Posted by: T Y | December 12, 2007

Casting 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 Outlander were a movie. Months later, I’m still straddling the fence here. It’s a tough call. Gerard Butler, handsome as he is, doesn’t look like the Jamie Fraser in my mind. Sean Bean comes closer to my mental picture, but he’s about two decades pass 23. So during my hiatus from blogging, David Wenham (Lord of the Rings, 300) popped into mind. Wenham definitely has “Jamie Fraser” potential. Of course, he’s not exactly 23 either, but this younger photo of the Aussie actor captures something of that youthful, slightly gawky Jamie Fraser of the first novel.

He’s got the height, the coloring, the face. I’m trying to imagine how “Sassenach” would sound coming from his mouth. Not just any Joe can call a woman Sassenach and get away with it. Only a man with Jamie Fraser potential can use that term of endearment freely and escape getting slapped for being fresh.

Do you see the potential?

Aye.

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Responses

no!!

By: sheree on January 3, 2008
at 8:40 pm

As a fellow Aussie I would love to see David Wenham; however what about Rupert Penry-Jones. Have just seen him in Persuasion on PBS. Remember that Jamie was an aristocrat and an educated man.
Personally I would love to see the BBC do a series of the books….they would give detail to the period and some of their time travel works have a feeling of authenticity to them

By: Anne-Marie Slater on January 13, 2008
at 9:12 pm

For some reason I got it into my head that Heath Ledger would make a good Jamie Fraser. Of course, I knew it was never very likely, and now it’s definitely not going to happen. =/

David Wenham I can also sort of see.

By: Love on January 23, 2008
at 1:41 pm

Anne-Marie Slater—
Yes, I could definitely see Rupert Penny Jones as Jamie Fraser. They just need to make his hair a little bit more red—brownish auburn perhaps? He has the required build, face…he’s hot! And I agree, I think if the rights for a movie/mini series were sold to the BBC, they would do a great job.

Love—
Although I never saw Heath Ledger as Jamie Fraser, I always thought he had the looks and acting ability to play Stephen Bonnet. I can’t believe he passed away! I am still shocked; he was the last person I expect to die since he always looked so young and vibrant.

By: T Y on January 23, 2008
at 2:10 pm

Heath Ledger would have been perfect for the role - may be rest in peace.

I too would love to see the Outlander series made into a TV series or movies/. I know a lot of fans don’t like the idea, but me, I love the thought of the visual aspect.

By: Jo on January 26, 2008
at 4:06 am

Christian Bale IMO would make an awesome Jamie or Randall…maybe that’s just me though.

By: Jules on January 27, 2008
at 12:56 pm

Jules:
Christian Bale is such a fluid actor that he could play any of the Outlander characters and own the role. I could see him as either Jamie, Black Jack, Roger, even Lord John Grey. He always transforms himself into the character, making us forget it’s Christian Bale.

By: T Y on January 27, 2008
at 1:13 pm

How about Rupert Grint? He’s actually turned into a pretty good looking guy. He’s definitely young enough and he could bulk up some.

I know you’re probably rolling on the floor laughing about this, but at least he’s a natural redhead.

(I am now dying of embarassment).

By: char on January 31, 2008
at 8:58 am

How about Hugh Jackman. With a hair color change I could completely see him as Jamie. What do you all think???

By: CMC on February 1, 2008
at 6:56 pm

David Wenham is EXACTLY who I am picturing as I am reading the novels for the first time. From the word go.

I also saw jack Davenport as Captain Randall for some reason. Someone who looks like he *could* be a nice person, but isn’t. (He reminds Claire of Frank, remember? So I think Jason Isaacs is too outwardly evil)

http://www.jack-davenport.net/gallery/displayimage.php?album=13&pos=117

http://www.jack-davenport.net/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=1842&fullsize=1

And I don’t know why, but I keep seeing Kristin Scott Thomas as Claire (?)…even though she is too old now for the younger Claire. She is a quintessential brit, however….so someone fiesty and educated like her, with a round bottom! :)

By: rachel b. on February 4, 2008
at 8:19 am

rachel b.
Jack Davenport is another good canidate for Black Jack Randall/Frank. Thanks for suggesting him, I’ve not thought of him before.

And yes! I totally pictured Kristin Scott Thomas as Claire. Her dry wit personifies Claire to the T. It really is ashame that she is too old. If only they made Outlander the Movie 10 years ago….

By: T Y on February 5, 2008
at 3:35 pm

Have a look at Joel Edgerton (another Aussie actor) in the new version of King Arthur. he plays one of Arthurs knights. He has ‘Jamie’ potential.

By: JB on February 7, 2008
at 9:26 pm

I think David Wenham could be a perfect jamie. but everyone sees jamie in a diffrent way, so it’s difficult to find the right actor…

By: J. on February 12, 2008
at 1:34 pm

What about Tony Curran?! I know he was the guy I was picturing when I was reading the books. He has flaming red hair (which is a must for Jamie… ;) and he’s a real Scot! Check him out in “The 13th Warrior”. Yummy.

By: Tara on February 12, 2008
at 8:28 pm

i think anyone who is in doubt that gerard butler should play jamie fraser needs to watch beowulf. ok its a really naff film (in my opinion anyway) but im sorry the part he plays in this is soo jamie fraser n the thought of him saying ’sassenach’ just gives me goosebumps every time!

By: Emma Spearink on February 14, 2008
at 5:31 am

i believe that to anyone who has read these wonderful stories, and emersed themselves in the lives of jamie and claire fraser, jamie is an impossible role to cast. i do, however think there is at least one role that can be cast perfectly, perhaps two. jason isaacs would be undeniable as jonathan randall, and he could maybe play the role of frank, too, as there was such a strong resemblance that claire actually thought she was seeing her husband.

By: brittany wellman on March 3, 2008
at 2:01 pm

I am newly addicted to Outlander and David Wenham has been my minds Jamie from the start. He could be made to look a bit younger for the beginning but he is Jamie to me.

By: Cathy on March 7, 2008
at 1:57 pm

Just saw a YouTube tribute to Outlander and there was a young actor names Hugh Dancy. Now that, was Jamie. Still young enough to play the young Jamie…and very beautiful.

By: Cathy on March 7, 2008
at 2:41 pm

and Liam NEESON?
http://scifipedia.scifi.com/images/thumb/c/cb/Liam_neeson1.jpg/300px-Liam_neeson1.jpg :)

By: Cueldalie on March 16, 2008
at 9:04 am

I like Rupert Penry-Jones or David Wenham because either one could be made into the right sort of redhead believably. But the important thing is to be tall - very tall. Heath ledger, just wasn’t tall enough to be be considered for Jamie (God bless him).

By: misslonelyheart on March 31, 2008
at 11:16 am

I am new to the whole Outlander thing and I am hooked. I would really love to see an unknown actor play Jamie because he would make the role his own. But…if I had to choose an actor for him, hands down it would be Henry Cavill. He’s gorgeous enough, tall enough, the accent can be fakes enough, but most important to me…he’s the perfect age. Jamie is only 23…and that’s what I want to see.. :)

By: Cat on April 1, 2008
at 5:44 pm

OK I have to admit I’m relatively new to the whole Outlander phenomena but when I picture Jamie in my mind David Wenham is PERFECT. The height, the hair, the “nose just a bit too long”. Great job!!!

By: Jbhtripp on April 3, 2008
at 11:27 am

gerald butler is the person he is perfect look at the utube of gerald butler as jamie fraser it is perfect he is perfect.. and yes he may be a little old but he could get away with it.. he is the man for the job

By: sheree on April 3, 2008
at 6:09 pm

How about the guy who plays John Amsterdam on New Amsterdam? Nikolaj Coster Waldau. Dye his hair red…..could have a winner!

By: ccrabbit on April 6, 2008
at 2:58 pm

Ok, this is really silly but…
I recently re-watched Disney’s Beauty and the Beast…The Beast in human form…and Belle too for that matter…totally match Diana Gabaldon’s descriptions. Well, they match more than any real actors out there.
And while Gerry Butler is my Scottish Husband (he may not know it yet, but he is ;), I always saw him as Dougal or Colum, not Jamie.
Who ever would be our Jamie, he can’t be too “Pretty” and smooth. He’s got to be strong boned and rough, yet handsome.
But face it ladies, we’ll not all be satisfied if they ever do make a movie. But that’s the great thing about literature: imagination, and interpretation.

By: Marianne on April 17, 2008
at 5:39 pm

Oh my. Sorry, had to write again. I just read the comment about Rupet Grint…and then my mind immediately went to Emma Watson as Claire!

(oddly interesting…maybe in a few years)

and so silly…I’m also dying of embarrassment…but at least I’ll be going down giggling!

By: Marianne on April 17, 2008
at 5:46 pm

I found this page because I’m just reading Outlander for the first time…
When I read Jamies description I had to think of my boyfriend :D
He has red hair and blue eyes and he’s tall but not very muscular…pity :D furthermore he’s mine :D

I also thought of Rupert Grint a few years later but now he looks too handsome.

Yet David Wenham is the best choice I think…

But no… he’s impossible to cast… :P

By: Sandra on April 22, 2008
at 10:13 am

Wow… I never knew there were people just like me out there. I LOVE Jamie Fraser and for me, the books must never be made into movies. Jamie is to each of us so personal - someone else’s casting and portraying of him could never be enough. More than his “look” and his personality, I love his soul. Only an unknown actor could have a chance of portraying and not betraying the essence of Jamie. An actor that I already know would taint my ideal of Him.

I was too busy reading this but I am not sure if I know who David Wenham? is. I will research this immediately.

I would make up collages if I had all the time I wanted (Cool!). However, I am married with 3 kids and my life interupts my reading all the time. I loved the images and the discussion. I await the next book, Echo in the Bone, with much, much anticipation and excitement.

Wow. I am jealous that everyone loves my Jamie.

Regards,
Love sick over Jamie in MN

By: Kelly on April 24, 2008
at 5:36 pm

I can honestly see David Beckham playing Jamie. If he had his hair long again, and dyed red-ish. He certainly has the sinewy figure that Jamie has, and the high cheekbones and other features. And he would look super sexy in a kilt. Him or David Wenham, definitely.
Claire I picture as someone similar to Kate Winslet. I would love to see Gerard Butler play Dougal - it’s time we saw this guy play the bad guy.

By: Shannon on May 16, 2008
at 5:38 am

Often I think about the persons, who could play all protagonists of Diana Gabaldons fantastic books of jamie and claire.
With a friend of mine I also spoke about it and we found another candidate for the role of Jamie Fraser:
It`s the actor BRENDAN FRASER, who gives the “Rick O’Connell” in “The mummy” for example.

We found a picture of him in his role as “tarzan” and when wie saw Brendan Fraser with his red long hairs and his indefinable face, we both laughed saying: “That he is!!!”
I would show you the two pictures, which impressed us so much, but I dont know how to manage this. But I hope, you will find these photos or anothers from Frasers “Tarzan” movie and you will realize Brendans potential as Jamie too.

By: Ann on May 18, 2008
at 6:14 am

Well I don’t think that Brendan Fraser could be Jamie… maybe the look but I wouldn’t believe in the story when he’d try to act rough… cause as Jamie he’d have to… he’s no fighter-type….

I still think that there’s no famous actor who could do that… it must be someone new….

By: Sandra on May 26, 2008
at 10:53 am

Nikolaj Coster Waldau as Jamie, not David Wenham! I can also see Liam Neeson as Colum, Sean Bean as Dougal and Christian Bale as Lord John. For Claire, I can kind of see Keira Knightly, with that posh accent and feisty attitude that we saw in the Pirates trilogy, but she’d have to put on a few pounds.

By: Jenny on May 30, 2008
at 4:04 pm

I have to disagree with everyone I think - I feel the most potential specimen mentioned so far would be the man from 300 - he has the hardness I think a scot like Jamie would need - lets remember he took a flogging and a raping and still managed to crack a joke. I have tried to imagine him, but it seems that someone so beautiful can’t be matched by a known actor. I’ve tried to imagine a savage red-head but keep getting slapped down by the image of a red-haired freckle laden Australian child who’s crying to his mother that he’s got a sun burn. I do not call myself a casting agent - but if I was I would be looking to the side stages. Look for an unknown - like we all seem to agree there has been no Jamie Fraser and there will be no Jamie Fraser if we confine ourself to the well known selection. I say call to the highlands and bring us down a bloody hot-headed proud and savage Scot.

By: Sarah on June 3, 2008
at 10:50 pm

I vote for Karl Urban (Eomer-Lord of the Rings). Check on the movie Pathfinder, where he performs a viking. I cannot upload a picture!!! Check on the scene where he plays with the sword, it reminded me of the scene in Outlander. He’s got the height, the looks, only his eyes are not blue, but greenish. Please check out the movie and give me your comments. emmanuelagrasso@hotmail.com

By: emmagz1971 on June 11, 2008
at 6:04 am

Check this one out!!!
http://www.karlurbansite.com/first-look-pathfinder

By: emmagz1971 on June 11, 2008
at 6:08 am

First of all, if you haven’t listened to the audio cds of Outlander series narrated by Davina Porter, you are really missing the characters. She does an amazing job of all the voices. Get them from the library!
I agree on Jamie with the New Amsterdam actor, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. He is really tall - 6′2″, has the great jaw line! David Wenham has the looks but only 6′. I think it is really important that his height and size matches the character.
From the first time I heard Clare’s voice (on audio book), I’ve thought of Madeleine Stow. She looks great for her age and thinking she could pass for the younger one.
I think of Colin Ferrell for Roger, but he is only 5′10″ and needs to stand tall - “first time I don’t have to look down to kiss a girl - Bree is tall too” So Colin could be one of the other McKenzies.
Have to think about Brianna….that will be a tough one.

By: smafu007 on June 13, 2008
at 8:29 pm

by the way, I thought of Heath Ledger as young Ian…….. :-(

By: smafu007 on June 13, 2008
at 8:39 pm

How about for Brianna - Laura Prepon (That 70’s show)…she is only 5′10″ though

By: smafu007 on June 13, 2008
at 9:03 pm

I too have not been able to come up with a suitable Jamie in my mind as of yet, but there is NOBODY, and I repeat, NOBODY in my mind who could ever be Black Jack Randall except Jason Isaacs…he has the sadistic, English chap down to a T!! (see Patriot, etc) Also, I have always also thought only Jack Davenport for ROGER…what say you?!

By: mdsavahl on June 17, 2008
at 10:33 pm

i must say, i really can’t understand why so many fans want Kate beckinsale- no offense to her but she’s waaay too thin for the part! so is kerra knightly. Claire has a BODY, strong, feminine, curvy (a little extra padding ;) ) and i’m not saying that because i’m a skinny hater, i’m 5.6 120lbs myself.

i definitely picture Brianna being slim. i came across a model named Marie Hopfner …

http://www.unique.dk/eng/Unique/Female/Marie-Høpfner

any thoughts?

and i agree Jamie would have to be some unknown actor - natural red is a MUST you can’t fake that stuff.

By: redberry on June 25, 2008
at 5:04 pm

I LOVE LOVE LOVE David Wenham as Jamie. I Think he has enough youth about him to play a young Jamie, and a few gray streaks and some hollywood magic on his skin and voile! Older Jamie. At first I thought it must be Gerry Butler because I am secretly in love with him, and I still see him as a close second, but David Wenham has more potential to play Jamie at all ages and I think that is critical. It would just seem silly to have two separate actors playing his role, at least to me.

I am at a bit of a loss for Claire. I really like Rachel Weisz, especially as she is in The Constant Gardener, but I dont think she would do a mini series or anything of that sort, and that is the only think that could do these books justice. Absolutely NO Kate Beckensdale. She’s cute and all, but not a very strong actress.

Hugh Dancy was mentioned earlier as well, and I love him as an actor. He is adorable, funny and diverse. He is my Roger, though. Complete with dark curly hair and green eyes even!!!

Does anyone remember how old Black Jack Randall was in the books? I think Jason Isaacs is also a great actor and definently has that sadistic Brittish thing going for him, but he seems a bit old. But maybe Black Jack was meant to be older. I can’t remember

By: Amanda on June 26, 2008
at 3:35 pm

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