If you’re a fan of Starz’s long running series OutlanderSam Heughan may be viewed as the man who was born to play. Jaime Fraser, the novel’s protagonist, is perfectly embodied. Although this may be true, author Diana Gabaldon had other ideas when she was writing the books that would become the TV series. She wanted to cast a leading man in the fantasy series, if it ever went live-action. Gabaldon is now sharing some of the non Heughan actors that she had in mind.
While OutlanderStarz has made Starz a huge success of Starz’s drama Starz Starz, but the book series has been around for a much longer time. The franchise’s first book, simply called “The First Book”. OutlanderThis book was first published in 1991. It was being considered for a film project, but it was not created by Starz until the creation of a smaller-screen series. Interview with ParadeDiana Gabaldon says that she was thinking of a young Sean Connery, and Liam Neeson for the role being played now by Sam Heughan. Here’s how she put it:
Sir Sean Connery and Liam Neeson were the first candidates for Jamie. This was many years ago, when my books were first optioned to be made into a feature-length film. People kept asking me which actors I would cast. They were the two that came to mind first. I was just thinking of big, Celtic-looking men that could pull it off. Sean and Liam both have great kilts and were built accordingly.
Liam Neeson is obviously too old to portray Jaime Fraser now, even though the character does age up by quite a bit in his and Claire’s time apart, and Neeson is still quite spry. He would have been about the same age as Sam Heughan at the time. Sean Connery, who died last year, would have been probably Jamie’s older brother, even though he was 25 years old.
Sean Connery was 90 when he died. The actor was playing older characters with full grey hair. ‘90s, albeit with his acting chops certainly remaining fully intact. As dreamy as Connery was, I just can’t imagine him or Liam Neeson in Sam Heughan’s place within even the cinematic world of OutlanderEven though Neeson was directing some of the best rom-coms at that time (and), It is possible that the genre will be returning soon).
What is interesting about Diana Gabaldon’s pick of Sir Sean Connery, though, is the perhaps obvious James Bond connection that actually has a decent chance at happening between Connery and current OutlanderSam Heughan is the star. Heughan is near the top of the list of potential replacements for Daniel Craig’s Bond, so if he does end up nabbing the title of 007, he’ll be following in Connery’s footsteps as a Scottish James Bond.
As great as all three of the actors look in a kilt, I’m certainly happy with the fact that an OutlanderFilm never took place and Sam Heughan played Jaime Fraser. You might have even thought twiceAbout the role. Season 6 OutlanderStarz will broadcast the premiere of this episode in March. It will be a shorter seasonBut, honestly I’d be happy with any bone OutlanderWants to throw me.