Essential Pictures has acquired the rights to develop Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series into a major motion picture. Randall Wallace (Braveheart, We Were Soldiers) will write the screenplay. No word on a director or cast yet, but Essential hopes to put the project into production by next spring.
I haven’t read the novels myself, but I know they’re a blend of historical fiction, fantasy, romance, and sci-fi (time travel). The Outlander series includes six novels: Outlander (also titled Cross Stitch), Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn, The Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes.
I have only read the first and haven’t quite fallen in love with them. I did buy the second used off Amazon, but it’s sat on my TBR pile for months now.
I think I’ll go see the movie, though! I’m sure this will cause a fan frenzy, especially when we learn who will play Jamie and Claire.
What did you think about the first one? What did you like? What did you not like? Have you reviewed this one on your site?
Hi there! Outlander is my favorite of Diana Gabaldon’s wonderful series. The story is fabulous- it is so magical yet the author puts you in the shoes of the heroine and makes the impossible seem possible, ie: making time travel not seem so ridiculous. While we’re sucked into her action-packed story of Claire being a fish out of water, we’re taken on a tour of 18th century Scottish and English culture/history . Diana Gabaldon has done her research and it shows. This is a wonderful series! I’ve found myself ruminating on characters and plot lines long after I put each novel down. I hope that the movies come close to capturing the spirit of the story and the actors are cast appropriately to the characters.
Shannon, who would you like to see cast in the film?
Hi Stevent~
Sorry for the late reply. Although I would prefer actors and actresses who aren’t famous to portray the leads of Claire and Jamie, there are some stars I have thought of that could capture the characters’ charisma. For Claire, I have always seen a brunette Kate Winslet – spirited, beautiful, intelligent but accessible and shapely-not scrawny. For Jamie, I would love someone like Gerard Butler who emits strength, duty and sexuality, but also can be sweet. I think Christian Bale would be good for Frank/Jack Randall. Clive Owen for Dougal or Collum. If Gerard Butler is considered too old to play Jamie, I could see him play one of these Lairds well. Thanks!
I like Kate Winselt and Christian Bale a lot. I’m so-so about Clive Owen. There have been a few films I liked him in. I’m not too familiar with Gerard Butler.