When casting for Jamie Fraser began, Liam Neeson and Sean Connery were considered for the role. However, it was Sam Heughan who ultimately won the part after a Skype interview with the producers. Interestingly, Diana Gabaldon initially thought Heughan looked "grotesque" based on his IMDb photos, a comment that has since become a running joke between them.
Finding the right actress for Claire Fraser proved challenging. Just three weeks before production, the casting team hadn't found their Claire. They finally saw a clip of Caitriona Balfe and knew she was perfect for the role. Her last-minute casting added a touch of serendipity to the show's already compelling behind-the-scenes story.
The authenticity of "Outlander" extends to its props and settings. The meals shown on the series are all real, and the cast members truly eat during the scenes. Moreover, the attention to detail is so meticulous that every female cast member, including extras, wears period-accurate corsets to maintain historical accuracy.
One surprising fact is that the actors go commando under their kilts.
This decision was made to maintain authenticity and, according to the actors, is surprisingly comfortable. This little detail adds to the commitment of the cast and crew to bring 18th-century Scotland to life.
Diana Gabaldon herself made a cameo appearance in the series. In the episode "The Gathering," she appeared as Iona MacTavish, delivering two lines. This cameo delighted fans of the books and added a special touch to the series.
Sam Heughan's character, Jamie Fraser, is known for the intricate scars on his back. These silicone scars are incredibly fragile and require special care during filming. Any shirtless or backless scenes need to be filmed first to ensure the scars remain intact throughout production.
To ease the awkwardness of filming intimate scenes, Caitriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies wrote love letters to each other in character. This practice helped them build a deeper connection and brought a sense of authenticity to their performances, making the on-screen chemistry more believable.
Sam Heughan, naturally blonde, dyes his hair red every two episodes to maintain Jamie Fraser's iconic look. This transformation has become so integral to the character that it's hard to imagine Jamie any other way. The regular dyeing process ensures that Heughan consistently embodies the rugged Highlander.
Every female cast member, including extras, wears a corset to ensure period accuracy. This commitment to detail helps transport viewers back to the 18th century, providing a visual authenticity that enhances the storytelling.
Despite the discomfort, the cast appreciates the realism the corsets bring to their performances.
Despite being a female-centric show, "Outlander" boasts a diverse audience, with men making up 50% of the U.S. viewership. This surprising statistic highlights the show's broad appeal and its ability to engage a wide range of viewers through its compelling storytelling and dynamic characters.
Did these behind-the-scenes facts about the "Outlander" cast surprise you? What other interesting tidbits do you know about the show? Share your thoughts and join the discussion with fellow fans!
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