STARZ GREENLIGHTS NEW ORIGINAL SERIES “OUTLANDER”
FROM “BATTLESTAR GALACTICA” EXECUTIVE PRODUCER RONALD D. MOORE
Network Will Team up with Sony Pictures TV
Series Based on Diana Gabaldon’s International Best-Selling Novels
Beverly Hills, Calif., June 25, 2013 – Starz Chief Executive Officer, Chris Albrecht, announced today that Starz will partner with Sony Pictures Television to greenlight “Outlander,” an original series adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international bestselling books. The network has ordered 16 episodes of the series which will begin filming in Scotland this fall. It is slated to premiere in 2014.
The series adaptation for “Outlander” will be written by Ronald D. Moore (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation”). Moore is best known for his work on “Battlestar Galactica,” which won him a Peabody Award in 2006. Ronald D. Moore and Jim Kohlberg are executive producers of “Outlander,” which is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining and Supply Company and Left Bank Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.
“We were drawn to ‘Outlander’ because it centers on a complex heroine who becomes immersed in an epic time-traveling tale,” said Starz Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht. “Ron Moore is the perfect showrunner to bring the rich world created by Diana Gabaldon, which generated a global fan following, to life. We are thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures TV on this project.”
Moore added, “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to bring these books to life. Diana’s created a rich and textured world filled with intriguing characters, and I believe that Starz is the perfect home for her story. I think we’ll make something that the millions of fans of these books will enjoy and recognize as ‘Outlander.’”
Diana Gabaldon’s seven-book series has sold more than 20 million copies and has graced the New York Times best-sellers list six times. The eighth installment of the “Outlander” series is slated to be released March 25th, 2014.
The “Outlander” series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history, and adventure in one magnificent tale. It follows the story of Claire Randall, a married British combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire’s heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
Starz will retain all domestic multiplatform pay TV rights to the original series.
“Outlander” TV Series Online
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutlanderTVSeries.starz
Twitter: @Outlander_Starz – join the conversation with #OutlanderStarz
Dear Diana,
I am thrilled for you. I’ve begun rereading the Outlander series in order to reacquaint myself with the story. I am enjoying it just as much the second time around. There are so many wonderful characters and story lines, that it’s impossible to remember them all from my first reading. Reading the series again has reminded of a wonderful Celtic song the Rankins sing called, “Ho Ro Mo Nighean Donn Bhoidheach.” The title translation is “my brown nut maiden.” If you love Celtic music, you’ll love this song. (I have no connection to the Rankins, I just love their music.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKsrYkKGsoY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I look forward to the show and the next book.
Thank you for your creativity.
All the best,
Thomasina Levy
Oh Diana the patience you must have to deal with “fans” and their demands of you! Just know that with everyone of those type of “fans” you have so many more that are understanding. And actually listen to what you have to say. You are a human being for goodness sake not a machine. You have given so many gifts to me that I couldn’t ever find the words to thank you enough. Enjoy your summer and remember your writing is worth the wait to those of us who love you!
March? Okay then, I have a new date to look forward to. Luckily we have Starz – which is another item for anticipation.
The comments here are a joy. I get to see the various (and sometimes) borderline-objectionable comments of those who want their instant gratification and also to see borderline-snarky answers with a wry grin.
Pez dispenser? Bonk on the head for a new story? I am still grinning, myself. Thanks.
Playing the part of Claire will not be easy, I hope they pick actors that will treat our beloved characters with respect.
Dear Diana-
Don’t listen to the negative nellies blaming you for the misinformation disseminated by other sources (yes, I’m talking to you Amazon). You just keep making that magic and writing the next book…I’m positive it will be worth the wait, no matter when it is published. Besides, I’m a firm believer that anticipation makes everything in life that much sweeter.
I have mixed feelings about the upcoming TV series. If it is done right and the casting is spot on, it will be fantastic. However, there are many books I have adored over the years and in most instances the movies or TV series based on them and/or the actors cast in key parts don’t live up to my imagination. Like many other fans, Claire is my hero and I’m more than a little in love with Jamie, so my expectations may be set too high.
I’ve been a huge fan of the Outlander series since the beginning. Each time a new book comes out, in the months leading up to publication day, I re-read the others and enjoy them more each time I read them! Over the years I have introduced many of my friends to the Outlander series. We are all eagerly awaiting the publication of the new book. And we have endless fun discussing who we would like to see cast as Jamie, Claire, Brianna, Roger and the rest!
Thanks for sharing your vision with us and for creating such memorable characters!
-Terri
I am so excited that your Outlander series is finally going to be made for TV.
Thank you so much for such a fantastic stories…………..
Diana-
People are stupid. I am sure you know this already, but I just had to state the obvious. They should be knocked upside the noggin for their ignorance.
I am beyond obsessed with this series and am currently rereading them for the millionth time. Jamie is….ah..no words. obsessed I tell you. anyway…
question: in your head..who do you see playing Jamie and claire(unofficially of course)? very excited!
Dear Danielle–
Well, now, let us try to be charitable. [g] Everybody says stupid things occasionally–I certainly do. I know absolutely nothing about actors; I never watch television, and see movies only occasionally. So I recognize the sorts of actors who get their pictures in PEOPLE magazine (that’s why I read it, so I’ll know who the producers are talking about when they mention someone to me), but most of these are movie people, thus not candidates for a cable-TV series. So I dunno, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed. I _do_ know they’re conducting auditions, even as we speak, so we’ll hope to have some news before too long.
–Diana
Diana,
Will you have any say in who plays what character? My mom and I are super excited both for your upcoming book and the series. We are truly hoping they do your work justice!!!
Thanks,
Chrissy
I have always thought that Rachel McAdams would make a really great Claire and she is a fabulous actress.
I usually check the blogs I follow every day, but with the Stanley Cup Finals I was a little preoccupied! Now that things have settled down, a little, after our Chicago Blackhawks brought The Cup home I finally came across your post. I was beginning to think I was the only one excited about the series! I’m sure looking forward to it! And you just keep on writing as long as you want since I have so many books I want to read and everything takes a backseat when one of your books come out. I have been one of your faithful readers since the beginning and I know that your books are worth waiting for no matter how long it takes! : )
Hi Diana,
Thrilled about the series. Anticipation for book 8 tastes like ambrosia.
Many Blessings.
Jeanne
Diana,
I was introduced to your books a few months ago and after reading Outlander, raced through all the others. Then I read all the Lord John Gray books and the short stories/novellas which really fleshed out the whole “Outlander World.” Now, I am busy rereading the original books because there is just so much in each one that it is impossible to catch all the detail the first time around! I do not usually reread books, but yours are actually very enjoyable the second time around! What a treat!
I am very excited about the new cable serial based on Outlander. Soooo much better than trying to do a movie. Shooting the serial in Scotland was absolutely the way to go, too. At least for the first book. But the crucial factor we all know is the casting. Probably, it would be better to use two un-knowns or little-knowns. Big names will probably not have the time available to do a series unless it is in one of the supporting roles. It will be a big time commitment for the two actors who play Jamie and Clair. No matter who is cast, those two have to be true to your descriptions. You refer to their physical features so often that they will be “must haves”: Jamie’s red hair, blue eyes, long nose, large and graceful physique, and Claire’s pale skin, sherry colored eyes, curly brown hair, and slim figure. If the actors do not have the hair and eyes, then they must wear contacts and wigs. Close-up shots with the wrong particulars would really fall flat!
Mary,
It’s as though you quoted me verbatim in your message! Although I read the books for the first time a couple of years ago, at the time that I did they were all available so I didn’t have to wait like some who discovered these right after the first novel was out. I am also reading them a second time. After getting into them at the beginning I devoured them leaving no crumbs. This time I’m decided to take a short breath between bites so that I could catch things that may have dribbled down my chin the first time. Speaking of dribbling, I agree whole heartedly about the character descriptions and actor selection. The descriptions for each and every character are so detailed, a wrong choice in actor or even choosing an actor attempting to change hair and eye color, well let’s just say it’s won’t be an easy job. We’re a demanding bunch with high expectations, so I’m sending good luck, and good vibe wishes to all those who will make one of my dreams (yes I do dream of Jamie!), of a good read come true.
Dear Brook (et al)–
Well…do remember what it is that actors _do_. I.e., they act. [g] A good actor can _become_ someone he (or she) isn’t, in the blink of an eye. I once watched Charlton Heston–during a brief talk on an outdoor stage at the LA Times Literary Festival–go from a diminutive Chinese man to one of Ernest Hemingway’s characters, watching someone bleed to death. And both times, within the first few words, I totally forgot it was Charlton Heston (who was, after all, reasonably spectacular in his own right…).
So I’d urge y’all not to judge by still photos, whoever they choose. The production people will have–well, actually, they’re doing it _now_; I know, ‘cuz they told me [g]–careful auditions, and I do trust them to do the absolute best they can. So far, they’ve shown themselves to have the greatest respect for the integrity of the story, and I’m sure they’ll do a good job with the characters.
–Diana
Diana,
The first book I read from the series was “Drums of Autumn” 1997 (it was left by a hotel guest on the Island of Jamaica) I was hooked. it also made me missed my Scottish grandfather terribly; that Hummm that he used most effectively to communicate, that the recipient was never in any illusion to his meaning. You have obviously observed Scott’s, they are a special breed.
The next book I read was the “fiery Cross” mainly because I wanted to know what was happening with Bree And Roger I didn’t fully realise that there were 3 books prior to that (i can only apologies my only excuse is, I was at university at the time. Walked into waterstones one day looking for new material and there was “A Breath of Snow & Ash” as asked the sales assistant about the book and asked for a comparison between DoA and FC, that’s when I found out about the “others” needless to say fi left waterstones with everything you had ever written that was in stock and ordered what they didn’t. I wrote plenty of pain cheques that week, and even though those bloody books are like bricks (hardbacks, the only way to read) I hauled them everywhere and read them anywhere, even on a crowded tube. Got through them (including any published Lord John books) and thought “more!” I really like, reread them at random and thought “I’m so glad they have not corrupted the books by turning them into movies”.
Some years on and we are talking TV series!!??. You can normally do more with series (see Game of Thrones I was very apprehensive at first), and as for the casting? I’m a bit baffled that some are concerned that they will have difficulty finding a 6ft 4in, red headed, blue eyed actor with a Scottish accent!!?? Then I remembered, not everyone’s been to Scotland, or to the Edinburgh festival of Fringe. There’s already one on a very popular American TV show although his hair is looking very blond these days and I do agree we need a newbie there are plenty of Celtic descendants across the pond, check north of the boarder too. I would not worry about appearance (makeup artist are masters at what they do), it’s the accent and mannerisms that’s going to be tricky, and sanitising or over romanticising their relationship would, just not work either.
Hi Diana,
This is very exciting news! Ronald’s work in TV has been extraordinary and STARZ proved they could do justice to a sweeping historical epic with Pillars of the Earth. Can you clarify if the 16 episode commitment is for a single season? Following the recent road map set by Pillars, World Without End and Game of Thrones, this would seem to encompass more than one season. Here’s hoping that, in your role as a consultant, your opinion is sought on the teleplay and casting. As much as I’d love to think the strength of the source material would overcome the rest, I find myself remembering Congo, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, The Time Machine, Sphere, Bloodwork, A Sound of Thunder, Eat Pray love, Dune, The Time Traveler’s Wife, etc. :o)
-Patrick
P.S. Keep those novellas coming! There’s nothing quite so fun as surprising my sassenach with a Kindle download while she anxiously awaits the Dec….er, March release. :o)
Dear Patrick–
Yes, the sixteen episodes _are_ for one season! Very exciting. [g] There’s no guarantees in the film business, of course–but I’m _very_ encouraged by what I’ve seen of this production team’s work so far!
–Diana
I just peed my pants. 2014, hurry up!
So bloody excited!!!!! I’m researching the casting directors, for sure–I have to at least *try* to submit myself, right? Ha!
I tried to get to the Facebook page listed, but it doesn’t appear to exist. Please keep us updated on when they have that up!
I’d also like to say I’m a little disappointed in some of Diana’s fans. She’s not the one in charge of the publishing date…and even if she were, we should respect that. She and the publishers know what’s best for the series. After Diana finishes writing, it goes through so many more steps before it gets put in our hands. Yes, we’re all impatiently awaiting the continuing story, but I’d rather that story be perfect than have it rushed out to us. Give the girl a break!
Oh–Diana, are you considering putting out another Outlandish Companion that encompasses all the books that have been published since the last companion (to include MOBY)? That companion is so helpful…full of Happy Goodness for us.
Best regards,
christa.
Dear Christa–
Yes, there will be an OUTLANDISH COMPANION, Volume II. [g] It’ll cover books 5-8, and likely also the novels in the Lord John sub-series. (Possibly the short pieces, too; haven’t decided that, yet.)
I’ve been working on that sporadically over the last couple of years (I normally do work on more than one thing at a time), and it’s pretty much accumulated [g]–I’ll need another six months or so of concentrated work to beat it into shape, though–and I really can’t do that until I’ve finished writing MOBY. But with luck, you might get the second COMPANION soon(ish) after MOBY comes out.
–Diana
Dear Diana
Thank you so much for your books. I find it really hard to get into a book but , your books I have a really hard time putting down. I have been through them all twice. Looking forward to the eighth. Thanks again so much!!
Oh, wonderful!!! The Companions are perfect for new releases…I don’t always have time to go back and read all previous novels before the latest comes out…ha!
Congratulations on the Starz series! I will certainly be a new customer once the series airs. I was very surprised to see it will be 16 episodes since most cable series are around 10 or 12. Are they one hour or half episodes? I hope one hour, the more I see of Jamie the better.
Sorry, meant half *hour* episodes, not half episodes.
Hi Diana,
Oh that is great news. I can hardly wait for book 8 ‘MOBY’ and some more news about Starz – ‘Outlander Series”.
Thank you so much for letting us know this great news.
I know the book and tv series will both be Excellent !!!!
Take a break, and then back to our beloved Characters !!!!!
Only You can create them.
Have a good Summer !!!!
Susie O.
i cannot wait for book 8…i am re reading the series now…and i especially waiting for outlander series…i was introduced to this series by a coworker and a friend..i am so glad that i read them..one of my favorite series…i have every one of the book covers..my two friends and i are planning a trip to scotland and i cant wait til we get there…many many thanks
debbie
The Outlander series is my favorite set of books. I reread the entire series every winter, and so does my mother. When you go to sleep, and dream of the characters, you have read a winner. I love Jamie and Claire, and can hardly wait until MOBY comes out. Thank you for having such an imagination and for giving us such wonderful characters to love.
Diana’s Outlander series has to the BEST series of books I have ever read. I await her next book (due for release
April 2014) with eager anticipation and if a TV Series can be produced, equal to the high standard of the books,
the world will see the genius of this lady. About time!
Diana,
Thanks for sharing this great news with all of us. You are such a “LADY” for taking in stride the asinine comments of some fans. You truly dealt with these people with more grace than the average person would have but then that just goes to show the civility of your character. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next book and the TV series. I thank you because as much as I (like everyone ) want the book now,waiting gives me something very good to look forward to. It WILL be worth the wait. Remeber people…quality takes time!
Tammy
Diana,
If I had to wait 5 more years to read your next book, I would gladly do so.. just so you could have the time to develop the characters and story line for the book. I would rather be disappointed by the delay in having the book released then to have you rush it and give me less of the magic that makes the books what they are. I bless the day I found your books and the faeries who guided me down that aisle of the book store.
Don’t ever give less then you do, the you that you are is what makes us love you!!!!
Lucie