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
I am so excited! Go Diana!!! Yeah for you!!! I hope you make piles of money
Dear Danine–
Well, not so concerned about that (I probably won’t starve. Still have a Ph.D. in science I could dust off, if necessary [g]), but I _do_ hope the series will draw more readers to the books. I don’t write for money (though _having_ written, I’m all for getting paid [g])–I do write to be read.
Thanks for your good wishes!
–Diana
Ms. Gabaldon,
I’ve read all the Outlander bundle books and look forward to the next installment. You weave great stories. Love the vocabulary of new words for me, or at least words I’ve not used or often seen or heard. I also commend you on the excellent use of actual historical events, people, etc. I find myself researching more about these events.
I have a biblical citation observation. It is found in An Echo in the Bone, Part Six, Chapter 80, “Oenomancy,” where Claire is warning Michael concerning the nature of the French Revolution. In her mind, Claire is thinking she is like Jeremiah being placed in prison following his prophecy concerning Nineveh.
There is really not a connection between Jeremiah and Nineveh; Nineveh itself is not mentioned in that book. Jeremiah prophesied after the fall of Nineveh and the enemy at hand is the Babylonians (sometimes called Chaldeans in the Bible).
Jeremiah was imprisoned in Jerusalem because he advanced the guidance that Judah should not fight against Babylon, as Babylon was the Lord’s chosen instrument of divine judgment. Needless to say, that was seen as treason and false prophecy. The accounts of Jeremiah’s situation are found in Jeremiah 32, 33, 37, 38, 39. Chapter 38 could imply a “well” since there was mire at the bottom.
If Claire meant to think of “Jonah,” rather than Jeremiah, since Jonah did prophesy against Nineveh, there remains a problem since Jonah was not shut up in a well.
I didn’t know if there was an apocryphal account you had used or if it was simply an editorial oversight.
Anyway, thank you for creating such engaging characters and bringing to bear so many historical and theological discussions! Doug
Dear Doug–
It’s just Claire. [g] See, _you_ know that, and _I_ know that…but Claire’s is not a particularly devout person, nor does she read the Bible regularly. She has the usual half-remembered muddle of Biblical references that people _do_ have when they’ve grown up in a culture where such references are common, but not formally studied.
Thanks very much for your good opinions and good wishes! Much appreciated. [smile]
–Diana
Thank you for the prompt reply! I understand Claire’s conflating the two biblical narratives. Rest assured it does not lessen in the least my admiration of her (big smile). Thanks again.
Dear Diana,
I am so excited to hear about the upcoming Outlander series on Starz. I guess I will have to subscribe to their service now. For you I’ll fork out the extra money. I’m anxious to see who is cast. I can’t wait to see this wonderful world you’ve created come to life.
I have been following you since the first book came out and have always been deeply in awe of your talent as a storyteller. The amount of research you put into each and every one of your books is staggering. I have not only gotten hours of enjoyment delving into Jamie and Claire’s world, but I have learned so much as well about history, daily life in the 18th century, medical practices, herbal remedies (not that I’ve tried any), and historical figures (though I realize they have been fictionalized), etc. I can clearly see why it takes so long to write each book and they are truly worth the wait.
As far as amazon.com goes, I admit I did pre order the 8th book, with the full understanding that the publishing date may not be accurate. I know I will eventually get the book when it is published and they don’t charge until it is published so no harm no foul. Anyone who can criticize you about the publishing date is beyond me. No one who understands how much work goes into writing a book ever would.
Thank you so much for all your hard work and for the many hours of enjoyment you have brought me and all your readers.
Best wishes always,
Barbara
Dear Diana,
1. I do not know how you get anything done at all when you spend so much time responding to nonsensical people, although I do appreciate that you do respond to your fans.
2. I think you have the patience of Job to answer illiterate, argumentative people who obviously have not been paying attention over the past year (regarding publishing dates).
3. I’m so happy that the actor cast as Jamie pleases you. What you wrote about seeing him onscreen is intriguing, and I can’t wait to see it.
4. I have booked my trip to Bubonicon and can’t wait to ask you a few questions .
Thanks so much for creating such great characters and plots.
~ Terri
I enjoy the Outlander series, the Lord John series, and the snippets you post on Facebook for MOBY. I don’t follow every possible posting in which you “pontificate”. (You don’t really “pontificate”). I enjoy reading and rereading your series and other authors series.
From reading Elizabeth Moon’s Paksenarrion blog, I have gotten a good idea of how her creative process works. And also how life can interrupt the creative flow. Granted she usually has one book in process at a time. She also let’s the readers of her blog know when the proof pages come, the process for correcting the proofs, and returning the proofs to her editor. She also at times gives snippets of the story, which do not give away any of the major plot lines.
Why do I mention her process is such detail? I do this to show that different authors have different ways to touch their fans. The author cannot always keep a deadline.
Your fans do not always know why a tentative date is put out for a publication date. The date may have been slipped because of conditions which were out of the author’s, the editor’s, or the publishers’ control. Your fans will patiently (or impatiently) wait until MOBY is ready. We want you to write the best story you can write. Life gets in the way. It always as, and it always will. Put your best out here for us to read. We will always devour whatever you write, whenever it comes out.
May God keep you and yours safe while you are in your writing mode.
– Mary Elmore Kellogg Cowart
PS Keep the good characters and plots coming.
PSS Good luck on the Outlander (TV series). I am looking forward to seeing it.
Dear Diana,
As I write I listen to ‘The Fiery Cross” on talking book and someone has just been giving Claire a “firm but languid” touch on her foot after Jacosta & Duncan’s wedding.
I wait with bated breath for MOBY and I wonder many things about the coming story, some of my wilder imaginings are:
Is Fergus revealed as being able to travel through the stones- as the son of a fellow traveller this could happen?
Does Roger get someone to write the letter that is written in an unfamiliar hand – does it tell Brianna where he has ended up?
What dastardly plans does the Comte St Germain have for Claire & Jamie?Will his influence reach across the oceans to America?
Look forward to reading MOBY and hoping that it will not be the series end – i would be happy to wait again for another instalment.
Naomi
Dear Diana,
Excited to hear your new book will be out, of course the sooner the better. The anticipation is half the fun!
I’m hesitant about the TV movie version yet keeping an open mind. As far as who will play Claire and Jamie goes, we all have our visuals about who would be best.
The other day at church I saw a man that fit my vision of Jamie to a tee. He was about 6’4″, red hair with a ponytail, short beard, muscles and most importantly a kind, handsome face. He was helping a handicapped person up the isle during mass. It took all my willpower not to exclaim “JAMIE, you’re alive” !!! Quite like I exclaimed when reading the first of the series, Outlander.
Thank you for sharing your brilliant talents with us.
B.C. Craig
Er…..where did you say this church is??? Did you notice a wedding ring on the big red one?
The Catholic church in Moscow, Idaho. LOL No wedding ring in sight.
Moscow Idaho here I come!! Now all I need is Geilie or maybe Master Raymond to whip up a love potion and I am all set. (Hehehehe.)
lol
I, along with millions of others, had to wait almost six years for George R R Martin’s fifth Game of Thrones book to be released, so waiting four years is nothing. I love the way Ms. Gabaldon’s mind works and am very grateful to have these wonderful books to read.
Dear Diana:
I’m 66 years old and driven to write my first fan letter. This note is strictly for information, so, feel no pressure.
MOBY will be released in my 67th year, as will the televised Outlander, in 2014.
Following the same pattern, your 9th book will most likely be available in my 71st year, hopefully 2019, as will (again hopefully) The Fiery Cross on television.
2023 will be my 75th year, and time for the (probably) last televised book, if the series runs to conclusion.
I think I can make it. Just sayin’.
Thank you for many enjoyable reading and listening hours.
Sue Carter Moore
Since I always re-read each of the books before the new one comes out, I’m kind of glad March 2014 is the publication date! The pile I’m ready now is about a foot tall, and need to get through it first!
Greetings once again Diana!
I was wondering if you know if the TV version of Outlander will be available to purchase in DVD format (for those of us who would prefer to watch it without commercials)?
Kind regards from Nova Scotia
Bethia MacPherson
PS It’s verra important that Jamie and Claire receive our undivided attention…
Dear Bethia–
Yes, I’m sure it will be available on DVD. Hope you enjoy it!
–Diana
Dear Lady
I know it won’t be the same as your amazing writing but still, I am very excited to see how it will be manifest.
I await it and your next book with great excitement!
Bethia of Nova Scotia ;D
Hi Diana – I have never, ever entered anything like a blog or twitter or facebook, etc, so I hope I am doing this correctly…
I was introduced to your series by two unaquainted but very enthusiastic friends, so I was intrigued before I even read anything. The Outlander was unlike anything I had ever read and I was hooked…I quickly went through the whole series (my housework suffered, hahaha) and was chuckling to be disappointed to not be able to download the last book on my ipad immediately. I hope you don’t think I am weird, but the next few weeks were almost like being in what I imagine withdrawal must be, from the stories and the characters.
I am grateful that I only recently read your books and so my patience was put to task waiting only for the next novel and not each one as it came out over the past number of years.
It was only after being out of material to read that I delved into your own history and life and was delighted to learn more about that. What a wonderful writer you are and an inspiration to so many people on so many levels and professions.
I was happy and surprised to learn that you will be coming to Fergus, Ontario, Canada in August. You will be so near and yet so far…I am a nurse and scheduled to work 12hr midnights on the Fri/Sat/Sun…so no hope of ever trading shifts with anyone for that weekend. I live in Brigden which is close to Sarnia and I would’ve loved to see or meet you. I know that weekend will be a huge success and lots of fun for you.
Thank you for giving me some wonderful ways to pass the time, to enrich my heart and soul and to share with other people.
Just saw “Jamie”….now I am excited about the TV series…amazing!!
all the best, Sylvia
Hi, Sylvia!
I’ll be sorry to miss you in Fergus! Really pleased that you’ve been enjoying the books, though, and I hope you’ll like WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD when it comes out in March, too!
–Diana
I have read your books several times and am thrilled with the plans for the mini series. Can’t wait. The way you portray the characters brings them all to life. I don’t know how you do it, but am so thankful that you do. Your books have brought me solace when my life was not going well. And they will continue to do so. I have taken so many trips to Scotland, France and the U.S. without ever leaving my home and my world was in chaos. I am looking forward to the next book and the mini series. Thank you
Dear Ashybeck–
Thank you! I’m glad the books could be some help to you!
–Diana
Hi Diana,
When I discovered Outlander 4 years ago, I think I read all 7 books within a year. I was so excited to get to the next book to find out what has happened with the characters. I love how we have been following them as they grow up. What a great imagination you have!
I am really excited about your next book and miniseries to come out. Even if I do have to wait until next March it will certainly be worth the wait. I only hope that my television programming in Canada gets the show.
I will be rereading the series before the next book comes out so I can familiarize myself with the characters and story again.
By the way, great choice on Jamie, he is perfect! In more ways than one.
Happy writing,
Sally
Diana,
I am another devoted fan who is waiting every so patiently for the next book in the Claire and Jamie saga. I have read and reread them all and will never tire of the series, or the Sir John books. It is the only series of books that I have read like this (and I read a lot).
I am also looking forward to the TV series and yes hopefully the writers and producers will do the books justice but I must say that the fellow chosen to play Jamie is much too clean cut and pretty (in a male sort of way) to suit me, Jamie’s character should have been played by someone like Eoin Macken; now he’s Jamie!
All the best and please keep those books coming.
Diane Cleveland
Dear Diane–
Oddly enough, Eoin Macken looks _very_ like Jamie’s father, Brian Fraser.
As for Sam Heughan…well, all I can say is, I’ve _seen_ him be Jamie Fraser. He’s one of those chameleonic actors who never looks the same way twice–and he looks completely different (much rougher and sexier) when he’s being Jamie, believe me. Or don’t believe me [g], but wait and see.
–Diana
I am a believer, for sure. When I clicked on the “It’s official” link and saw the photo of Sam Heughan I said, out loud, “OOF DAH, yep, there’s Jamie!” I’m 100% sold.
Nah. Jamie is bigger and had red hair and a fuller face. This guy does not seem to fit the part at all, at least in mind’s eye. Bad casting me thinks.
Dear Jimmy–
Ah, but you didn’t see him act, and I did. [g] Extremely Good casting, as you’ll see, I think.
–Diana
Perhaps the eye in your mind needs glasses. Or not. Either way no one will ever satisfy EVERYONE because we all have our own idea of what these characters look like. Diana brings the image to life in her description of said character but the final image is something we create individually in our own imagination. How can one man be everything to everybody? It is an impossible task and I feel sorry for Mr. Heughan for all the criticism he is facing! If the creator, the originator, the AUTHOR for Petes sake says he IS Jamie then I for one trust her word on it.
Hello Diana,
Meet me at the Beaver Street Brewery for dinner? I’m buying.
Love everything about your books, and your even prettier than I could
have ever imagined.
Thanks for the greatest reading adventure ever!
Dear Judd–
Appreciate the thought! [g] Don’t know what my husband would think of my meeting strange men for dinner, though…
–Diana
Hello Diana.. I absolutely love your books and fell in love with several of your male characters immediately! I have the first three books of your Jamie/Claire adventures.. have read them over and over.. I have read the others but do not own them yet.. thanks for the great stories you write and for the many times they have been my bedtime stories.. I hope they go on forever!
Hi Diana,
I love your work. I think I have re-read the books 10 times over. I started reading them around the time I lost my husband- I was 27 so really relate to Claire and Jamie when they lost each other. The depth of the emotion you show through the characters is amazing. I can’t wait till your next instalment. You have amazing talent
Dear Rebecca–
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband; how terrible to lose him so young. [hug]
–Diana
He’ll do. I had visions of other established actors that would have been a mistake. I am also a fan of the Walt Longmire series written by Craig Johnson. When it finally came to TV you couldn’t recognize the characters because they were different people completely. Please don’t let this happen to Outlander. Thanks.
Whenever your next book is ready, I’ll be there to read it!! Am I going to be able to get a signed copy????
Enjoy writing because I know I will enjoy reading!!!
Hope you also have some time to enjoy your summer,
Myra