Sam Heughan and Friend at Outlanderworld
Goodness, can’t leave you lot to your own devices for long, can I? [g] Given the amount of traffic I see in the stats for this blog and my Facebook page, I conclude that the Casting Wars are still boiling along.
Well. Look.
1) People are entitled to their own opinions. Naturally, I’d prefer these opinions to be expressed—and received—civilly, but up to you, of course. I believe in the virtues of free discourse.
2) I—of course—am likewise entitled to an opinion. [cough]
Now, my opinion is based on rather more information than most others expressed here, because
a) I created Jamie Fraser and thus—presumably–have a pretty good idea of what he really looks and acts like.
b) While I haven’t yet met Sam Heughan, I’ve seen Rather a Lot of him (about 95%, at a rough guess), both in terms of
a. Photographs, and
b. Film, and
c. Bits and pieces, like audition tapes
Naturally, everyone forms mental images while reading. Everybody. I do it when I read other people’s books, too. Now, I can’t imagine why anyone—having read OUTLANDER—would form an image of Jamie as a 7-foot tall Bozo the clown on steroids, but you know….whatever floats your boat.
Why anyone should expect a film company to a) telepathically extract your personal vision of a character and b) try to replicate that onscreen is one of the Great Mysteries of the Universe, and I’m not about to try to solve it here—I got a book to write, among other things, and there are only so many hours in the day.
So I’m just going to say This about That:
Y’all have not seen Sam Heughan “be” Jamie Fraser.
I _have_.
Now, when they told me who they’d chosen and that they were sending me the audition tapes, I was in the car, driving from Phoenix to Santa Fe with my husband. Unable to get to my computer until we got to Santa Fe, I was madly googling “Sam Heughan” on my iPhone (my husband was driving, I hasten to add).
Frankly, I thought he looked bizarre. He’s 6’3”, that’s fine…very chiseled face, but oddly chiseled, and what’s with the large forehead and cleft chin?!? Jamie doesn’t have a cleft chin and his nose is not all that long, though it _is_ straight…and good grief, I know we wanted somebody who could play a 22-year-old virgin, but this guy hardly looks like he has hair on his behind, let alone the dangly bits…but…
But.
But you know, I _do_ understand what it is that actors do.
(Do you know that, btw? What they do is magic. They can become somebody they aren’t—and their physical outline is just Really Not That Important. (Within limits. Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher is a long way outside those limits…).)
So I sat down at my computer, sort of looking warily through my fingers. Willing to suspend disbelief if I could, but kind of dubious, you know?
So here he is, dark-haired, in a long-sleeved gray T-shirt, and I’m thinking, “Boy, he doesn’t look _anything_ like his IMDB photos, he actually looks pretty human, that’s a relief…”
And five seconds later, Sam Heughan was GONE, and it was Jamie Fraser right there in front of me. True. No costume, no makeup, no props, nothing but cues from an offstage casting director, and…it was him.
He did two scenes. First, a confrontation with Dougal, right after Dougal’s ripped his shirt off in the tavern.
“Devil take ye, Dougal MacKenzie! I dinna owe ye that!” Blazing blue eyes, swelling shoulders, and…bam. Showed this small bit to a (male) friend recently, who blinked at the screen and said, “Man, he’s powerful!” He was.
Second scene was even better; it’s the scene where Jamie explains to Claire exactly why he’s about to punish her. [g] And he had it all: patience, seriousness, annoyance, patience, humor, menace, humor, and…enough sex to drop anyone with functioning ovaries in their tracks.
Now. In the months since then, the production people have been kind enough to show me the occasional glimpse of this or that. I _have_ seen the red hair in its full glory (it took seven tries—and 27 hours in a salon chair, I was told by the victim), and speaking as someone married to a red-head (himself Jamie’s original body model) and with two more in residence…it’s definitely the right kind of red.
Red hair—as I notice a few red-heads have been mentioning—looks Way Different, depending on the light. Unless it’s truly carroty (and Jamie’s is Definitely Not), sometimes it looks almost brown, sometimes it’s red-gold and sometimes it’s all different colors and sometimes it has almost-blond highlights and sometimes…well, let’s put it this way: it doesn’t look like Bozo the clown or Shamus the Wrestler, it looks like Real Hair, just red. (And if you really worry about this, do go and google “red deer images” and _see_ what the heck a red deer’s pelt looks like.)
But beyond the physical details (which are, um…Really Good, and decency prevents me going further, save to say that while Jamie certainly doesn’t look like Thor (gag me with a spoon), he—and Mr. Heughan—look Very Nicely Muscled indeed)….Sam Heughan can _act_. And he totally nailed it.
So. Feel perfectly free to express your own opinions. (I don’t know quite what people expect as a result. Surely they don’t figure that Starz will say, “Oh, no! Robyn MacGillicuddy Stimson thinks Chris Hemsworth should be Jamie! Get Hemsworth’s agent on the phone!” Or at least I hope they don’t think that…) You’ll change your mind in due course.
Or I’ll pay you a dollar. [g]
Thank you for your lovely comments about Sam Heughan. Personally, I trust the “powers that be,” to do what they do – to assign parts to people that can act the parts! No complaints here! This is absolutely so much fun — having wonderful characters come to life on the screen. I don’t EVER comment online, but I do want to take this opportunity to thank you for being so accessible and open to your adoring fans. We do appreciate it! I also wait with bated breath for Book #8! (And, of course for Outlander on Starz!)
My thoughts on casting are a man cast him that had never read the book Jamie stands out. People notice him. Men and women fall in love with with him. Where are those eyes? I’m thinking more like Chris Helmesworth with red hair. The wrong Jamie will ruin it.
Dear Teri–
Oh, I agree that the wrong Jamie would ruin it. That’s why I’m delighted (and relieved) that we have a wonderful actor who can truly embody the part.
–Diana
Hello Diana,
When I watched your Q and A with Ronald D. Moore, OH MY Goodness,!
Ronald D. Moore is exactly how I pictured Roger Wakefield MacKenzie!
Very handsome!
Any chance he can play the part of Roger and produce?
: >
Pamela
Dear Pamela–
Well, no. [g] Ron is maybe three inches taller than I am, and nearly 50. But I’m sure he’d appreciate the compliment!
–Diana
I’m sad David Gandy isn’t an actor. He could be an awesome Roger.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2539995/EXCLUSIVE-So-THATs-hes-supermodel-David-Gandy-rugged-outdoorsy-shoot-2014.html
You are so right Diana, Sam Hueghan is Jamie Fraser! Strong, handsome, warm, likeable and sexy…….so damn sexy
- Lu
Oh my god. I just watched Thor 2. Chris Hemsworth IS Jaime!! Slap some ruddy hair on the man. I swear it’s him!!
Dear Allison–
Well, as I said, everyone’s entitled to his or her own opinion, and if that’s what you like, that’s what you like. However…the reality is that Sam Heughan is cast to play Jamie, and he’ll be great, so don’t worry.
–Diana
I agree with Diana wholeheartedly all actors and actresses have been very well selected.. and I honestly couldn’t see anyone else playing Jamie or Claire.. Well Done Starz and Diana
I am so glad “Thor” is not playing Jamie. I like that the actor playing the part is more unknown or unfamous, well, was until this role came up….I am so happy that Diana and the rest chose who they did. Yay Sam!
I´m not sure this David Gandy would make a good Roger. He´s too old and… well, ugly. Are you serious Carla?
DAVID GANDY Ugly? only in your eyes. He’s the most famous, requested and well succeeded male model IN THE WORLD. He has a savage beauty just like Roger. Roger was never described as a pretty face.
http://www.malemodelscene.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/David-Gandy-Esquire-Mexico-Aaron-Olzer-06.jpg
Chris Helmsworth is a child, Sam is perfect!! Diana knows best!
Dear R–
Well, they’re about the same age, really–and do recall that Jamie’s only 22 in OUTLANDER–but Sam _is_ perfect. [g]
–Diana
Your choice of the two lead characters (Jaimie and Claire) is fantastic. Sam Heughan is magnificient – his body is perfect for the part, but more importantly, his acting is wonderful. He goes from a rather innocent 22 year old who is shy and very gracious to this powerful laird to be with just a flick of his looks. His humor and small smile on his face are wonderful….he is so passionate and gentle and loving and…oh I could go on forever. I’m 71 and have watched the wedding 8 times and the whole series 3 times…..I’m at the end of book four. This Sam guy and Claire gal should get the Emmy for best actor/actress.
I love them both. Please tell me Sam is not gay…..I don’t think I could take it.
Angela
Dear Angela–
No, Sam isn’t gay. He’s played a couple of gay roles, in a stage play and a British TV movie. He’s an absolutely wonderful actor, as are all the cast–the production has had amazing luck (and skill! [g]) in the casting.
Best,
–Diana
B.S. Jamie’s hair is red. according to your previous descriptions — do you even remember what you’ve written? Full stop,no question you lost it somewhere after Roses and Ashes. Actually, more likely after “Drums of Autumn.” No one really cares about Brianna and her A-hole husband and her stupid kid…Claire and Jamie are probably dead by now…who cares any more?
Why do people feel the need to purposely post negative and hurtful things? If you don’t like her work, then get off the blog! Do you just look for things to complain about? You must be very unhappy with your own life to try to make misery of someone else’s – especially after they have worked so hard at something.
Diana, I have only read the first 5 books but I loved them and look forward to the series. My friends and I share info on Facebook whenever we hear new info about the production. We have been following the possibility of it happening for a few years now.
Congrats on your work and your success. Many of us enjoy it and still hold you in high esteem.
The rest don’t matter.
M
You’re wrong, and there are THOUSANDS of us who care, so go somewhere else and stop being a hater!
Bree, Roger, Jem and Mandy are wonderfully drawn characters and the time-travel continuum is written in a masterful fashion–the continuing saga of the Frasers, Mackenzies, Murrays, and Greys as their lives intertwine provide hours of pleasure for thousands of people.
If the spiderwebs of connection through space and time begin to bore, there are many other writers out there who write with less detail and continuity. As I labor to complete my first novel, the Outlander series has taught me so very much about foreshadowing, characterization, setting, and research. I hope the many strands of the tale continue even after Jamie and Claire eventually depart.
YMMV…Diana, Bless you and your wide-ranging imagination!
Wow!
Please share your latest publication with us all.
It seems only fair the “critics” should have a shot at analyzing and critiquing your
own work.
…what’s that you say? You’ve never a written a novel (or 8+)…
I rather assumed as much.
Where’s the poll that says no one cares about
the continuum of the Fraser family line??
Why would anyone post a tantrum?
That’s right, my children did that as toddlers
when feeling frustrated or unheard.
We heard you, maybe you just need a nap.
LField,
I LOVE your reply above this is great and captures the character of the EPCanon perfectly!
Great Job.
EPCanon,
who peed in your cornflakes? You’ve got a lot of damn nerve getting on here and ranting like some sort of maniac.
And I beg to differ, millions care about Brianna and her husband and child, you must be terribly insecure to think you are in a position to critique Diana Gabaldon.
Go somewhere else with your nastiness and the best of luck to ya!
And William! with the latest book, i’m more enthralled with his journey than the others, although i do still care about the others….
Wow. Just…wow.
She lost it? Not to millions of others who do not share your angry opinion-she hasn’t.
Are you really so shallow that you want the story to wrap up when the characters fall in love and have sex-end of story?
I LOVE this lifelong love story. It’s deep, and it’s enduring. And yep, they probably WILL die at the end-but don’t we all? And do you want someone spouting “who cares?” when YOU go? I bet you don’t.
Diana has given us a gift of a marvelous story-a complex and interesting story, full of detail and one I find myself very invested in. The talent of a good story teller is that you forget temporarily-that it’s a story. It grabs you, pulls you in, digs into your heart and mind, and makes a nest for itself there. I never forget a good story that claims my heart. I will never forget this story. I will re-read it many times, and enjoy it differently each time, because I will be a a different place in my own life each time.
I realize that this rude comment was made over two years ago, and hopefully, in this time, you’ve learned better manners, and a measure of gratitude for a human being who puts forth so much time and effort to produce a highly successful and satisfying tale-and you’ve been able to reconcile yourself to the idea of this story, or if not, maybe you’ve found something else that you prefer. I doubt that. But anything is possible.
Thank you for the blog. I’ve thoroughly enjoy the series and I must admit I had someone like Kevin McKidd in mind as Jamie as I read your novels but look forward to seeing the show with Sam Heughan. As you say a good actor will “bring you in” to the story so I’m really looking forward to it. Hopefully it is showing in Canada!! Cheers, Jackie
So looking forward to seeing this wonderful story come to life! I follow Jackie’s comment – I truly hope that your fans in Canada will also be able to see the series!
First off, it would be hideous to have a Jamie that looked perfect but couldn’t act. Second, once people start watching a program, the actors “become” the characters …. so long as they’re good actors. So I’m biding my time, waiting to see what Sam can do.
A good example of the “actor becomes the character” is Derek Jacobi’s role as Brother Cadfael in the BBC series of the same name. The author of the books described Brother Cadfael as swarthy with dark hair… which Derek Jacobi certainly is not. However, the moment that Sir Jacobi steps in front of the camera, he IS Brother Cadfael. The author, Edith Pargeter (aka Ellis Peters) said she even changed her own mind about it once she’d seen Jacobi play the part. The power of good acting is as strong as new eyeglasses where seeing a character come to life is concerned.
However, I will say that I will be disappointed if Jamie doesn’t have long hair. The “first look” photo seems to show him with short hair (I suppose it could be queued, but I can’t tell…). I mean, it’s so easy to create any length “movie hair” with a good hair and makeup person, so it’s not like you’d have to change actors or anything extreme. It’s just that, from a swooning perspective, Jamie’s long hair is part of the whole (ahem) package.
Remember, when we first meet Jamie he had just returned from the Abby where they cut his hair to treat his head injury, so he would have shorter hair. Sam will make a perfect Jamie. If Diana says he is Jaimie, he is Jamie.
I think that you have forgotten that in the first book. Jamie has short hair due to his head injury.
Dear Karen–
You’re entirely correct. He did and he will.
–Diana
I read the Outlander book series and LOVED them. Now I am thrilled to be watching the TV series. Sam Heughan looks EXACTLY the way I pictured Jamie Fraser only BETTER! He is the perfect choice for the character. He is amazingly beautiful to look at, his voice and accent are captivating, and he brings to life the character of Jamie perfectly. In the Outlander TV series, Sam is strong, sexy, sweet, loyal, protective, honorable and more; all the things Jamie is in the books. And his eyes!!!! OMG! I like all the other characters, but I am watching the show because of Sam. I only wish he was in every scene!!!
I am so enjoying the books which I started reading after learning of the Starz show. I begged my husband to order Starz after seeing the first episode on line. I have become completely taken in to the story. I am on Drums of Autumn and can’t put it down. I am so bummed at the thought of waiting until April for the 2nd season. Mary
Dear Diana –
Sam Heughan has been Jamie to me from the start. I didn’t start reading the book until after catching the very first episode on Starz. I cannot imagine anyone else playing Jamie, or Claire for that matter. All of the choices the powers that be made so far are perfect to me.
I have always been a big reader and cannot even begin to imagine just how many books I have read during my life time. Your Outlander series is one of the best, if not the very best I have had the pleasure to read. From reading the very first chapter of Outlander, I was transported to another time and place, and that continued with every one of the books. I am so hoping that you will find the story needs to continue for several more books!
Thank you so much for writing them!
Cathy
You are so right! I just don’t get some of the fans and their craziness. I have not been that invested in a movie version though. Reading is like watching a movie to me. I laughed so hard at the “fans” screaming to see “Brianna” who is not in Outlander at all! I can see Sam as Jamie – he totally works for me. But again Thank you Diana for so many hours of enjoyment with your books. Just this weekend I finished D.I. A. and went right on to Voyager…It is a rare weekend that I spend so much time reading but my oh my was it relaxing!
All I can say is “AWESOME”. When I read what you write I feel it like electricity in my veins. I trust your descriptions, and I “feel” with that same electricity, that Sam is Jamie. Thanks for sharing your opinions and your explanations.
I agree with Kristen. When you saw someone is just like the character YOU created. I trust your opinion whole heartedly. A lot of people had their heart set on a famous actor playing Jamie (Like Gerard Butler) and nothing can please them, but I can see Jamie in Sam and I’m so stoked for this show to come out.
This is why I am a fan of YOURS and not your characters. You have an impeccable way with words!
Dont get me wrong….I do love your characters….but I love the way you bring them to life. The same way I know the film makers will do the same.
Well said Diana, I had doubts myself for a while, but as I’ve said to my daughter I am waiting for the series. I did Watch a video of an interview with Ron and yourself where there was a few minutes of Sam and Catraina saying hello. I have to admit I got a little of the electricity you’re speaking of. I cannot wait until it starts. And the book is going to come practically at the same time .. be still our beating hearts!
Ah Diana, you’ll keep your dollar I’m sure. If someone does claim it, then they don’t know what acting is about and you’re generous to a fault to offer it.
Would you give S’Hug a sympathy hug from me for putting up with all the blather that he doesn’t stack up to the real Jamie? Accept one for yourself too, you are amazing!
Your patience astounds me, thank you on so many levels for what you do.
VickiB
VickiB said it perfectly!
Thank you for all that you do! Your books are AMAZING, and I for one trust your opinion on the matter, after all you wrote the books ;). I am really looking forward to the show and greatly anticipating MOBY!
Hannah
Hallelujah. Bozo indeed. I’m loving everything about the production and everything we’ve seen/heard about Sam/Jamie. I adore him already. Shame on all those whiners and complainers and glass-half-empty people. Sit back, relax, and breathe, people! You constantly amaze me, Diana, and inspire me. They can go watch Tom’s version of Jack Reacher if they can’t accept your words.
As witty and to the point as ever. Love it!
You are awesome! And I am so looking forward to see all the actors bring your characters to visual life (they are already alive to me, due to your amazing talent)!
I cannot wait!!! I agree with you; we all form an image in our minds of what a book character looks like. I know your books describes Claire’s hair as very wild and bushy, but in my mind it’s a 1940′s wavy, neat style. So it will take some getting used to seeing it different lol
I picture Clair’s hair as that of Alex Kingston as River Song in Doctor Who. I am not saying that I picture Alex Kingston, just that I picture Clair having her hair.
We will all probably love the series, and acting and on screen chemistry will have a great deal to do with us ‘seeing’ Jamie and Claire. And of course Diana’s is the opinion that matters, Jamie and Claire belong to her! Nothing we say here will change the casting.
Why then do we care so much about Jamie’s hair being red and Claire’s being curly and unruly?
I think its because these fictional people are amazing.. intelligent, adapatable, beautiful, powerful, funny, and they have each other and this cosmic romance! It would be so easy to ummm.. .. well.. to not like them …. because they have too much!
But the little human touches that make us laugh make the characters so endearing. Like Claire’s curly hair all over the place, Jamie’s red hair that makes him stand out in a crowd, Jamie’s inability to blink one eye, or to sing, even his sea sickness. I think that’s why we care, and why we comment, we don’t want them to be too perfect. We need them to be human, so we can love them and laugh with them.
Thanks for that! I had a frustrating day and needed a good release and that did the trick! You could have a second career as a stand up (not that any of us want you to change careers!)
Thank you!
I wasn’t all too sure about any James Alexander Malcom MacKenzie Frasier casting, but I knew he had to be good in order to get the part. That’s quite a lot of name to live up to!
I was honestly more concerned about the casting of Claire.
How do you feel about the chemistry?
Love and blessings,
Aliza
I trust your judgement and I’m looking forward to a girls night Outlander viewing party when it airs! I’ve been so excited to see all the great pictures from the set and to hear your approval of all they have shared with you. Thank you so much for all you write and share with all of us!
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You are such an original. I burst at laughing at this one–in the office. I don’t know how you can make us enjoy the experience of seeing Sam on film when we haven’t had the pleasure, but you do.
Damn, I really liked chris as jamie XD.
but seriously I respect your opinions and will hold mine until I’ve seen them in action.
Thank you! You’ve expressed exactly how I feel. I know I’m only one voice in a crowd but it’s nice to have the validation of my feelings…
All I can say is I am so stinking excited to see Sam as Jamie!! I think he is going to be so amazing. Thank you Diana for giving us all this wonderful story to enjoy. And thank you to Ron Moore and Starz for really taking time to find the perfect actors to bring it to life. I fully trust all of you!!
I think Sam is going to be fantastic, and when I hear you talk about him, I am even more certain! CAN NOT WAIT!!!
So great to read this. Have got so annoyed with people moaning about casting, I’ve posted myself – if Diana supports this – then it should be good enough for everyone! Personally Mr H is my perfect Jamie – first time I saw a pic – it was Jamie’s eyes I saw! Can’t wait to see the series. Thank you for bringing us all these amazing characters and intense storylines that keep us hooked
This is brilliant Diana! You had me cracking up. I’m so glad you’ve finally let that cork pop a wee bit and speak your mind. It’s got to get very taxing to read/hear all the talk about how “my” Jamie SHOULD look! You go girl!
I have been taking your word and defending it already.
I can not wait to see what you already have. It’s been i
My imagination so long, to have it realized- *chills*
Yes, everyone does have a right to their opinion but
Honestly, when you say Sam is Jamie. I know it’s true.
Some people just like to hear themselves argue, more trying
to convince themselves than others that their opinion my have value.
Thank you for sharing, once again
I love this. You are so funny. Btw. I looooove Sam as Jamie