Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Discussion Forums - Historical Fiction

Topic: Outlander: The Series

Club rule - Please, if you cannot be courteous and respectful, do not post in this forum.
  Unlock Forum posting with Annual Membership.
yankeechick avatar
Standard Member medal
Subject: Outlander: The Series
Date Posted: 7/17/2012 2:48 PM ET
Member Since: 7/6/2007
Posts: 1,041
Back To Top

So, did anyone else read about Outlander being adapted for a cable tv series?  

Story

My thoughts: They're truly doomed if they don't nail the casting indecision

kellykar avatar
Date Posted: 7/17/2012 6:42 PM ET
Member Since: 1/29/2008
Posts: 75
Back To Top

Yes, very exciting! I think the success of "Game of Thrones" on HBO really helped move this along (another huge multi-book series with a huge fan base) and that show did a fabulous job on casting. On the other hand, I guess we all have a good idea of how we want Jamie, Claire, Brianna, etc.. to look so it will be a big challenge for the producers.

I'd rather a series than a movie. How does every else feel about it?

misfit avatar
Date Posted: 7/17/2012 8:08 PM ET
Member Since: 7/15/2008
Posts: 4,035
Back To Top

I would be happier with a series as well. Gives them more time to tell the whole story, assuming that Hollywood doesn't muck it up.

hannamatt52 avatar
Friend of PBS-Gold medal
Date Posted: 7/17/2012 10:30 PM ET
Member Since: 3/23/2008
Posts: 2,708
Back To Top

I agree that a series would be much better.  Way too many stories to do even an adequate job in a movie.  At least with a series the writers stand a chance of making us happy!

SassenachD avatar
Standard Member medalMember of the Month medalTour Guide medalFriend of PBS-Gold medalPBS Blog Contributor medal
Date Posted: 7/18/2012 8:02 AM ET
Member Since: 3/30/2007
Posts: 11,078
Back To Top

Agreed, Making it like the Game of Thrones would be awesome! I know I am excited!

yankeechick avatar
Standard Member medal
Date Posted: 7/18/2012 9:19 AM ET
Member Since: 7/6/2007
Posts: 1,041
Back To Top

I really am curious to see who they cast as Jamie and Claire.  There aren't any actors that match up to my imagining of them.  However, I personally would love to see Jason Isaacs as Jack Randall. cheeky

Generic Profile avatar
Date Posted: 7/18/2012 10:32 AM ET
Member Since: 8/17/2009
Posts: 1,588
Back To Top

Yeah, Isaacs would make a great Jack Randall.  He makes a great villain and I've had a soft spot for him ever since he was a bad guy in an episode of my beloved Highlander.

kellykar avatar
Date Posted: 7/18/2012 4:58 PM ET
Member Since: 1/29/2008
Posts: 75
Back To Top

Isn't Frank supposed to look amazingly like Jack? I wonder if they'd get the same actor to play both roles. Jason Isaacs is a good idea. Love him.

answerquest avatar
Date Posted: 7/18/2012 7:42 PM ET
Member Since: 12/10/2005
Posts: 2,851
Back To Top

I was always under the impression that Diana Gabaldon wasn't keen on making it into a movie. I can sorta see her going for a series, tho, especially as you say after Game of Thrones.

I'm thrilled.

I-F-Letty avatar
Member of the Month medalFriend of PBS-Silver medalPBS Blog Contributor medal
Date Posted: 7/19/2012 6:11 AM ET
Member Since: 3/14/2009
Posts: 9,182
Back To Top

I am on the fence about this. I've had fun casting in theory.  But if they get that wrong it will screw eveything up. I think they will do this in a HBO/Showtime-esque series that is the only way it will work.

These you-tube casting videos are close to who I see playing the parts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ_k79W4Eks , or     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h2sUlAu1UY&feature=related

They aren't dealing with, Twiight or the Hunger Games here, these books have to be adapted really really well not to lose the emotion and the humor. 



Last Edited on: 7/19/12 6:14 AM ET - Total times edited: 1
mamadoodle avatar
Date Posted: 7/20/2012 7:18 PM ET
Member Since: 2/24/2006
Posts: 5,498
Back To Top

Agreed Jerelyn.  Casting will either make it or break it.   The fans are too rabid to accept anything less than authentic.

NewRuth avatar
Friend of PBS-Silver medal
Date Posted: 7/21/2012 8:33 PM ET
Member Since: 1/15/2007
Posts: 1,410
Back To Top

I think Sherri has it on the rabid fans part...

 

I dunno.  Part of me wants to see a series, and part of me wants it kept in my head.

Clarinda avatar
Date Posted: 7/23/2012 11:48 AM ET
Member Since: 7/13/2005
Posts: 5,201
Back To Top

"I personally would love to see Jason Isaacs as Jack Randall."

I don't agree wtih casting Jason Isaacs as Jack Randall.  Nothing against the man, he's a good actor and I agree he looks the part.  But, he played an 18th century British officer villian in The Patriot and it was a very memorable role.  If he were to play Black Jack Randall - another 18th century British officer villain, it would be too similar to the character from The Patriot and I think it would confuse the veiwers and make people think that The Patriot and Outlander were somehow related, which they aren't.