Posted by: T Y | September 16, 2007

The Outlander Movie: Casting Jamie Fraser

You knew it was coming with The Outlander Movie post: my casting ideas. To be honest, I prefer to see Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander novels adapted into a HBO television series in a one season-one novel format. Screenwriters don’t have to work too hard because each novel comes with a built-in cliffhanger and the integrity of Gabaldon’s vision may be retained because HBO eludes more censors than a blockbuster movie. How else are you going to get away with that Black Jack Randall plotline? In an ideal world, Outlander would be a seven-season HBO series with the dialogue of Deadwood and the historical production value of Rome.

On to casting. HBO executives–I hope you’re taking notes.

The popular YouTube consensus is Gerard Butler as Jamie Fraser. Nothing wrong with that–you can’t deny that the genuine Scotsman is physically blessed by God. It seems like every Outlander fan loves him. So I hate to say it: I can’t see him as Jamie Fraser.

Truth to tell, I think Diana Gabaldon has created an impossible to cast character. Never in my life have I set eyes on a 6′4″ Scotsman with flaming red hair and several hundred years of Viking blood running through his veins. If I ever set eyes on Jamie Fraser in real life, I think I’ll go blind…much like someone will go blind staring at the sun.

With the 300 trailers out on YouTube, I can’t help imaging what Gerard Butler/Jamie Fraser would yell once the Battle of Culloden rolls around: “Madness? This. Is. Scotland!” This image makes me giggle incessantly. Perhaps I speak too soon–I haven’t seen 300, but once I do, I may recant my words and rue the day I ever underestimated Gerard Bulter’s ability to play Jamie Fraser. The picture above of Gerard looking distinctly Jamie Fraser-like doesn’t help me in my decision in discounting him in the coveted role.

If I want to see Outlander filmed while I’m still young and idealistic enough to swoon over this God-like Scotsman, I’d better stick to Gerard Butler who is the closest living resemblance to Jamie Fraser that I’ve seen so far.

But another part of me, the part that takes Diana Gabaldon’s description very literally, would argue that the part should go to some unknown Scottish actor who resembles a young Sean Bean.

I think the young Sean Bean more closely resembles the fair and slender 23-year-old Jamie Fraser of my imagination than Gerard Bulter. The orginal Sean Bean, now in his late-forties, would be perfect to play Jamie Fraser circa Voyager and beyond.

In the picture above, young Sean Bean comes packaged with puffy-white shirt and all. In the picture below, he’s dressed up in full Scots regalia which brings back fond memories of Jamie and Claire’s wedding.

And here is Mr. Bean again with a band of Scottish ruffians, much like the part in the book when Claire stumbles upon Jamie Fraser and his cattle-raiding posse. Although the Scotsmen looked more ferocious and worst-for-wear in my imagination.

Next time on The Outlander Movie…Claire Randall Fraser.

Update:   Casting Jamie Fraser: Part II.   

Responses

Jamie will be an extremely hard character to cast. Interesting post. I shall follow your logic about casting this movie with interest.

I agree that the books should be made into an HBO mini series. We wouldn’t live to see the final movie if they were made for the big screen, and so much would be left out.
I kinda like Gerard, but I am open to suggestions for others to play Jamie!

I think it should be made for the big screen. Its too good a series to be just a mini series. I think Gerard is perfect to play Jamie maybe if he dyed his hair more red. Please just put it to the screen some how because i have read the books and fell in love with them.

That band of ruffians with Sean Bean is from the Sharpe’s Rifles series but they are Irish ruffians, not Scot. …and I agree, Sean Bean was never better than as Sharpe. He’d be marvelous!

Scottish actor Tony Curran would be perfect!

I can’t think of anyone suitable to play Jamie, either, although the young Sean Bean would have been an excellent choice. It’s funny that Gerard Butler is the popular choice (he’s a bit too old, I think), because I’ve always thought he would be the perfect Dougal!

As a genuine Scotsman whose American fiance got him into reading the books, I’d reccomend Kevin McKidd to play Jamie Fraser.
He’s a genuine Scotsman, red haired, handsome and 6 foot 2 and a half, so almost there.
He’s also got the very stubborn, brooding and strong personality that characterises Jamie. (Just see him as Bothwell in Gunpowder, treason and plot.)
See… http://www.lallybroch.com/LOL/guests/kevinm.jpg

And

http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/drama/gunpowder/images/wallpaper_01.jpg

Kevin McKidd is also a good choice. I’ve not considered him before because I’m not too sure about his age. I am, however, familiar with his work. I think his performance in “Rome” is spectacular and he made a credible Count Vronsky in the BBC Anna Karenina.

Thanks everyone for your input! I really enjoy reading about your ideal Jamie Fraser. Keep it coming.

Please let it be Gerald Butler. I think he would make an outstanding Jamie Frasier. I’ve seen him in 300, Attila and Beowuld and Grendal, he did and excellent job in each and has an amazing softer side too. He definately has that same aire about him. He’s sexy without even trying.
What about Keira knightley for Claire; she already has an english accent and has played characters from this time period before. I just hope the movie comes out soon. Ive been waiting for what seems like forever.

My coworker and I have spent months talking about this and we like Donal Logue. Maybe Gabriel Macht as a young Jamie or Ian.

I think Ned Vaughn has the right look. He doesn’t have the name as some of the choices, but he does have the flaming red hair and blue eyes.

Jason Isaacs is the undisputed champion to play Black Jack Randall! I just had to get that out, isn’t he perfect??

I’ve always pictured Liam Neeson as Jaimie. I know he’s not 23, but he’s got the weight and the broodiness and the wry sense of humor. The ohters seem lightweight to me.

Yes, I’ve always pictured Liam Neeson as having the perfect body type to play Jamie Fraser. He’s tall (exactly 6′4″), lean, and we know he can play a credible Scotsman (Rob Roy). In fact, I picture him as a perfect older Jamie Fraser circa ‘Drums of Autumn’ and beyond. I only wished they could have thought of the Outlander movie when Liam Neeson at least looked young enough to play a twentysomething Jamie Fraser…..

Of course, they can always cast some relative unknown as 23 year old Jamie Fraser, Gerard Bulter as Jamie in his mid-30’s, and Liam Neeson as Jamie 45+…..

But then, what’s the point of casting someone as sexy as Gerry Butler to play Jamie during his lonely years. He doesn’t get to romance Claire for 20 years!

für Jamie Fraser eine perfecte Person zu finden ist verdammt schwierig! ich finde Gerard Butler ok aber ich finde er ist etwas zu alt für diese Rolle. Wenn es jemand jüngeres wäre fände ich schon besser.

I love all the books, and I have for a very long time tried to come up with someone that can play Jamie. I have not come up with a solution… Although I love Gerard Butler, I don’t get the “right” feeling. He is gorgeous and all, but I don’t see him as Jamie. As T Y said, maybe they will find someone unknown to play him… And I also have to agree with Erin.. Jason Isaacs would be great as Jack Randall :)

I truly believe Liam Neeson should play James McKenzie Fraser. They should make a mini series of it. Simply for the fact that a movie at its longest would be 3 hrs. Not enough time to capture every thing in the books.

Jamie Fraser is a mythological character, much like Apollo or Hercules. No “Known” actor could play him.

He should be an “Unknown” actor chosen for his skill/charisma/presence, physical characteristics, and athletic ability. He then “Becomes” the character without comparison.

Let us not have another “Tom Cruise as LeStat.”

TSpc—
I completely agree that the ideal actor playing Jamie Fraser should be unknown. Celebrity distracts me.

Let us hope Tom Cruise doesn’t read Outlander and get the bright idea of playing Jamie Fraser. I’ll have nightmares for the rest of my life! They’ll have to cast actors and actresses that are 4 feet tall in order to make Tom Cruise look like a towering scotsman.

I think that Alex O’Loughlin would make a great Jamie Fraser. As far as the hair it can be dyed.
I Watched the first episode of his show Moonlight and was hooked. I kept thinking this is the guy who should play Jamie Fraser. There is a couple scenes in Episode 8 with him and a sword. It’s hot! http://www.CBS.COM I also think that Kate Winslet should play Claire. I think she has the spunk and is curvy enough to play Claire. While I like Kiera Knightly I don’t think that she is Claire.
I think that Jason Isaacs should play Jack Randall, he was wonderful as the bad English officer in The Patriot. And I think that Tommy J Flannigan should play Murtaugh. He was great in Braveheart and I think he would have the right demeanor for it.

Storie—
I could see Kate Winslet as Claire. She did such a good job on her American accent in Titanic that I sometimes forget she’s British. Your right, she’s definitely curvy and sophisticated enough to play Claire; and we know she can carry a movie.

I love this story, Diana Gabaldon is a great writer!
Thanks to this story(i don’t say book ’cause they are several books for this story) and of course before, I would go and live in Scotland…or in Ireland!
I think that Jamie Fraser is like each people who had already read the book imagine!
I hope that you understand what I wanna say..sorry for the other…i’m not English..Thanks God there is Diana Gabaldon§
Thanks God here is Jamie Fraser and Claire…!!!
Ciao
Nazo Turka
01.12.07
Now, I’m reading the 3rd book of Outlander!

to NAZO TURKA: You go girl! Brilliant that you read stories in languages unfamiliar! You are MY HERO!

ok so. I just saw beowulf… and whoever that guy is.. apparently a thinner seriously buff version of the guy who doing beowulf’s voice. him but a redhead. unfortunately not a real person. and a gutterish london accent. :(

[...] Jamie Fraser: Part II If you recall from my Casting Jamie Fraser post, I’m still on the fence as to who should play the coveted role of Jamie Fraser if [...]

John Corbett, tall, athletic, triangular mouth. Dye his hair and get some contacts, WA LAH.

I just saw the new National Treasure and I think Lisa Sheldon would be a great Brianna. She had a small part at the end of the movie, but the moment I saw here, I knew! She is only 5′9″, but I’m sure there is something they could do…

What do you think of Edward Burns to play Jamie Fraser’s role ? i think he would be perfect !

Sorry, I keep posting in the wrong spots; I will try to control myself. As for Jamie, I am still holding out as to who the perfect actor is, as none of those suggested do it for me. I like the suggestions though; they are all handsome and charismatic men.

Gerald Butler looks great to me! Just the other day I had thought jason Issacs should play Jack Randall..glad to see others think so as well. Would he then also play Frank??

Gerry Butler IS Jamie to me. He has the sharp nose, the stature (he is about 6′ 2″, so thats close enough), an amazing physique, a lovely deep voice, he looks amazing with long hair, he has blue/green eyes, and has high, flat cheekbones…Not to mention his authentic Scottish accent! Plus, he has that perfect mix of good humor, chivalry, courage, sensitivity and roguishness that is essential for Jamie’s character. I also think that Rachel Weiss would make a fabulous Claire because she has that stunning pale skin and dark hair, is very beautiful and very voluptuous. And of course she is British! WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO PUT OUTLANDER TO FILM?? gah.

Heath Legder!

Hi everyone! You all make great suggestions and while I too, love Gerard Butler, I can’t see him as Jamie(I’m reading the series again for about the 50th time and it doesn’t work for me, visualizing Gerard, as I read) but I do agree with the response that he could be Dougal. Now, here is my suggestion–Michael Fassbender as Jamie–he was in ‘300′ as Stelios. Check him out!

Chris O’Donnell?

David Conrad, aka Jim Clancy from series Ghost Whisperer would make a great Jamie. He displays all the necessary physical and character attributes - all that’s missing is the red hair & claymore.

Any American actor cast as Jamie would be awful, they must stick with a Scot or at least a Brit!

Oh my lord - could there possibly be a man who could play the godlike Jamie Fraser….a very hard kilt to fill. If there is I would imagine him to possess the charms and wisdom of Liam Neeson and the raw manly Scottish sexual ooze of Gerard Butler with facial features of Cole Hauser (Tears of the Sun, The Cave). Never has a character quite hit me like Jamie Fraser. I’d recommend my husband however he’s a New Zealander. He possesses many of the same characteristics - 6′4″, blue eyes, lean muscular body, work-hardened features. I like to think of him as my Jamie Fraser :)
All in all, i’d have to say Gerard Butler but only because he’s Scottish and Cole Hauser is American and only 6′1″

I think Gerard Butler is great1 He’s Scottish, he’s tall, he can fight, he looks good in a tux, he has beautiful eyes, charm and can adapt to any role - he can handle a sword and can sing!
For Claire I suggest Kate Beckinsale - she stunning and English. She also looks like Hoang Nguyen’s image from the Graphic novel. I think they would be great for the film
Sal
from En

I think Jamie has to be played by Kevin Mckidd. He actually grew up in the Highlands and has those dark blue eyes! I also think that Kate Beckinsale is perfect as Claire.

Honestly-it’ll be hard to cast Jamie if for no other reason than he’s only in his TEENS when the book starts-with Claire quite a bit older. Kevin McKidd, Gerald both LOOK their ages-and I can’t see being able to young them up enough for the first book or two.

I am so sorry folks. I agree with the earlier post. NO high end celebrities will do justice to these amazing stories. We have fallen in love with these characters for all the same reason. They are unlike anything we have read before…
These characters must be unknowns. Kate Beckinsale, Liam Neeson…I even heard Kiera Knightly! Please tell me your joking.
Kate is gorgeous, ,yes, but she couldn’t possess the strength of character to play Claire if she tried. Have you watched her movies?
Liam a fine actor but so far from Jaimie its ridiculous! NOT to mention way too old!
Kiera…don’t even get me started on her!! screaming her way all through pirates 1. If she pouts much more she will pop her lips off!
I will agree with Jason Issacs as Jack Randall. He is perfect. Gerard Butler…although hot. Is too old! And he is too short and pigeon toed when he walks. He’s NOT Jaimie…He is close but not It.
I just pray if these amazing stories should all come to fruition that whoever is involved in their making, they will look at these stories with the same passion we do…

I think William Shockley would be a perfect Jamie.

I was watching eastenders while reading voyager when sean slater popped up on screen. It suddenly then came to me that with a good gym regime and accent training he could possibly be a plausible Jamie. A agree though that casting is difficult, jamie is so unique.

Hello!
It was mere chance that I stumbled over this side and haven`t got enough time to read all the comments…but what about David Wenham as young Jamie? He looks younger than he is…and what he looks like is great…but Sean Bean would be the only one who had been PERFECT, if he was just a little bit younger…Mmpf

Thaly:
Funny you should mention David Wenham. See my follow-up post:
Casting Jamie Fraser: Part II
http://thelitconnection.wordpress.com/2007/12/12/casting-jamie-fraser-part-ii/

What about Rachel Weiss for Claire?

Hey I have to agree that I don’t think Gerard Butler makes a good Jamie. I just doesn’t quite work. I do however think he would make a great Roger MacKenzie in the later books as that is how I imagine Roger to look. Sean Bean is just about there for Jamie though and with a bit more red in his hair I think he could do it.

Jamie should have fiery hair and look young.

What about Eric Stoltz? He’s “only” 6 ft., but has portrayed Scottish actors with aplomb, and he was such a hunk in “Rob Roy.” And he looks younger than he is.

Henry Cavill from the Tudors is the perfect Jamie… 6′1, blue eyes - dye is hair auburn and he’s the one!

Sheamus O’Shaunessy. A red haired wrestler. 6′6″ with naturally red hair. Plus most wrestlers must do some acting in their shows.

Hey, Matthew McFayden! Dye his hair red and he’d be purrfect.

Jamie should be an unknown. actor

I saw a picture of Henry Cavill and my GOD he is Jamie. All he needs is red hair…he’s beautiful and the perfect age!

Ah canna believe it!! Pit that bonnie loon Gerry Butler as Jamie, naebidy can manage tae access the real essence o’ a Scotsman wie the dilema o’ gan tae battle or love! He has the look through and through, jist nae the reed hair… that is easily remedied!!
Gie me Gerry oni day, he is gorgeous and and Scots tae boot, wie the look o’ a deep and enthralling man, stubborn and yet oh so sexy. Nithin’ like it lassies, Scots men like him are just afa bonnie.

NO!!! It has to be Gerry!! as a scotslass awa fae hame, I have to say to you, if you aren’t scots then you don’t know the real scots in Jamie, Gerry captures him beautifully!!

You have to be true to his character, and he is a lovely specimen of a scotsman with a fine acting career and the REAL DEAL accent, which is really hard to duplicate.

I have a suggestion,..what about karl Urban he played Eomer on LOTR? this is a link to a rather spectacular photo of him;
http://www.autographdealer.com/images/KarlURban443.jpg

Henry Cavill…not a Jamie but how about Black Jack Randal? :
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/touchstone_pictures/the_count_of_monte_cristo/henry_cavill/count.jpg

Scratch that….Lord John for Henry Cavill. LOL..sorry change of heart.

Viggo Mortenson! He’s Brooding and also sensitive, when you see him as Aragorn in LOTR he’s ferocious and strong, a leader, thats the Jamie I imagine.
He has those Viking Jamiesque features, long straight nose,strong chin( his father is Danish! so he should have viking features!) has beautiful eyes and can carry off the red hair I reckon.
I think Catherine Zeta Jones or Rachel Weiss could easily be Claire, they both have the ability to look much younger, and then progress to the older ages portrayed in the books.

Oh My.. and Hugh Dancy would make a marvelous young Lord John Grey!I am sure they could age him sufficiently to continue playing John as the stories progess. Jim Caveizel for Roger Mac perhaps?God knows where they would find a 6ft+ actress with the looks and presence to play Bree though! Bearing in mind that she would have to resemble whoever they choose to play Jamie if they want to stay true to the books.
As would whoever they find to play William, Jamie’s illegitimate son. Its a hard Job, but as much as I think it would be great to have total unknowns, that would prob make it easier, the magnitude of these movies would dictate the need for at least a couple or so big names in the starring rolls.

Oh and I was just looking at some earlier posts, and I thought of Kate Winslett once for claire, but as much as I love her acting..she still seems too young for me. I think for me Rachel Weiss is usually who I envisage as her,and kate Beckinsale? noooh..too wishywashy! Keira Knightly!!? NO WAY, not as claire..WAY too tall and skinny as well. Needs a womanly woman to be claire for sure.. I PRAY they ask Rachel.
Actually I think Alicia Witt could be Bree, but Penny Drake would fit the bill better still.

Por favor mirad esta foto… de James Franco, si tuviera ojos azules y un reflejo más cobrizo… ¿No tiene la fortaleza de Jamie? pero asu vez su ingenuidad y melancolía de un pasado triste y doloroso.. que decís? Además da con su edad…
Ver…

http://images.allmoviephoto.com/2006_Tristan_and_Isolde/2006_tristan_and_isolde_003.jpg

http://images.starpulse.com/pictures/2007/04/24/previews/James%20Franco-ASG-004963.jpg

http://spf.fotologs.net/photo/63/21/44/jhoanna_g/1187841922_f.jpg

http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2008/02/13/pineapple-express-trailer.jpg

I would have to say that if Gerard Butler dyed his hair red with auburn and blond highlights he’d be the best candidate for Jamie Fraser. I’ve seen his acting and I think he would pull off the ‘very protective’ strong, chivalrous, larger than life character of Jamie quite well. This Sean Bean fellow…no, out of all of Gabaldon’s descriptions of her character Jamie Fraser, he is the exact opposite. Maybe a good role for Fergus or even the elder Ian Murray, but he is by far too slender and ‘weak’ looking to be Jamie. If my husband were an actor…he’d be the most perfect candidate…being 6′4 with green eyes and Scottish ancestry..however, I don’t see him ever being in the film business. ;)

I have recently seen the movie Pathfinder performing Karl Urban (Eomer-Lord of the Rings) as, guess what, a Viking boy left behind after an incursion in America 500 some years before Christopher Columbus. He is raised by native americans and later on, when he’s grown up he must fight a second Viking invasion to defend the tribe that cared for him. Seeing Urban there immediately brought to me memories of Jamie Fraser, altough he does not have blue eyes, he is very tall and ellegant, and’s got a boyish face that can be as young or as old as you want to picture.

Even though Gerard Butler is amazing in 300, I just don’t think he would do Jamie justice. My vote is for Ewan McGregor. He’s a Scottish, blue-eyed beauty who would look absolutely dashing in Highland regalia, and there’s no doubt he could pull off both Jamie’s tender and fierce side.

p.s. I think it’s a great idea to make the Outlander books into an HBO series!

Athough beautiful (I agree) Ewan McGregor is too small.

I have found someone who looks like Jamie:
The german soccer player Christoph Metzelder!

Only the haircolour is not the right one…

How about the guy from Brothers and Sisters.. he’d have to bulk up a little but thats who has always come to my mind since I started reading the books.

Dave Annable is his name.

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