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
Ms. Gabaldon,
Hello from Canada! I am such a HUGE fan of your work, and now I’ve found I’ve only read some of it! I have read all of the ‘big’ books, up to and including A Breath of Snow and Ash. I am looking forward to continuing on with Echo In The Bone. You are an exceptional, incomparable author and I admire you so much! I can’t wait to see the books interpreted on screen and have no doubt that the series will retain the heart of Outlander.
Dear Diana,
I picked up Outlander to read when I went on maternity leave for my second child in 1992. I figured I would be home for a bit before she was born and it was thick enough to keep me busy. WELL-I couldn’t put it down! I read until 4 in the morning sometimes, even knowing I had to get up soon with a 3 year old! I totally fell in love with Jamie and Claire. So much so, that I named my daughter Claire Elizabeth! I actually didn’t know that Claire Randall Fraser’s middle name was Elizabeth when I named her, so imagine my surprise upon finding that bit of information out!
Then, imagine my utter glee to find out that there were (or would be) more installments in the Jamie and Claire story! I have never minded waiting for your next book because I never knew when it would be the last, and waiting allowed me to keep Claire and Jamie just a while longer. Now, I’ll have the TV series! I’m so happy that they decided to go with unknown actors and I think Sam Heughan is just perfect for Jamie! The rest will just fall into place, I believe.
Diana, keep up the good work. You’re an amazing writer and no other book or book series has captured me the way yours have!
Sherri
I would never, ever watch a series based on outlander. I am afraid it would ruin my ‘image’ of the books, the story, the persons… no. sorry… It’s the same reason why you never should watch a movie first and than read the book (and then , worse…).
In complement of my response before: I am a very very big fan of outlander and read the books all over again and again….
Diana,
Your books are wonderful. So much depth and detail. I am really excited about the series. I hope the director makes it mandatory for the actors to read Outlander, so they can fully grasp the depth and passion and connection that Jamie and Claire have.
Thank you also for other author recommendations you have given over the years. I read Darlene Marshall’s books because of you. I have read Mary Balogh’s books because of you. I love their writing.
Blessings on you and your family.
Carol
I remember when they announced the Harry Potter series had been optioned for the movies. My children and I had definite ideas of what Harry and the other characters looked like -and were worried that poor casting would “ruin” the books for us. Fortunately, our worries were unfounded – though my own image of Harry was quickly erased by Daniel Radcliffe! The relatively unknown actors meant that they were not being “upstaged” by their previous roles.
I hope that the same route is taken by the people in charge of casting the Outlander series. While nothing could detract from the books for me, they would be wonderfully enhanced if their Jamie bore more than just a passing resemblance to the imposing redhead I’ve imagined! I understand that you often have to sign off on casting when you sign over the rights, but I’m betting you kept something in the contract allowing you to have some say!
I keep remembering Lee Child (author of the Jack Reacher novels – a character similar in height and breadth to Jamie) – Child said he was “OK” with the casting of Tom Cruise in the part! This kind of error is more often made in Hollywood – in Britain they often hire “actors” rather than “stars”. Hopefully these folks will follow along this line of thinking!
As for the release date for the book – it’s ready when you’re done! No one wants it out before you are satisfied with your creation.
How can I get an audition (or even just send in a headshot) for the role of Brianna? She’s been my dream role since I read Dragonfly!
Oops! I just read in a previous comment that you have nothing to do with the casting. Sorry to bother you with that
Oh my gosh! I am so behind in finding stuff out. I just logged on last night and found out about the Starz green light and the casting. I have been bugging my BFF for a few years now to get her to read the Outlander series. Finally, yes finally, she started it this week and she cannot put it down. Now i have someone to squeal with over Jamie .
When i called her this morning to tell her about the show being produced, we have already scheduled a BFF night to watch it together without fail. As an avid reader, there is nothing you dream of more than seeing these characters you love being brought to life. I spent hours imagining Jamie and Claire and Furgus and Ian….but mostly Jamie.
I am having a hard time fitting the actor to the man in my head, but thats because the man in my head morphs and changes from time to time depening on what he is dealing with. Jamie is oddly one book character that i cant shake. Others, you tend to think about while you are reading them and then forget. Jamie is memorable, almost alive to begin with because he has such a BIG personality. So Diana, if you say this actor is Jamie, i believe it. Your writing is what brought him to life in such a memorable way. His entire demeanor is your creation. So who better to judge than you. I cannot wait to see it.
Thank you so much for creating a wonderful world. When i start to read them again, i do find new moments that stand out. I also re-visit old favorites. I loved the fact that one scene the actor had to read was the punishment scene. That scene makes me go through so many emotions right along with Jamie, that i think it was a wonderful choice to test the actor with.
I am doing my best to drag anyone I know into this great story!
Regards,
Amber
Dear Amber–
Thanks very much–I appreciate it! [beam]
–Diana
Diana,
Can’t wait for 8th book. I’ve read first seven twice, and I never like to re-read a book or watch a movie twice, except Dr. Zhivago and your books.
It is going to be painful at the end of Claire and Jamie’s lives.
But, the guy chosen to play Jamie is UGLY. Makes me not want to see it. Sorry.
Your books are awesome. Wish I had half your brain.
Dear Lin–
So don’t see it. [rolling eyes] Entirely your call. (Actually, I thought he was ugly, too, from the still photos I was seeing. Then I saw him act, and instantly changed my mind. The guy’s a chameleon.)
Enjoy the books, and if you later change your mind…the show will be there for you.
Best,
–Diana
Diana,
I am so irritated that people are being rude and getting off-sides about the release date of the next book. Until it is published on here and I read it from your blog I pay no attention to dates or rumors of things like that. Fandom must be neat but it certainly seems like it comes with some definite irritation.
I am digging that Starz is going to release the books as a show, are you at all able to have creative guidance? Maybe you have answered that question, if so my apologies.
I think in your shoes I would be excited but have a tough time sharing creative “say so” for the series to go forward. I have followed you for years and I marvel at the schedule you keep to stay in touch with your fans and sign books. I think that fans should take into account all that you have to do other than write to keep us all in_the_know!
Much love from TX,
KG
Dear KC–
No, I don’t have creative control on the show–I’m a “consultant,” meaning that they’re courteous enough to ask my opinion, but under no legal compulsion to take it [g]–but I’m very much encouraged by what I’ve seen so far, and have a good deal of faith in Ron D. Moore’s being able to make a faithful and visually exciting adaptation.
–Diana
Please tell me they do not plan to cram all the books into 16- 1 hour episodes. Talk about ruining the stories! I only wish I had the love between Claire and Jamie. I love the stories so much and thank you GB for giving these books to the world.
Dear Perrin–
[slight eye-roll] So who _did_ tell you that? And if nobody did, why on earth would you assume it? No, of course they’re not proposing any such thing. They’ll do a first season (presumably including mostly material from OUTLANDER–possibly bits from DRAGONFLY; I don’t know), and if it does well…well, there’s plenty more to be going on with.
Hope for the best instead of anticipating the worst, you know? [g]
–Diana
Dear Diana, I read Outlander a year ago and continued to read all the books. I have book 8 on my reader and dole out chapters when I need a C&J fix……making it last until book 9 comes out. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your writing!
The Lord John series was fab. John is such a likable character. Thank you for many hours of reading pleasure
and for stimulating my imagination. I have all my friends reading your work and they all feel as I do about your
amazing stories. I will be attending the Fergus Highland Games and I am so looking forward to hearing you
speak- men in kilts can’t hurt either. Sam rocks Jamie!
This is my 1st fan letter!
sorry- got the book numbers wrong. I am reading An Echo In The Bone very slowly, relishing every word and waiting
(I love the anticipation) for book 8 in the Outlander series. I may as well use this as a plug for a book 9
HINT HINT.
Is there any chance this series will come to Netflix? I have not had cable in over two years and I’m sorely tempted – JUST for Outlander. But my families budget says “no go”
Dear Elaine–
I have absolutely No Idea, but I hope so!
–Diana
I love the anticipation of the next book…it’s like a surprise Christmas at any moment. Then I will, once again, live vicariously through those beloved characters!
The beauty of a book over a movie is my personalized interpretation overall versus someone else’s. IF you are one who is usually disappointed in the Movie then I suggest you not watch and stick to re-reading the novel. But if you can watch with an open mind, then do so.
Dear DG
Reading all the crazy people flipping about book release date “changes” made me want to write a quick note-
I first picked up outlander when there were _only_ four books – way back when. I loved them, treasured them, shared them. I owned about 26 DG books just so I could lend them out as necessary (no e-versions then).
I cherished them and reread them through college, peace corps, post-bacc and med school. I took my most worn copy of each in my one suitcase to Africa and left them behind as my lasting contribution to the pc house library. I imagined I was Claire Fraser (minus the big handsome Scottish husband – mine’s Irish), going to med school late in life, traveling the world fighting infectious disease.
Each time a new book was coming out, I was excited, curious, nervous and the date was marked on my calendar. Circled in red you might say. Which I did today <> new event on my e-calendar
And if that date changes, it’s all cool because I can wait for the next installment – I’ll be excited and curious whenever it arrives. Until then, I’ll be working on the patience to read it slowly, which I have been unable to do with the last 7 :). And I’ll keep busy with residency – somebody said they were going to create work hour-restrictions . . .
Thank you!
Dear Nora–
You have no idea how much I appreciate that. [g] Thanks so much!
–Diana
Hi Diana,
I have just started reading your wonderful Outlander series ! I was just telling a friend of mine that we need to have a movie but I will happily take a tv series (very very excited).When I am reading I feel like I am watching a movie, your mind and imagination are amazing.Thank you !
Hi Diana
Well, we have our Jamie.. when is Claire arriving!
This is so exciting isn’t it. I can only imagine how you and your family are feeling about this recognition of your work.
I do hope you come to Cambridge for book signing when you release MOBY as it would be amazing to thank you in person. I know, running before we are ready to walk here!
Dear Diana,
I can’t thank you enough for the tremendous enjoyment you have give me (and a lot of others). I have read the Outlander series twice now, often with a wee dram of Glenfiddich hand. I feel so lucky to have just found (and finished) An Echo in the Bone. Now I don’t have to wait too long for the next book.
I was really thrilled to find we have a middle name in common… probably the only thing except a love of Jamie & Claire, et al.
Slainte,
Laura Jean
Dear Diana,
Your Outlander series is by far the most exquisite thing I’ve ever read. I started reading the books when my son was an infant and my time was spent doing little more than nursing him and reading your books. The first few I sped through but I had to eventually slow it down because I couldn’t stand for it to end. I even read the graphic novel which was pretty fun. It was a very happy time in my life. So….that being said. I take a lot of offense to the comments from others about the release date. I, of course like all other fans cannot wait to get the next book in my hands to satisfy my own selfish Jamie and Claire needs. But I respect you and the quality of your writing and I’m happy waiting as long as it takes. Because all other dedicated fans out there know you’re creating nothing short of a masterpiece!
And p.s. great choice on Sam Heughan! I’m so thrilled about this series. I’ve been dreaming about it since the day I set my sights on the Outlander books. I just hope they don’t disappoint (there better be plenty of “good” love scenes)!
Dear Diana,
I’m a BIG fan and have gotten many others hooked on your books. I saw who is going to play Jamie in the Starz series and just have one thing to say…he really needs to begin to bulk up. Jamie is supposed to be very huge (like my hubby), not fat, but, huge. This guy is slim. Can you get him to start lifting and working out? Sounds stupid, I know, but I’ve been reading since Outlander came out, and Jamie can’t be built any other way. Thanks for your time!
Your faithful fan,
Sherie
Dear Sherie–
Personally, I think Sam Heughan looks fine as is, but he tells me that he _is_ bulking up some for the part. So I think you’ll be happy. [g]
–Diana
We just talked about the same thing here at work with my colleague. She´s started to read your series too.
Maybe he can prove othervise and grow to the role of Jamie. OR…maybe the older Jamie in the future will be someone better… (I see with the eyes of my soul, Gerard Butler as Jamie…. ;P )
We said the same thing about Sam Heughan, that we have pictured Jamie a rough man on the outside, handsome but in the rough way and a man that has been through many battles. Sam (in youtube wideos) looks that only batles he´s been through are those, that what is the color of socks today.
But we allso hope, that maybe he will bulk up and maybe makeup can make a difference.
Dear Susanne–
Until you see him “be” Jamie, I think you’ll just have to take my word for it that he can. [smile] In the meantime, though, you and your colleague might enjoy this: it’s a video of the “fan event” that I did this last weekend in New York with Ron D. Moore (the executive producer and show-runner). It includes a brief “behind-the-scenes” look at the show’s preparation, and about 45 minutes of Q&A with Ron and me.
–Diana