Well, evidently there was an article in yesterday’s New York Times, regarding (among other things) the possibility of Katherine Heigl playing Claire in a film version of OUTLANDER. It’s not like there haven’t been all kinds of rumors about everything you could imagine, over the last ten years or so–but this seems to have stirred up a lot of folk, many of whom asked me to post something on the matter.
Had a quick glance at several assorted articles on the subject (to which folk have been sending me links). All of said articles contain the usual amount of careless inaccuracy that you usually see. You really shouldn’t get excited about any details mentioned in that sort of piece–like “Scottish heroine,” for instance.
That said, I haven’t ever seen Ms. Heigl act, but would certainly extend her the courtesy of waiting to see.
Saw you last night in Pasadena! U R GREAT! It was such joy! Isn't Katherine H too tall for Claire? Doesn't matter to me all that much. Of course I would see the movie. But I love reading much more than I like going to the movies. So much gets lost from the book into a movie.
Thank you again for the hours of reading pleasure that you have brought into my life.
I personally think another Grey's Anatomy actor would be perfect for Jaimie… Kevin McKidd. Not sure about Katherine though…… Like you said "We'll see."
I know many people love "Outlander" and our VERY protective over the character, and I am one of those people. But when it comes to Katherine Heigl as Claire, I don't think she'd do the part at all. I mean, God love her… but *shakes head* find someone else if anything.
Dear Diana,
I hope and wish that the SMART filmmakers, producers and casting directors out there would SEEK your approval of whom they choose to play the characters. I also hope that they'd remember that these charactere were of your creation, after all.
& If you think that Allen Scott-Douglas could/shold play Jamie, then, I think, at least he should have a shot at the audition.
Allan Scott Douglas would be alright playing Jamie in a musical stage production. Hopefully, an Outlander movie or miniseries would be Drama Only!!! Finding the "Right" Jamie would be CRUCIAL !! And the right Clare to go with Jamie is also important. This could be really Big, if casted well. Like….Gone with the Wind….Titanic…Braveheart..BIG !!! Hold your ground, Diana, until they find the two actors who were meant to play these roles.
I was passionately speed typing, so sorry for the typos.
I would rather have no movie at all, than have Katherine Heigl play Claire! And I actually liked her from Grey's Anatomy, she's just not it.
Having said that, nothing the film makers could do, will stand close to the characters and vision I have had in my head all these years. So, I will just view the movie (if it ever comes about) as a completely separate entity from the books.
ps. I like A.S.D in the musical version of Outlander, BUT Kevin McKidd has always been MY Jamie. Even though he may be too old, or what not, he is my best pick.
Here! Here! Nicole, finally someone with a like mind. I have been saying this for years.
And Romantic@heart, I totally agree
I think Kate Winslet could do an awesome Claire. She is already English, she can age up or down well, she can be controlled and also emotional – she's strikingly beautiful without being child-like…well, that's my opinion of who would be a lovely Claire. Jamie is much more an enigma to me!
I am not sure KH could pull off Claire, but I do agree that Kate Winslet would be an excellent choice. But, Alan Scott Douglas, while nice enough, just doesn't scream Jamie to me. I watched some of hist stuff on Youtube, and I just can't see it.
An up & coming actor getting his break playing Jamie Fraser? I think Jamie would want it that way (-; Best to you, Mr. Scott Douglas!
I could see Katherine Heigl as Brianna quicker than Claire, but I'm biased – she's playing Stephanie Plum in a movie adaptation, and that isn't good casting at ALL.
Still, we'll have tow and and see, though I'd rather keep waiting on a movie version til they can cast it right. We don't want another Clan of the Cave Bear…
oh no, not Katherine heigl..too Hollywood blondie. A good true English actress is what we want. In any event, Diana, if you are happy with whoever they cast, then so be it. Meantime, I am longing for #8…………….
I think KH would be a terrible choice for Outlander. These are my favourite books ever, but if she, or some other dumb blond actress plays Claire I won't be able to watch it. I think Claire should be played by an unknown. I think I would make a great Claire, I have long brown curly hair, I'm small but curvy, and I know I could play the part. I know that this movie would have lots of intense scenes which I'm confidant I would be able to portray well. I love animals and wouldn't mind riding them in the least, also there is that scene with the wolf, I could do that scene, someone like KH could not. If anyone knows how to get in touch with the casting directors I would love to send in a resume or portfolio.
Love you Diana! Can't wait for the next installment!
I think KH could do a good job on Claire.I can see her yelling at British soldiers, bossing people around. Not sure about the accent and the chemistry with the film Jamie.
KH as Claire? No, no, no, no, no….just no. Actually I think my first thought was "please god no!" I liked KH in Grey's Anatomy, but her movies stink.
I have said for YEARS that Kate Winslet would be perfect – please someone send her the first book and maybe she'll fall in love with it like all the rest of us and want to get involved.
And I'm also a fan of the HBO miniseries idea – two thumbs up on that one!!
Diana we love you, we love Outlander and we want what's best for it as much as you do!
What do we have to do to get an Outlander mini series. Something akin to the Tudors on CBC …or an HBO series. can we sign a petition.Why isn't this option being explored. We could have so much more than a 2hour flick
Katherine Heigl? Please no! She is absolutely dreadful in every movie she has ever been in, and I am positive she won't be able to pull off a British accent. Just because having her name tied to the project might help the movie to be made, doesn't mean that the movie should be made. Even if the best Jamie on Earth is cast opposite her,there will be no chemistry. I for one think that instead of a movie, the whole Outlander series should be made into a miniseries with all unknown actors on HBO or Showtime (they will be much racier that way anyway). If there must be a movie, please God, someone tell Kate Winslet to play Claire.
Once again I will say that I prefer the Jamie and Claire that appear in my mind and I can't imagine anyone's portrayal doing them justice. That said, I fully enjoyed The Exile even though their pictures were not what I have imagined. If Diana has input in the casting, I'm sure I would enjoy watching her choices portray them on screen but anything less than a miniseries would limit the beautiful complex story.
Umm, I'm not sure why my post was removed by the administrator. I don't think I said anything that others have not said in their posts. I just want to cast my vote, however futile it may be.
I'd rather have NO movie than have KHeigl play Claire. Jamie may be the standard for all heroes, but Claire is the rock of this series. I don't think KHeigl has the caliber to play an iconic character like Claire.
I want an Outlander movie, but a movie of quality – one that is worthy of the amazing characters that Diana produced. For me, having KHeigl play Claire will actually bring down the quality of the movie.