Outlander fans were thrilled to bits as the show announced a series of faces that would be returning for season seven but it appears that one cast member has been replaced.
As filming for season seven is currently underway, the Outlander team unveiled to fans a list of new and returning faces they can expect to see on screen. Returning faces are Nell Hudson, who plays Laoghaire Fraser, Graham McTavish who plays Dougal MacKenzie, Steven Cree as Ian Murray, Layla Burns as Joan McKimmie and Lotte Verbeek as Geillis Duncan.
And new faces are Andrew Whipp as Brian Fraser, Chris Fulton as Rob Cameron, Diarmaid Murtagh as Buck MacKenzie, Gloria Obianyo as Mercy Woodcock, Rod Hallet as Benedict Arnold and Kristin Atherton as Jenny Murray.
Posting on Instagram, the official account wrote: " Look at all those shining faces! Meet the cast joining us for #Outlander Season 7." And many flocked to the comments to have their say, with many suspecting that season seven may include some flashbacks to the past as characters who *spoiler alert* had died earlier on in the show such as Geillis and Dougal were featured.
And as for new faces, in earlier seasons, Jamie Fraser's sister Jenny Murray was played by Laura Donnelly but now actress Kristin Atherton will be taking over the role. Fans were delighted: One wrote: " WAIT GEILLIS AND DOUGAL?? OH MY GOSH." Another said: "Oooh I love seeing some returning faces and a warm welcome to the new ones!" While another speculated: "so flashbacks i guess?" And another wrote: " I’m dying to know what happens now oh my goodness."
Whilst many commented on Jenny's replacement. One wrote: "No!!!! Where is the original Jenny?" And one fan replied: "She’s the lead actress on The Nevers. I guess that’s probably a more desirable gig. Makes sense, but she will certainly be missed."
Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser was also found in the comments, he wrote: " Some “familiar faces”…. Welcome all !" And Sophie Skelton who plays Brianna MacKenzie said: " Woooooohooooooo welcome old and new!! We (heart emoji) you x." Nell Hudson who plays Laoghaire Fraser (Jamie's ex wife) wrote: "Watch out Leghair is a-prowling." John Hunter-Bell who plays young Ian wrote: " I can’t wait to see how this turns out…." Whilst Lotte Verbeek wrote: "Excited for the return!"
Season 7 is going to be based on Diana Gabaldon's book, Echo in the Bone, and likely won't wrap filming until Spring 2023. Speaking to Esquire magazine, Sam, 42, confirmed that though it only feels like yesterday they began filming it won't be complete for some time.
He said: “This season is going to take a while, it’s an 18-episode bumper mega season, so we probably won’t be finished until March or February of next year." Starz have yet to confirm this though and in the Esquire interview, even Sam himself admitted he didn't know.
Rumours are circulating that this could be the finale season of the show, as it hasn't been renewed for another by network Starz but nothing has been confirmed. Diana Gabaldon weighed in on the rumours on Twitter, writing: "Don't pay attention to stupid click-bait online, is my advice. Of course Season 7 _might_ be the last--it may well NOT be the last. Nobody knows that. But people keep pestering, so they get non-answers like, 'Maybe' and add silly headlines."
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