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
Diana, First of all Amazon does give a date of 3/25/14 for the books publication date and the overly anxious fans should just remember how many hands the book will go through before it ever gets into theirs. Also S–T HAPPENS! Get over it. After watching “DaVinci’s Demons” especially and Spaticus you can see what a superb job they do in the casting of the characters so I doubt if any of us will be overly dissaponted in the choices made. Right now I’m relistening the audio of “Fiery Cross” in my car to and from where ever, thank you for giving us such a wonderful actress for the audios, she truly is your voice for me and I hate the radio so thanks again! As Jenny says reading a little of a book every evening gives you something to think about during the day, well your books definately live up to that and just to let you know all the cliff hangers at the end of the last book have been driving me Nuts!
I totally agree that good casting will make the series. I would really like to see some wonderful but unknown actors getting these roles – people we haven’t seen before, or at least not often, so we can watch without seeing them in our mind’s eye as someone they characterized before. Case in point – The Bridges of Madison County….one of the most badly miscast films I’ve ever watched. I love both Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood – but that wasn’t the movie for them and they just ruined the story for me…but that’s just my opinion, of course.
Thanks for your Outlander series of books. I have been reading and rereading them since the first one was published and have waited fairly patiently for each one since. I really like that they are nice long books, but unfortunately even the best binding don’t seem to hold up after several rereads. Am currently trying to super glue the pages back into A Breath of Snow and Ashes. It is a hardback and not the book club edition. Guess no binding can stand up to 700 or 800 plus pages and multiple rereads. Am looking forward to MOBY whenever it is released. Have mixed feelings about the TV series. Have usually been disappointed when a favorite book is made into a movies or TV serial. The characters don’t look like I have pictured them and frequently it doesn’t stick to the story line. Hope you don’t melt in the heat. I saw that Phoenix was 119 degrees last Saturday. Am glad that I no longer live there. Twenty-four years was enough. The winters were nice, but the summers sucked. You have had a busy year with weddings in additional to book signing and other events that you have had to attend. It is a wonder that you have managed to do as much writing as you have.
Hope I am not repeating myself, just saying thank you ,Diana for sharing your amazing talent with us. Yes, Chris Hemsworth would make a verra fine Jamie.
So excited to hear this news! Now, I just have to order Starz from Direct TV Donovan watch it. I have loved the epic love store of Jamie and Claire since I first read Outlander. This brilliantly written series is on my summer read list every year. And is ALWAYS the series I recommend to friends/family when they are looking for book suggestions.
Diana, you are awesome!
***And watch it….I am not sure where Donovan came from (as, I am not so far gone to have named my DirectTV, lol). Damn autocorrect strikes again. This is why I am not allowed to post after midnight!
Hi Diana
So pleased for you that you will see your wonderful characters on the small screen and we can’t wait to share in that with you.
Given that youi will need an ending for the TV series, can we presume that MOBY will be the last in the Outlander series?
I don’t have satalitte tv because our lovely BBC fills all of my tv needs usually but if needs be I will be putting up a dish next year on the side of my house!
best regards to you
Diane
Dear Diane–
No, MOBY isn’t the last; there will be (I think) nine books in the main series.
–Diana
Thank you for your frankness, I am very pleased to hear that Diana
Diane
Thank you! This was the same question I was going to ask. Now we can look forward to the Starz series, book 8 AND book 9 :o)
And I appreciate that the book release was moved out until March.
1- Because we want to read the story as YOU need to write it, however long that takes.
2- Honestly I know once it comes out I will be glued to it, and March is the perfect long, dreary month in which to escape with Jamie, Claire and Ian. No excuse not to rake the leaves this fall!
Diana, You are the only author I know who puts herself “out there” and gives so much to the fans. Thank you for being so accessible. The other authors I follow on blogs hold something back–probably so they won’t get criticized!
I have a personal question about your writing style. Do you know at the beginning of writing the book how it is going to end? In other words, do you have a general path you follow, even if it’s only in your head?
I’m just curious if the story and the ending open up as you are writing. I know you have said in the past that you don’t use an outline.
I always thought I could write better than some contemporary writers (it’s easy to criticize bad writing and grammar), but I don’t have a single story in my head, so don’t worry about any competition. Ha! As if.
I am very excited for both the book and the series. The hours I’ve spent reading the Outlander series have been wonderful. So, I thank you Ms. Gabaldon, for the gift you’ve given me.
P.S. I just introduced another friend to the series. She’s angry with me because everything else in her life has been put on hold and she’s feeling guilty. I’ve told her to relish each moment. Ahh, to be an Outlander virgin again!
Diana: Thank you for hours of enjoyment, and re-reading pleasure without end! I have also you to thank for my German pen-pal, Monika (Barbara’s mother) who (whom?) I met in Inverness in 1999 when we stayed at the same B&B. I am proud to possess one of the silky scarves depicting you and Monika walking along a woodland trail in Germany. Looking forward to Written In My Own Hearts Blood and the prospect of a tv series. I recommend your Outlander series to anyone interested in a good read! Thank you again, and keep on keeping on.
Well, as I am about to toss Showtime for Starz, I am fair chomping at the bit for this. It’s been a long time coming and I’m truly excited. A new book and a new series in the same year? Squeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
I am so excited to hear this news! Half way through book ‘An Echo of Bone’ and can’t wait to read MOBY. Thanks for the wonderful books Diana! They make my day brighter!
Diana,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful series so far! My grandmother got me hooked on the books years ago, and to this day, Jamie, Claire, and the others are a frequent topic of conversation for us. We’re already making plans to watch the new tv series together. Congratulations on the series order!
Alison
This is a fantastic news!!!! I know we have been going over the list of potential candidates for Jamie and Clair’s roles for soooooo long and I am really excited to see who finally gets chosen (unless they have already been chosen and i just missed it).
I did the audio books first time along for all 7 books and now i am reading the paper version (also because i can not bear not to have these books in my library). I am grasping another aspect of your fantastic writing this time along. When first time i stared with your books my daughter was 9 months old and i identified with Brianna in Drums of Autumn and Fiery cross and things she was going through and now that my daughter is 3.5 I see my sweet baby in Jemmy at that age and the Brianna and Roger’s emotions when they found out about Mandy’s condition and anything you are willing to do for your kids (my little one had 2 surgeries last year and due for another in 2014 or 15). the fact I can identify with so many different characters in your books based on different places I am in my life is amazing and shows depth of your writing.
O well! in short you are brilliant and i can not wait for the TV series and MOBY
Thanks, Rohini! [g]
Actually, _one_ reason why the books take a long time to write is that I need to have lived long enough to actually understand the emotions and responses of the characters. But that also is one of the reasons why the books can be re-read at intervals, and the reader find something new and different. If you wait five years before your next re-read, I guarantee you’ll identify with someone or something completely different on that go-round.
Best,
–Diana
OMG! This is fantastic! Yay! I so can’t wait! I’ve already mentioned it to hubby and we’ll need to subscribe to Starz! Woot! Thanks for the great news =)
Hi, Diana.
Congratulations for this awesome news… It just puts a huge smile in my face. I’m a big fan of Outlander series so I can’t wait to see this fantastic production on TV.
It will be a great success, I’m sure!
Diana,
Your books are not only a pleasure to re-read, I have learned that they are terrific to listen to while I walk each morning! I honestly think that is why I drag myself out at 5am (I also live in AZ), just so I can enjoy the next segment. I am almost finished with Voyager, and am happy to give you most of the credit for the weight I have shed along the miles!
Your imagination and storytelling make the time pass so quickly.
Thanks again,
Chris
Hi Diana,
Congratulations! You deserve the exposure. I wish you much success.
Could you clarify a point for me? Since it is a “series” and not a “miniseries” will the 16 episodes focus only on the first book? If not, what time period will it cover?
Looking forward to the series and MOBY,
Kate
Hi Diana,
I am ecstatic to hear that someone is finally bringing your enthralling saga to the screen! Can. Not. Wait. ;o)
I can’t help but think that Rupert Grint could make an interesting Jamie. He certainly has the look and is a true ginger. What do you think?
Do you have any say in who is cast in the roles?
Ta!
*~Maria~*
Dear Maria–
No, but I gotta say, I don’t think Rupert Grint is it, really. [g] Too short, for one thing. (Besides, hair color is irrelevant; _anybody_ can be ginger in half an hour, max.)
–Diana
Agree! Rupert is a bit wet!
Diana -
Just gotta say, I love you lady!
You are so giving, not only of your brilliance in your writing, but in the time you devote to fans…. this website and FB being prime examples, not to mention all the time you spend travelling to meet your fans and sign books (even if it takes you into the wee hours of the morning!) You go above and beyond my dear! It is a wonder you can find time to write. I generally read 1 or 2 books every week, but keep coming back to yours to re-read and savour.
Hopefully you have got some downtime planned for the summer before the final frenzy sets in. I believe you said your Eldest Daughter is getting married this month. I hope you get some time off for good behavour!
Very best regards,
Look forward to seeing you and Doug in Fergus,
Elaine
Hello Diana,
Your Outlander series holds a very special place in my book-loving heart and I cannot wait for MOBY as well as the series adaptation! Thank you for writing such amazing books and for bringing to life such wonderful characters! Jamie is irresistible and I’m really curious to know who they’re going to cast!
As for Randall… There is one actor who could really rise up to the challenge: Richard Armitage. If you don’t know who he is, check him out in the BBC adaptation of Gaskell’s “North and South”!
Thanks again and enjoy your daughter’s wedding day!!! My best wishes to you and your family.