We may be edging closer to the end of the Outlander universe as we know it – or at least, as long as it contains our beloved Jamie and Claire – but the upcoming prequel ‘Outlander: Blood of my Blood‘ might be just the answer we’ve been hoping for.
Now, as the show gets closer to an Australian release date, we have a first look at the characters destined to become our new Outlander obsessions, as well as an exciting new trailer to quench our historical romance thirst, for now.
Conjecture about a possible Outlander spin off series first started bubbling away in January 2020, when it announced that network executives had encouraged producers Ronald D. Moore and Maril Davis to “plot a slew of spin-offs, sequels and story extensions.” The details of which remained unknown, until 2022 when the franchise’s first official prequel was officially greenlit.
As soon as filming began in early 2024, fans of the franchise were treated to a steady stream of casting updates and production details, giving us just enough to sustain the obsession as we count down the last remaining episodes.
So what can we expect from the upcoming series? Here’s everything we know so far about the latest extension of the Outlander franchise, Blood Of My Blood including cast, plot and release details.
What Is The Outlander Prequel Blood Of My Blood About?
The spin off, which wrapped filming in July 2024, will delve into the dual love story of Jamie Fraser’s parents, Brian Fraser and Ellen MacKenzie, and Claire’s parents, Julia Moriston and Henry Beauchamp.
We know that the prequel will take place 20 years before the start of the original Outlander series and will be on two different timelines.
The series, according to showrunner, executive producer and co-writer Matthew B. Roberts, “is, at its heart, a love story.”
“It will explore what lengths a person will go to, to find love in a time when love is considered a luxury, and when marriages are made strategically, often for political or financial gain. The title is a nod to Jamie Fraser’s marriage vow to Claire and there will be several names and faces that Outlander fans will know and recognise.”
Since the initial announcement was made, it was then revealed that the story would expand to include the origin story of Claire’s parents.
We are told that Jamie’s parents’ union was one marred by scandal and feuding clans, after detailing the pair’s rocky start in season one.
We also find out that Ellen and Brian’s love story was a passionate, yet tumultuous one, after Jamie reveals that the young lovers defied their family and eloped, waiting until Ellen was visibly pregnant to return to the fold and force their parents to sanction the relationship.
While more is known about Jamie’s parents – as shared by the character himself – very little is revealed about Claire’s own mother and father throughout the series, aside from their untimely deaths being mentioned in passing.
The narrative will follow the young couples across their respective time periods – early 18th century Scottish Highlands and WWI England.
“We’re thrilled to be telling the stories of these two couples,” Roberts said of the upcoming series. “The origins of their relationships explore universal themes that transcend time periods and we’re so excited for fans to discover and fall in love with these characters and their love stories the way they have with Claire and Jamie.”
Who Has Been Cast In Outlander Blood Of My Blood?
Casting any actor in a beloved franchise is hard enough without drawing comparisons to characters so widely adored by the fandom as Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe. So when the leads for Blood of My Blood were announced, it felt like a collective sigh of relief.
Jamie’s parents will be played by Belgravia star Harriet Slater (as Ellen) and Jamie Roy (as Brian), who’s most well-known for Burning Little Lies.
Speaking about the reaction Outlander fans had to her casting, Slater told Radio Times: “The fans have been incredible already. I’ve not really experienced such an outpouring like that before. It’s really cool going into something like this, that has a really established fanbase.” And while having the support of the fanbase, she added, was important to her, the new series “feels very much like its own thing.”
Cast in the role of Claire’s mother, Julia Moriston, English actress Hermione Corfield will step into Outlander prequel alongside Mamma Mia! actor Jeremy Irvine as war hero Henry Beauchamp.
Irvine and Corfield also gained a headstart on working together, having both starred in the 2016 fantasy romance film Fallen.
Both the Frasers and the Beauchamps look set to fire up a new affinity with the franchise, with both couples already exhibiting glimpses of their on-screen chemistry to come.
In terms of the rest of the main characters, central figures Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser, Dougal Mackenzie, Colum Mackenzie and Ned Gowan, are all getting their time in the prequel sun.
A post announcing the younger versions of Outlander’s key characters was accompanied by the caption: “The nostalgia is REAL. Rory Alexander, Sam Retford, Séamus McLean Ross and Conor MacNeill join Outlander: Blood Of My Blood as the younger versions of fan favourites Murtagh, Dougal, Colum, and Ned Gowan. Get ready to be obsessed with how they bring these early years to life.”
And boy are we ready!
Where To Watch Blood of My Blood Outlander Prequel?
As with the rest of the franchise, including Outlander’s final season, it’s likely the prequel will follow suit and be available to stream on BINGE, Foxtel ONE and Foxtel On Demand.
In the meantime, get your Outlander fix by streaming the remaining episodes of Season 7, Part 2.
Stream Outlander now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.
David Berry’s Advice For The Next Outlander Generation
As fans eagerly await the release of the prequel, Lord John Grey actor, David Berry, spoke with marie claire about what might be in store for the franchise’s next generation.
Visiting the cast members on set, Berry got the chance to pass on a few words of advice to the actors who are about to be introduced to the rich web of Diana Gabaldon’s fandom.
“Enjoy the ride, you’ve got a great fan base out there,” offered Berry.
“This show has changed my life, and hopefully it will change yours in that same way. You’re going to experience the love that so many people have for this series, and I’m truly excited for them to experience that.”
Related articles:
- Here’s Everything You Need To Know About ‘Outlander’ Season 7 Part 2
- Everything We Know About ‘Outlander’ Season 8 (So Far)
- 50 Shades Of Lord John Grey With ‘Outlander’ Star David Berry
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