9. Gabaldon’s On-Screen Cameo
Fans might be surprised to know that Diana Gabaldon, the mastermind behind the "Outlander" series, made a cameo appearance in the show. In the episode titled "The Gathering," she played Iona MacTavish and delivered a couple of lines, blending seamlessly into the world she created.
8. Authentic Props and Real Food
The props on "Outlander" are known for their realism. Unlike many productions, the food seen on screen is real. This commitment to authenticity extends to every aspect of the set, ensuring that viewers are fully immersed in the 18th-century world of Claire and Jamie.
7. Intricately Choreographed Intimacy
The steamy scenes between Claire and Jamie are highly choreographed to ensure comfort and authenticity. For the infamous wedding night scene, the actors and director spent five days meticulously planning each movement, down to how their hair would fall, to capture the perfect moments on screen.
6. Marathon Man Heughan
Sam Heughan, who brings Jamie Fraser to life, is also an accomplished marathon runner. During the filming of Season 4, Heughan ran two marathons within a month, beating his personal best by a minute each time.
5. The UK Premiere Delay Conspiracy
The UK premiere of "Outlander" was reportedly delayed due to political concerns. Initially set to air before the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, it was pushed back to avoid influencing public opinion. The show finally launched on Amazon Prime Video in the UK months after its US debut.
4. A Singing Scotsman
Richard Rankin, who portrays Roger Wakefield, is a talented singer in real life.
3. Real Historical Figures and Events
"Outlander" intricately weaves real historical figures into its fictional narrative. Governor William Tryon, portrayed by Tim Downie, is one such character. Tryon was a real person determined to suppress the Regulator Movement, and his portrayal on the show captures his historical significance with a dramatic flair.
2. The Unexpected Origins of Outlander
Author Diana Gabaldon never intended to publish the first "Outlander" novel.
1. A Rocky Start for Claire's Casting
Caitriona Balfe, who brilliantly portrays Claire Fraser, wasn't an obvious first choice. In fact, the casting process for Claire was quite grueling and concluded just three weeks before filming began. Showrunner Ronald D. Moore emphasized finding Claire first, believing her casting would naturally lead to finding Jamie.
Did any of these facts surprise you? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about the fascinating behind-the-scenes details of "Outlander." What other secrets do you think are hidden in the making of this beloved series?