Has Starz’s “Outlander” series found its Jamie Fraser in Scotsman Sam Heughan?
The official Starz Twitter account confirmed as much on Friday with the tweet: “It’s #FollowFriday here at #STARZ. Follow Sam Heughan (@Heughan) who will play the role of Jamie Fraser in #OutlanderSTARZ.”
But Deadline reports that may have been premature. The tweet has since been deleted and Starz says no deal has been signed.
However, Heughan has “Outlander” author Diana Gabaldon’s full support. In a series of Facebook posts, Gabaldon has endorsed his casting, defended him from doubters and even posted a shirtless photo of Heughan from a triathlon.
“I can’t confirm that the contracts are signed and Sam Heughan is officially Jamie Fraser,” Gabaldon wrote on Facebook. “But I _can_ say that he auditioned — and I saw the tapes. <fanning self> He was and is totally MY top choice!”
So yeah, she likes him.
Gabaldon has published seven novels to date in the genre-hopping “Outlander” series. It follows combat nurse Claire Randall who is transported through time from 1945 to 1743 and finds herself forced to marry Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser. Ronald D. Moore (“Battlestar Galactica”) is overseeing the TV adaptation for Starz with a 16 episode first season due in 2014.
Heughan’s credits include BBC drama “Doctors” and obscure indie adventure film “Young Alexander the Great” co-starring Lauren Cohan of “The Walking Dead.”
While we’re waiting to find out if Heughan’s casting becomes official, take a look at our dream casting for Jamie, Claire and other beloved “Outlander” characters.
