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]
Truly, you are a patient woman because I’d have been at the “Oh, FFS, shut UP!” stage day one.
Long overdue and still classy, which is so much your style. One can hope you do mentally smack the supremely imbecilic as often as we do for you, just for fun.
If he’s good enough for you, Sam simply *is* Jamie. That’s all I needed to hear the moment he was cast.
Now…….please stop responding to ignorant people who clearly haven’t read Outlander or seen a red head in their lives and get back to MOBY!
THATS telling ‘em! I think it will all be fine….we have great actors. I also absolutely agree about Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher…I couldn’t even bring myself to go see that or rent it. Thank you again. Diana. From the bottom of my heart.
Diana, Thank you for your humor as you respond, over and over again, to the casting “debate”. This is another reason I admire you.
I am so so excited!!! I know lots of your fans have probably done this (and told you so), but I’ve read the series several times over and have loved every single book every single time. (I think my favourite scene is when Claire goes back the second time to meet Jamie/A. Malcom and he turns around and sees her…)
Anyway, as far as actors go, I think people always whine about actors and books and it’s silly. I admit, I’ll often think, “hm, ok, not exactly what I imagined,” but then as soon as you see it, the actor’s version and the version in your head kind of meld together and everything is fine again. So I’ll bet that’s how everybody will feel once they see the first few episodes.
ALSO, I will admit that I’m a little scared for the TV series… I want it to succeed so badly but I’m having a hard time imagining how your books will play out on screen. Really hoping it gets pulled off and is awesome.
Patience and faith are required. Patience to wait to decide what you think until you’ve seen the finished product; it is art afterall and what you see in the coming together is very different from the final product. And faith. To believe in the visions and talents of the creative people to do what they do and to do it well. Oh and trust – that too. I trust Diana, who afterall created Jaime and the world of Outlander, to know her character better and more fully than I. YMMV, but I am incredibly grateful and excited that this show is actually (1) getting MADE (2) by an incredibly team with a truly great track record (3) by a network that actually cares about and loves the source material (4) with the full blessing and even enthusiastic approval of the author and (5) in a format that gives them all a lot of time to faithfully tell the story. Oh and I like the choice of Sam Heughan too. Color me excited, happy and optimistic. The patience bit is very hard – can not wait to actually see this come to life!
Keep your dollar. Every single one of them. You’ve earned them! I know you and your dollar bets. They don’t deserve them. Those who nay say and who “can’t imagine Sam as Jamie” for this or that reason can go blow something…. {eg}
I admit, I’m on my umpteenth re-read of the series (somewhere over 11) and even now, with Sam and Cait having been cast and having seen pics of them in their period garb, when I’m reading I don’t “see’ them. It’s not a bad thing. No evil critique here. Very rarely do I ever have a solid image in my head of a character when I read. I have a general gist but no “Oh that is what he looks like”..! I grant that this may change once I SEE them in their roles next year! (SO Excited!)
That being said. The minute I saw pics of Sam I said to myself “Oh! That’s Jamie!” the same goes for Cait for Claire. Contradiction much? LOL
You are a wonderful writer and woman and must have the patience of Job or are you biting down on the leather strap MacRannoch gave Jamie? Either way thank you for YOUR patience and your poignant and calm opinions so we (those who believe) can share it (I have already – many times).
Because of you, because of these books my sanity has been saved (more than once) because Jamie and Claire gave me a safe place to go and just LET GO. Because of you, because of these books I’ve found a family, a clan, a whole fandom to relate with and obsess with. I thought I was alone until about a year ago and now I have thousands of brothers and sisters who “get it”.
Thank you Diana. Just thank you. I could never list all the things I thank you for in my heart.
Sap novella done now. {g}
Be well. And I hope one day to meet you and thank you in person.
Thanks for taking this bull by the horns. It’s been a bit disconcerting seeing people say things such as “he doesn’t have red hair”… or “I thought so and so was older”. I was beginning to wonder if there was a need to pull out the dictionary and provide the definition of ‘actor’. I, for one, am totally enthralled, in love with the cast so far! This is going to be an awesome show!
Diana, you are a very patient and kind lady. Over the past few months since Sam was announced I have read your consistent comments reflecting the Casting Commentary. Initially I was one of those who balked as all I had seen was some Glossy pics and brief video of Sam. I too thought him unusual looking and wrote some of it off to unflattering hairstyles. Even though the video was brief, I could tell he could act. But I was one who felt that Chris H. (who by the way doesn’t himself resemble Thor – he has brown hair and had to put on massive amounts of weight and muscle to do Thor and then promptly lose it all to play James Hunt in Rush, then pack it back on for Thor 2, then lose for Heart of the Sea). Lord. Anyway not that it matters but he has a wonderful voice and did extremely well with the English accent, and the eyes are spot on, deep blue gleaming cat eyes. He has that ability to be serious but funny. As I said though doesn’t matter. Once you said Sam morphed into Jamie before your eyes I was good. And you were transparent about your initial misgivings. Can’t imagine how you felt knowing Jamie was your character. I’ve since watched some of Sam’s movies and think he is quite capable. When I watched the clip from NYCC I nearly drooled over him. He was adorable. I LOVED the part where he was practicing Gaelic with his lovely red hair. And he and Cait were electric together. And of course everyone that has been cast looks amazing as well. The only problem now is it is SOO long before we can watch. Although when I see what they are doing and what has to be done to create all this I can’t believe they will be through so soon. Recently returned from my first trip to Scotland. We went to Edinburg and Stirling but didn’t get up to Inverness area. I am in love with the country and the people. Would go back in a minute. Am fair jealous that you will be going soon and will get to meet everyone and watch filming. Am thinking you will appear in the film also. How exciting. Thanks again for your recent comments.
Hi, Diana –
I discovered your series a few months ago and am reading “Drums of Autumn” now – although I wish I had discovered the series earlier, I rather enjoy being able to start the next book as soon as I’m done inhaling the one before! My husband thinks I have gone mad. Maybe I could teach him a little Gaelic…… I am thrilled to be reading these before this series starts, and like everyone else, I hope I can stand the suspense for the next few months. I am devouring everything that comes out about this series.
I have two questions for you: 1) do you know what Sam/Jamie is saying in the NYCC clip when he’s practicing his Gaelic? and 2) Do you think STARZ would consider having some sort of promotion where fans could register to WIN A TRIP TO THE FILMING or THE PREMIER? That would be awesome! I really wonder if these fabulous cast members realize fully what they’ve gotten themselves into? When I heard the bagpipes in the clip, I started crying. Oh, dear….here I go again.
What a great idea – to have a drawing to win a trip to filming or premiere!!! Perfect!!! Wow!! Reacted same to the NYCC video as you. Even the simple theme kept running through my mind for days after. Some days I feel I cannot possibly wait. So I keep rereading and listening to Outlander in meantime as well as any other tidbits of news etc.
Yes, I find myself thinking the most ridiculous things – A bagboy assisted me in loading groceries last week, although I insisted I did not need help (he obviously wanted to escape the grocery store for a moment), and when I drove off, I thought to myself “Aye, he was a braw laddie…” and caught myself! LOL! It just creeps in…
LOL Lori, My parents were from Edinburgh and I’ve listened to the accent since I was born and even say certain words the way my parent did (though for 40 years I’ve worked to correct it). During/after reading I have to watch myself closely because I will revert back; husband and kids just look at me funny.
Lol. That’s great!!
Did anyone notice the horse? He/she ‘s doing a tongue ttthhhppp to people who complain about his/her friend Jamie/Sam. One comment I’d make to those complaining is…………..do it better yourselves if you can. 27hrs just to get the hair right…………that’s dedication from both sides of the chair.
I am so freaking excited for this. I’d LOVE to be a part of it in some way, shape, or form, but just knowing that I get to immerse myself in the world while sitting on my sofa will have to suffice. (Once I figure out how to get the STARZ channel…)
I think Sam Heughan will be bloody fantastic, as will everyone who was cast. The casting process is arduous and I never envy the CDs (casting directors) having to make the decisions.
I would be FURIOUS, though, if they had gotten a name…because I know of NO A-List actor who would be a good Jamie. None at all. (Not even my beloved Cillian Murphy.
)
I. Cannot. WAIT!!!
Much love to you, Diana!
I’m so sorry that you even have to say anything. YOU _ARE_ JAMIE! So, you can pick whoever the hell you want! “My” Jamie is actually kind of blond (this is due to the fact that there was a very good looking landscaper building a stone wall in my yard when I started reading Outlander…hee hee), and I’ll always picture him MY way when I’m reading. That’s the gift you give when you write – it’s all open to a certain amount of interpretation (and it’s a gift because you can’t take it back from me
I’m not expecting the series to be a perfect version of the books…I’m expecting them to be something different and awesome in their own right. If people expect it to be exactly what they’ve been imagining all these years, they’re going to be extremely disappointed. It can’t be helped. If it’s ok with you, I’ll picture MY Jamie when I read and YOUR Jamie when I watch.
Anyway, I’m happy for you and your success. Congratulations! And keep up the good work!
Ha ha – blonde landscaper. MY Jamie – sadly – is more like Billy Connolly. He was the first Scottish male that came to mind when I started reading! And poor Brianna is the cartoon character in Brave. No matter how hard I try they are firmly in my minds eye. I’m hoping Sam can erase Billy and I’ll be left with the right Jamie. And it’s a absolute must that Starz do a second series cause I really need that cartoon character gone too!
Was so pleased when you indicated you liked Sam Heughan for the role of Jamie. Certainly if he fits in large part the vision of the author then the fit must be good! Starz will gain a new subscriber when the series begins next summer.
My love is for the literary masterpiece that is pictured so vividly in my minds eye. Diana, your writing is truely a joy. I am excited to see your vision translated onto the screen. My vote of confidence is with you and I trust your heart and put you have had with casting, screenplay, and production. Each of us, as a reader, already has a version of the characters and events. Hopefully, everyone will discover something new to appreciate in its own right when the series begins.
It sounds great! I am grateful that you as the author are involved in the creation of the film. I am convinced that JK Rowling’s involvement made the Harry Potter movies classics to equal her writing, though the cinematic botch-up of the first Twilight movie makes one wonder if the creative decision makers ever read the book or understood the story. They completely botched the pivotal scene that was supposed to be in the meadow.
But it sounds like you have your hand on the pulse of this “grandchild” of yours, as the book itself is your baby. Anyone who wants to criticize should just turn away. It IS your child, and I admire your integrity for speaking up. I hope I never have to read any response like this again. Best wishes for all success to you and pure enjoyment of your storytelling gifts by the rest of us.
I am sorry that you are getting so much flack about Jamie Fraser. You responded eloquently to the issues at hand. I am looking forward to viewing Outlander when it airs. Stick to your guns. It’s your baby no one else’s.
If they start making you crazy take a break, honeyapostos.blogspot.com. Saturday Night Silliness:Random Musings of a Writer Lady and Her Cat.
Feel free to delete this if this is inappropriate to you in some way. It’s no problem mon.
Diana – isn’t it wonderful to know that as a writer so many people express such passion for your characters? They all seem so real. I cherish those characters every time I pick up one of your books. No matter what is put on film, I will always have MY Jamie and My Claire.
Diana, I know this is far down in the comments, but I just wanted to say I am so looking forward to these artist bringing to life your very loved characters.
I think of Davina Porter doing Jamie’s voice in the audiobooks, and I do not see a woman talking, I hear Jamie plain and clear, she has brought Jamie to life for me. I think the same will happen with Sam.
I am so excited for you and the fans who are waiting, not so patiently, for the show.
Slainte,
Lisa
Diana, I think I have a girl crush on you. I hang off EVERY written word and I believe everything you say. I’ve never had any doubt in any choice you’ve made, even when you killed off a fav character. BRING ON 2014 I SAY