for fans, old and new.
I wonder how long it will take? And who will they cast for REAL? Gahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
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Source: outlanderfan.com via Jennifer on Pinterest
October 24th, 2012
In last night’s interview with Diana Gabaldon at the Trail of Fire launch (minute mark 42:45) she mentions there will be a press release from Sony about the cable tv series as early as next week! Stay tuned for more details!
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I think it’s worth noting that Wednesday, July 18th 2012, Ron Moore posted this on his fb page:
“Big fan of Diana Gabaldon‘s Outlander books for many years, excited for the opportunity to do a FAITHFUL interpretation!”
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GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! YAY YAY YAY YAY OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!
Diana Gabaldon posted on facebook July 17th, 2012:
WELL, ALRIGHTY, THEN…
Yes! It _is_ true; while final contracts aren’t yet signed, we do have a deal with Sony Pictures for development of a cable-TV (as in HBO, Netflix, Starz, Showtime, whatever…that kind of thing) series.
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Here’s what Diana Gabaldon herself said on her Facebook page on February 17th, 2012:
“Ooookay. We seem to have a little confusion here. Let me try to straighten things out a bit: 1. NO, there isn’t a movie. 2. YES, there is an option. A production company called Essential Entertainment has the option on the OUTLANDER series, and are working on the possibilites of _either_ a feature film or a mini-series. And that’s absolutely all I know about it. … 3. I don’t have One Thing to say about the casting of a movie. The production people are very polite about asking my opinion now and then, but they’re under no legal obligation to take it. 4. Many (manymanymany) nice fans have exercised their creativity by making “casting videos”, which they put up on YouTube. There are hundreds of these, ranging from the sublime to the absurd. THESE ARE NOT MOVIE TRAILERS (and I am rather surprised that so many people can’t tell that. Have you _ever_ seen a movie trailer that didn’t have the name of the production company, release information, and an info website on it?). I have a YouTube Channel, on which we collect quite a number of these (as well as video interviews with self): http://www.youtube.com/user/voyagesoftheartemis (This can also be accessed from my website – www.DianaGabaldon.com – click on “VIDEOS”.) 5. YES, there is a musical. Go to www.outlanderthemusical.com for information, a free download, and to hear snippets of all songs. All clear? Good.”
And on her Facebook page Sept 24th, 2011:
“So EVERYBODY (maybe a few _more_ than everybody) asks me “So what about a MOOOOOVIE?!?!” Well, here’s how it stands: The books have been optioned by Essential Entertainment, and they (EE) tell me that they’re pursuing development of both a feature film and a mini-series, and will see which of those projects looks most promising. They’ve hired Anne Peacock to write the script for the feature film, the script has been completed, and…that’s about all I know…”
DG basically said on her website ”don’t hold your breath,” but a fan can dream, aye?
I’ve included some links (in chronological order) to what else is floating out there in the ether (most websites list the exact same info as the sites I’ve linked for you below):
As of Jan 30th, 2012: http://www.dianagabaldon.com/other-projects/movies-mini-series-and-musicals/
Sept 30th, 2010: http://www.firstshowing.net/2010/katherine-heigl-considering-starring-in-gabaldons-outlander/
Oct 30th, 2008: http://www.firstshowing.net/2008/diana-gabaldons-outlander-headed-to-the-big-screen/
Jeanette said,
February 14, 2012 at 10:38 pm
One can always dream!
outlanderfan said,
February 15, 2012 at 6:44 am
What’s taking the studio(s) so long? They must not realize how many loyal Outlander fans would watch it/pay to see it, what a cash cow they have in their hands…
Angela Wacker said,
July 17, 2012 at 7:56 pm
When the option expires I hope Diana will sign with someone who actually can complete a movie project, maybe summit entertainment?
OutlanderFan said,
July 17, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Angela- did you hear the news yet? Diana just announced today:
“WELL, ALRIGHTY, THEN…
Yes! It _is_ true; while final contracts aren’t yet signed, we do have a deal with Sony Pictures for development of a cable-TV (as in HBO, Netflix, Starz, Showtime, whatever…that kind of thing) series.”
Jerry Tompkins said,
July 18, 2012 at 11:07 am
I’ll subscribe to HBO or whatever when the mini-series comes to pass. Congratulations Diana!
OutlanderFan said,
July 18, 2012 at 11:54 am
So will A LOT of people Jerry!!!
Anonymous said,
July 21, 2012 at 1:54 am
I’m a very big Diana Gabaldon fan read series 3xs over a few yrs. I’m so happy there is going to be a mini series instead of a movie it will do the mini justice. Hope Mr. Moore will do a good job as he is a si-fi guy. As long a they keep consulting Diana it will be really good. All the best Mrs. Gabaldon and congratulations can’t wait.
rhianne said,
July 22, 2012 at 6:57 am
Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Jamie Fraser!! Please! See this link: http://www.facebook.com/OliverMansourJacksonCohen
OutlanderFan said,
July 22, 2012 at 7:50 am
He’s handsome, I’ll give you that…
vanessa said,
October 29, 2012 at 4:41 pm
no way – he’s not big enough, not red enough, not handsome enough, not strong enough, not scottish enough.
OutlanderFan said,
November 17, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Who, Vanessa?
RJ said,
July 24, 2012 at 11:53 am
Chris Hemsworth would be the perfect Jamie hands down. Shame he’s just a movie actor, but a gal can always dream, eh? Beyond stoked this is being made into a mini series. I’ll be waiting around like a hawk for further info.
OutlanderFan said,
July 24, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Yes RJ, we can dream! I am trying to keep an open mind about the casting; it’s possible that heretofore unknowns may be chosen anyway (or Ron Moore may favor some of his Battlestar Galactica cast?). I’m just so happy it’s being made into a miniseries vs. feature film that I’m willing to surrender to whoever is cast as Jamie (within reason, lol)…
Jo-ann said,
September 17, 2012 at 12:45 am
You can’t cast Chris Hemsworth. He’s cute but he’s an Aussie, I don’t if he could do Scottish well. And he’s a blond!
Barbara said,
April 17, 2013 at 12:31 pm
Chris Hemsworth would be awesome!! Hes big, handsome, i can most definitely see him with red hair and hes got the accent down! He would be the best Jamie ever! And i think Dougal should be played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan!
Ginger said,
August 4, 2012 at 12:14 am
I’m a huge fan of these books and can’t wait to see them on film. I never thought I would get addicted to a series of books but I’ve reas the whole series 3 times!
OutlanderFan said,
August 4, 2012 at 9:14 am
Hopefully we won’t have to wait overlong Ginger!
Brent said,
August 8, 2012 at 9:29 pm
YAAAAYYYYY……….finally a series for the fans. My vote is for JAMIE is Gerald Butler and Rachal Weitz as Claire. OMG I hope this is a go and not another waiting game
vanessa said,
October 29, 2012 at 4:43 pm
both those suggestions are bunk – they’re too old
Black Pearl Girl said,
November 19, 2012 at 12:20 am
Too True!
OutlanderFan said,
August 9, 2012 at 10:51 am
Me too Brent- I have faith in Ron Moore though!
Andrea said,
August 20, 2012 at 6:53 pm
My vote is for Chris Hemsworth (even before I knew who he was, he was what I imagined as Jamie) to play Jamie and I agree with Rachel Weitz for Claire. I have loved listening to the audio books after having read the series a few times. I can only imagine how great a series would be.
Jen said,
November 14, 2012 at 3:28 am
Great choice, many actors come back to the small screen if the deal is sweet. Perhaps he will as well. It would be wonderful with him as Jamie.
OutlanderFan said,
November 17, 2012 at 4:39 pm
You mean chris Hemsworth? Don’t get my hopes up Jen! (Our only hope is that maybe his wife is an Outlander fan & wants him to play Jamie, lol)
OutlanderFan said,
August 21, 2012 at 12:22 pm
I like Chris Hemsworth too, Andrea- though he’s moved on from the small screen (did you know he used to be on a daytime soap in his native Australia?) to the big screen, lol.
Anonymous said,
October 8, 2012 at 11:13 am
Gerard Butler for Jamie for sure. Anyone else is NOT Jamie!
Patricia, South Carolina
Brent said,
October 8, 2012 at 11:29 am
You bet Patricia………and….Rachel Weitz as Claire is the best fit I believe. What do u think?
OutlanderFan said,
October 17, 2012 at 2:26 pm
I like Rachel Weitz for Claire.
OutlanderFan said,
October 17, 2012 at 2:26 pm
He’s verra handsome and a native Scot but don’t you think he’s too old to play a 23yr old Jamie? I think it’s easier to start out with someone young and age them, rather than the reverse…
Jen said,
November 14, 2012 at 3:26 am
Too old now. But would make a great Dougal.
Deborah said,
October 24, 2012 at 11:25 am
Kate Beckinsale would be the perfect Claire…
OutlanderFan said,
October 24, 2012 at 11:37 am
I like her, Rachel Weisz, Kate Winslet…
vanessa said,
October 29, 2012 at 4:46 pm
too old, beautiful but her features too hard and she’s been in a ton of crap films.
vanessa said,
October 29, 2012 at 5:01 pm
how about max irons as jamie? if he buffed himself up a bit, he’s got the height, the amazing looks, the age appropriate face that can grow older with the series (if it’s good, it can go on for a looong time), and a fine scottish nose (if such a thing exists!). check him out!
OutlanderFan said,
November 17, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Max Irons is cute, but I feel like his features are too small; Jamie is tall, broad, powerful…
ruatimetraveler2 said,
November 6, 2012 at 4:06 pm
AWESOME!!!!!
OutlanderFan said,
November 17, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Isn’t it! I can’t stand it!
Jen said,
November 14, 2012 at 3:24 am
Would have much rather have seen it as a feature film, garner much more attention that way, This way, if the people don’t or cannot acquire the PAY station, it will not be seen.
OutlanderFan said,
November 17, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Call me crazy, but I’ll take thirteen hours of Jamie vs. two…
Anonymous said,
November 17, 2012 at 6:27 pm
Amen to that!
Anonymous said,
November 14, 2012 at 10:23 am
Good point – but I’ll bet that if you ask around, there’s someone you know that has Starz…someone you wouldn’t mind hangin’ out with for an hour, or who might just let you borrow their tv. For me, it’s my mom, and this gives me (another) reason to hang out with her: to watch her tv!:)
OutlanderFan said,
November 17, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Plus, theoretically it would eventually be available for purchase/rental on DVD, or perhaps Netflix, etc…
JerryT said,
November 14, 2012 at 10:59 am
I’m planning on subscribing to Starz. I wouldn’t miss the series for anything.
OutlanderFan said,
November 17, 2012 at 4:41 pm
You got that right JerryT! Me either!
Pamela Strachan said,
November 16, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Karen Gillan (Dr Who) to play Brianna, She’s Scottish, natural red hair and from the Highlands so has the perfect accent. Please no Aussie, English or American actors to play Jamie, Their ‘Scots’ accent tend to be Glaswegian (listen to Billy Connoly!) and not the softer, rounded vowels of an Islander or Highlander. Gerald Butler please!!!!!
Jen said,
November 16, 2012 at 9:27 pm
As much as I love Gerard Butler, he is too old for the part. I love Chris Hemsworth for Jamie, he did a decent Scot’s accent for the film, and he can work on it
OutlanderFan said,
November 17, 2012 at 4:44 pm
My sentiments exactly Jen!
OutlanderFan said,
November 17, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Much as I love Gerry Butler, I don’t think he could pull off being a 23yr old. Perhaps an older Jamie, ala Voyager?
Anonymous said,
November 16, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Wish people would stop going on about Mr. Butler – yes, he’s gorgeous, and if this book had been put into a film or a series 15-20 years ago, then he would have been perfect. As of now, he’s way to old for the part. My vote, if he buffs himself up, is Max Irons. Fingers crossed he can act. As for Claire, perhaps that girl from the Harry Potter series – but she’s awfully exposed. Really think a quality unknown is the way to go. Gerard Butler would be great for Dougal MacKenzie.
OutlanderFan said,
November 17, 2012 at 4:45 pm
I NEVER considered Emma Watson for Claire; you’ve got me thinking…
Jen said,
November 17, 2012 at 12:31 am
Dougal would be perfect for Mr. Butler now
Jen said,
November 17, 2012 at 12:34 am
Max Irons, cute. But looks like a child, I know he is not, but he looks like one.
Brent said,
November 17, 2012 at 2:34 am
I agree with Pamela…..
In my mind, Gerard Butler is Jamie, it is a role made for him.
Age is not an issue as so many have pointed out, Realistically makeup artists can put him at any age. The book series range his age from young man to middle age adult. Ahhhh…….. the magic of Hollywood.
Gerard is a standout not only for the accent (he has it perfect). I believe his attitude, stage presence and charisma will truly capture the spirit of Jamie Fraser.
OutlanderFan said,
November 17, 2012 at 4:46 pm
I can definitely see him as middle-aged Jamie. 23yr old Jamie? Not so much. :/
Jeanie said,
November 21, 2012 at 4:45 am
What about Philip Winchester? I think he would do great. Red, big, and so forth.
Jeanie said,
November 21, 2012 at 4:45 am
For Jamie, that is
OutlanderFan said,
November 21, 2012 at 6:29 pm
Hmmm…I just googled him and I LIKE him! Go to my facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/OutlanderFan
I’m going to post his pic & check the response…
Anonymous said,
November 21, 2012 at 11:46 am
Yes, he’s very handsome, but a tad old for the part, and not at Scot. He could work if he could do a convincing accent and they can make him look younger. I’m really hoping for someone new. There must be a big, burley, handsome young Scot, with piercing blue eyes and a royal arch to his nose out there that can act! Come on! In the whole country – there must be! (Also, and don’t mean to belabor the point, but Winchester is an awfully English name – yuck.)
Anonymous said,
December 23, 2012 at 9:27 am
I hope they won’t forget Jamie Frasier is a really tall guy…
wisp said,
December 26, 2012 at 3:34 am
I am thrilled Outlander will be on cable (Starz).
(I’m already drooling for the fall “Outlander” premier)!
What concerns me…are “fan” comments… (regarding who should or shouldn’t be cast).
When the Sopranos were “cast”, not many people knew the names: James Gandolfini, (Tony Soprano), Edie Falco (Carmela Soprano), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisaniti), Aida Turturro (Janice Soprano) etc. etc. etc. etc.
I doubt Soprano fans can even imagine other actors in those roles.
My point being…. Keep an open mind about “unknowns” being cast.
Yes, I also want all the actors to strongly resemble the characters in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander Novel. But you may be setting yourself up for disappointment when you become too rigid in your opinions.
I think it would be a mistake to cast “well known” actors.
Because, one generally already has opinions or impressions regarding “established” actor(s).
So, place your hopes and wishes on “casting” making a perfect “fit” rather than an “established actor” fit.
Most important, Pray that the screen-writer(s) does justice to this spectacular Outlander Series. (interpretation along with great acting) will make or break a series.
That said, it is fun to speculate… have fun.
Jen said,
January 10, 2013 at 11:55 am
Well, if it isn’t anyone I would want to see in the role, or roles I will not even bother with any of it. Period.
CADeh said,
February 3, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Well said wisp. I completely agree.
As much as I would watch Gerry Butler any day, all day I wouldn’t want him in the role of Jamie. I hope they find an unknown Scottish actor that can look the part and become Jamie
Anonymous said,
March 19, 2013 at 6:35 am
Hear hear. I think I would be disappointed if any Hollywood stars were cast. I feel like it just wouldn’t do the characters justice. It my mind when I think of Jamie, I do not imagine Gerard butler or any other star. I would prefer an unknown.
Steph said,
March 23, 2013 at 4:56 pm
Kevin Mckidd for Jamie. Scot, Red, and oh so dreamy.
OutlanderFan said,
March 23, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Love him. He was funny in Brave lol.
vanessa said,
March 23, 2013 at 5:56 pm
Totally agree he’s beautiful – but he’s too old and he’ll probably be a grandpa by the time this series gets underway.
OutlanderFan said,
March 23, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Maybe he could play Jamie if the series ever makes it to book 7 or 8, lol?
Losgan said,
March 24, 2013 at 3:22 am
Yes, he is a beautiful man, but is too old for the part now. As is Butler as well, although I can see Gerard playing Dougal, Jamies Uncle.
Losgan said,
March 24, 2013 at 3:25 am
Would hate to see a complete unknown get this part, I want someone I know can act, not just stand there and look good. And if they cast a child, it will be a waste of good story. Jamie was young, yes, however he was described as looking older due to his circumstances.