Hold on to your kilts, Outlander fans, because we've got a casting bombshell that's hotter than a Scottish summer! We all know and love Tobias Menzies for his masterful portrayal of both the charming historian Frank Randall and his sadistic ancestor, Captain "Black Jack" Randall. But did you know the Outlander producers almost gave him a THIRD role?
According to executive producer Ronald D. Moore, the idea was floated to have Menzies also play Alex Randall, Black Jack's younger brother. Imagine the drama! Picture Claire (Caitríona Balfe) stumbling upon Alex at Versailles, momentarily mistaking him for her tormentor. The Outlander podcast spilled the tea, revealing how the writers toyed with this very scene.
"Claire actually faints because she thinks it's Jack because they're almost identical," Moore confessed. Can you imagine the heart palpitations?
But alas, the Outlander powers-that-be ultimately decided it was "a bridge too far." Apparently, even for a show known for its time-traveling twists and historical liberties, having one actor play three distinct roles was just too much. "Somebody asked at one point, 'Will you cast Tobias as Alex as well?' That's a bridge too far. You're not going to get away with it," Moore admitted.
Now, before you start picturing Menzies running around in different wigs and fake mustaches, consider the logistics.
While he undoubtedly nailed the nuances of Frank and Black Jack, would a third character have diluted his impact? Could viewers have suspended their disbelief, or would it have become a case of "Oh look, it's Tobias Menzies...again"?
Anne Kenney, another Outlander writer, chimed in on the podcast, praising the casting of Laurence Dobiesz as Alex. "It's amazing how much he looks like him," she noted. And she's right! Dobiesz brought a vulnerability and warmth to the role that perfectly contrasted Black Jack's ruthlessness.
While we may never know what Menzies would have brought to the role of Alex, one thing's for sure: his performances as Frank and Black Jack are etched in Outlander history. Frank, with his bookish charm and unwavering love for Claire, provided a much-needed dose of sanity amidst the 18th-century chaos. As for Black Jack...well, let's just say he's the villain we love to hate.
Unfortunately, those hoping for a surprise resurrection of either Frank or Black Jack in the final seasons are in for a disappointment.
Menzies himself has confirmed he won't be back. "[But] no, you will not see me," he told TV Line last year, crushing the dreams of hopeful fans everywhere.
Despite this, Menzies expressed his confidence in how the show will wrap up. "They're going to bring it home magnificently, I'm sure."
So, while we mourn the missed opportunity of Triple-Menzies action, let's raise a dram of whisky to the talented actor who gave us two unforgettable Outlander characters. And who knows, maybe in another life, we'll see him rocking a third powdered wig.
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