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I'm with you Alex, sounds gay to me too. I had to change the channel when I saw my girlfriend watching Ever After on E! the other night, kinda the same thingish.

the main man in the movie is named Jamie? Is the bad guy named Francis?

I am a Male and I love this series. It was my mother who told me to give a try years ago and I got hooked. I would call the "Romance Novel" aspect to be very, very minor. There is so much more to this series than that. I just hope the movies can do the series justice. This is one series I've always wanted to see made into a movie. The only one I might want more would be The Dark Tower series...but Outlander could be great. As a matter of pure coincidence, I just started listening to Outlander on Audiobook this week and now I find this news. I had never read past the 4th book, so I am doing this and am anxious to get to Parts 5 and 6 which will be new to me. Enjoying them again, in audiobook so I can do it at work, and now news of the movie. I sure hope it happens!

I have read the entire series every summer for years. My vision of Claire is Kate Beckinsale and Alexander Skarsgard as Jamie. Ms Gabaldon truly is an amazing author, and I extremely excited about a movie.

Alex ...I respect your opinion on the fact that your not interested in these books or the story in general but not everyone has a taste for real life tv, or crap that most tv companies try to force down your throats.... sometimes people tend to enjoy escaping to the land of books and if you have actually read them all and understand the story then you will see like many people who have read and enjoyed the series that is is a very good story and you never know the characters might actually grow on you!... dont just bother reading the back flap or inside cover spend some time and enjoy them for what they are and that is a well written story! As far as I'm concerned they have something in them for everyone! And as for making them into a movie, I will say this that even though I'm sure it will be a great movie everyone has to remember one thing that alot of the book will be cut from it to allow for the 2 and a half hour time frame it will only have to tell the story and I have read these books quite a number of times and as much as I love them I dont mind them being cut a bit so that we can atleast get to see these great characters on the big screen! I say go for it!

Way to go on labeling the book, by the way. Good job. You have to actually read some of the book to criticize it. So, in answer to that, read "Outlander" because it is not just a "romance novel," though I won't deny that there are a few - ahem - romantic parts. There is also lots of great history in the book, as well as some action. Not to mention that the whole series is written fantastically. Dianna Gabaldon has great diction in all of her novels. But be warned: once you start reading "Outlander" you won't be able to put it down - which is sometimes a bad thing because it is quite a lengthy book.

I thought of Kate, but she would have to wear contacts. Her eyes are VERY blue, and if you remember, Jamie refers to Claire's eyes as sometimes being the color of whiskey, and sometimes the color of sherry. Claire and Jamie will be difficult to cast. There is no question about that... I only pray that whom ever are chosen to play these parts... will do them a righteous justice!

Yesterday I went to see DEFIANCE. There's an actress in the movie, named Alexa Davalos, who plays the main guy's girlfriend. As I was watching her I had the thought that she'd be a good Claire. She fits my image of Claire well, at any rate.

Hello again, I've made a couple of coments so far about the Outlander Series so far and am waiting as patiently as I can for the graphic novels and the Movie/ Major Motion Picture/ Mini Series/ Turned into a regular once a week show on like HBO, or Master Piece Theature!!!! I also agree with a comment made by a Cary, You must read the books!!!!! If you can't find the time to read them, Listen to the Unabridged CD's, If you can't afford them go to Recorded Books.Com and rent them for about $20.00 per month. One of these options MUST be done!!! If you don't believe Outlander has a following go to U-tube and put in Diana Gabaldons name, there you will find a great amount of knowledge all from Jamie and Claire FANS. Short movies of the Outlander. Who people would want to see play different charactor's. And you Randall Wallace, must not forget the small charactors!!!!! Mrs Bugg, The Nun and her dog Bojont. there are unlimited amounts of charactors here. A wide playing field that could make such an Epic type Series. Think Roots, or LOTR, or Harry Potter. These BOOKS must be created, must be made come to life, the following would be huge, not just in the US but in Europe, Germany, Scotland. It IS for men and women, with not just romance, but murder, intrigue, mystery, history, travel, wars, battles, castles, witch burnings, voodoo, slavery. It's about love, hate, relationships, heart, adventure, sorrow, bliss, trust, respect, faith, honor, revenge, truth, family. I have read these novels six times now, and listened to the cd's, shared books that I have collected with friends, family, work associates, anyone who loves to travel by reading. Diana Gabaldon is such a story teller, and once you start reading the Outlander, even if it is for the 10th time, it is new and engulfing. You can't stop. You can't pick up another book till your finished and then you want to start with the next of the series, Dragon Fly in Amber, and so on and so on. You will go with them on thier lifes journey, and find rest. Don't you remember when you were young, coming home in anticipation of watching that favorite new Series, and WoW if you had other plans that conflicted with it. You had to make sure that the VCR was ready to record so you wouldn't miss a minute.. And now you can buy all your favorite series on DVD. Plus all the other little quicks that come with hit movies. Clothes, toys, T-shirts. But Mr. Wallace is this. Don't muck it up. It is worth every dime you and yours sink into it for it will return ten fold to you. These will make such a Series! I am addicted! meoutlander@yahoo.com I am on my space and don't forget u-tube

Okay, I apologize, Alex did not make the 'gay' comment. That guy Mard did but my comment about it still remains the same.

This series is awesome. It's like crack, you can't stop reading. I loved it! I have yet to read a book that a movie portrays with quality. Some stories should be left to the books and I believe that this is one of them. The producers will need someone as passionate as I am about the series to bring it to the big screen; now they have my email address!!!!!

I think you're beginning to get the idea of how us diehard Gabaldon fans feel about these books. While Braveheart was exciting to watch, I would like to point out that the Outlander series have far more historical accuracy and intrigue for me to think of including them in the same catagory as Braveheart. As far as the actors concerned, I want to agree with Jackie who mentioned Kevin McKidd. I've had a crush on him since he filmed the Rome series. We also know from Rome that he can handle the fights scenes and looks good with a sword! I am however more concerned that the screen writer and director treat the books with respect and follow them as closely as possible. Gabaldon has such a loyal following that any deviance from her storyline will break our hearts.

OMG!Ever since the very first time I read these books I have wanted them to make a movie! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!The best books I have ever read! I think the perfect Jamie would be the new red- headed guy on "Greys Anatomy". I think he could do perfect, but I'm not sure about his height...I can't wait for her to write another story! It just can't be the end...

Absolutely love the series. Any movie is better with Johnny Depp

RELAX RACHEL! I just saw Inkheart and Paul Bettany is an excellent actor. I could see him in a supporting role-don't think he is quite Jamie. Jamie is going to be a difficult part to cast. He is so integral to the story and very mutifaceted.

I loved the Outlander series. I think it will make a great 'Adventure' movie. One who has not read the series, should not comment. True there is some romance, but there is also history and adventure.....

Greetings Alex, Your have collected a huge number of positive opinions from the female side. Very sparse response from guys. So let me tell you this guy's point of view. I'm pushing sixty and married for over 30 years. I was introduced to the Outlander by the nurses, in my office, about three years ago. I have since read the entire series and despite Barnes & Noble's insistence on placing the novels in their romance section, they all read very well in several other categories. There are some situations that may disturb some "true men", but but in the context of movies, can be editied out without disrupting the major story line. I feel that a movie, done with native speaking actors/actresses, would do very well on both sides of the Atlantic, and may have a good theatrical run like the Harry Potter series. I agree with Nichola Ward, American actors can wait for the episode when Jamie & Clair ship out to the west side of the pond. Steve in Vancouver, Washington

I have read all the books over time. Just finished the 6th. I was thinking, I wish HBO or Showtime would get involved in a series. I feel that a series could capture the material better then a movie. Each novel being a new season. Like the Tudors on Showtime blood, sex, action, the details of motive in character decisions. I hate the way Hollywood chops the life out a good novel. Its hard to capture a true love in a novel to film. It went badly in the new movie twilight. Bella and Edward on film looked like they had a staring problem. Good luck hollywood! This crowd will be waiting to see a perfect red haired scott, and a wisky eyed english woman.

Ok, Hollywood. This movie has to be treated as a series. HBO, could do this correctly. If Hollywood want to do a movie it deserves to be a series as well. Something like "Lord Of The Rings" What makes these books work like they do is simply the intelligence of Dianna Gabaldon, She has uselful degrees that taught her good reserch skills. This plus her prior writting background have given her some great writting skills. I'm a picky reader, I want my author to get the facts right. I won't read a "fluff" romantic story at all. Most read like spun suger. D.gabaldon is simply very talented with getting her facts right. Claires Abilty's with herbs are no joke. They are correct. All of the Galic is also right on. The battles read true to history. Its these backbones that allow Cllaire and Jamie to move freely through their time frames. I agree with other readers who say these parts must be played by Scotch Actors or at least English. Plus, they must be belivable in their roles. No well knowen american actors PLEASE! I wouldn't enjoy seeing the same old actors play these importaint roles at all. Please care for this saga.

I've always pictured Claire as someone similar looking to Keri Russell. Jamie is harder. I have a picture of him in my head but he doesn't look like anyone I've seen before. Maybe similar to Jonathan Rhys Meyers but a lot taller. Anyway, can't wait for the movie; but I doubt it will be able to do the books justice. Can't wait for the next book (September release I believe). Yay!!! Go Diana - you rock!

ooops,link didn't work... maybe this one http://s568.photobucket.com/albums/ss127/LisaPattinson/?action=view&current=abc2.jpg

I have always pictured Claire looking more like Melina Kanakaredes from CSI NY. She is probably too old but could pull it off. I think Claire was in her thirties (b 1918?) at the beginning of the series but looked 20 when compared to the other people from the 1700s. When they wed, Jamie thought Claire was about his age or younger. I do agree that this movie would probably be much better with actors from the UK. http://media.pegasusnews.com/img/photos/2008/09/11/melina_kanakaredes.jpg

Although I loved Robert Pattinson as Edward in "Twilight," I think that is where he belongs. It would be too hard to imagine him as Jamie when he has made such a statement as Edward Cullen. But, definintely native actors-not Americans acting as Scots or Brits.

Well, who's afraid of having their imagination destroyed simply shouldn't watch the movie. IMO a movie only adds another dimension to a book, it doesn't has to destroy the personal imagination. And there are alot of people who want these series made into movies, me included, to see how it works on the big screen. And isn't the production company an independent company? As far as I know they are not ''Hollywood''. And even if they were it doesn't mean that the movie will be bad. You should't judge the book from the cover.

Outlander has been optioned before; there is no guarantee that the movie will ever happen. I agree with Gail somewhat. I have not seen any actor that is even close to what Diana Gabaldon's description of Jamie is. They are either too old or not near the right size. Remember Jamie can be seen by Claire across a room by his height so any other men cast would have to be 3-4 inches shorter than Jamie. A small detail, yes, but too many novels adapted into movies have failed IMO to catch the essence of the novel. My favorite movie is Gone With The Wind but the book was not followed that closely i.e. Scarlett was not a pretty girl, Vivien Leigh was gorgeous. In the book, Scarlett has one child with each husband etc. Minute detail, yes but to some readers, detractions none the less. The same can be said for most of the movies made. I will most likely see the movie if ever made but Hollywood or independent filmmakers will be looking at the bottom line not at the loyal readers. Diana Gabaldon has no say in this venture and I think the movie may suffer because of it...no one knows these characters better than her. Outlander has been optioned not the rest of the books FYI.

Alex, it's VERY obvious that you haven't read it, or any of the rest of the series. Catch up, guy!

I'm so bummed they are making a movie out of this. I love this series so much, and a mere 2 hours can never cover book one. Please- none of those damn Twilight kids! *gag*

I just looked up Gabriel Aubry since someone mentioned Diana Gabaldon said that's who Jamie looks like. All I have to say is WOW! Definitely a good choice. Cast him immediately, and if he can't act, get Sawyer from Lost. They kind of look the same to me. I loved the one person's descriptions of the funny characters from the books. I liked some of the historical references too, like the Jewish coin dealer from Germany who told them his family went by the name of "Red Shield" since they weren't allowed surnames. When Claire asked Jamie how you say Red Shield in German, it turned out it's Rothchild. With Ms. Gabaldon's penchant for research, you know that has to be a true story. I'm a little bummed that HBO didn't pick it up for a miniseries, but I'm very happy it's going to be made into a movie. Whether it's great or not, at least people will know the story when I mention my favorite books.

Maybe Sawyer from the first season, but now he's such a softie I just can't picture it. I never really thought of Sawyer as Jamie, but he does look a bit like the male model the author likened to Jamie, the guy named Gabriel Aubry. Google it, the guy is hot! I just thought if that guy can't act, then Sawyer would be a good stand-in.

I have read EVERY book and LOVE them!! I got them from my boss and now I also have my mother, brother and sister-in-law hooked. I would pay big bucks to see them made, tastefully, into a mini-series. There's no way Jamie and Claire's story fits into a 2-3 hour movie. Oh, and guys would also love it. There is so much history involved. Someone mentioned Gerard Butler as Jamie - all I have to say is "YEAH, BABY"!!!!!!!

If you liked Braveheart, you will love a well made Outlander. This story could make an exceptional movie and because there is so much material, it could take place in Scotland or the America Colonies or both.

James MacAvoy might be good, but too short. Really, though, this series should appeal to men as much as women if all the historical info is included in the movie(s) to the extent that it is in the books. Also, my husband thought these books were just more 'bodice-rippers' until he went with me to see Diana Gabaldon speak about her latest book in the series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes. After she spoke, answered questions, and gave a reading from the latest, my husband said "She should be the next president!" and then decided that he'd like to read the Outlander books. We were doing a lot of road trips at that time, so he drove and I read aloud to him. We've come to the place where Jamie, Claire and the other main characters in the books are almost like real people to us. We care about them and talk about them, speculate about them and what they'll be doing next, etc. Understand: my husband is a lawyer (as am I), very analytical, likes to fix things, like toasters and cuckoo clocks and anything electronic and, and, and.... He's no goofy romantic, but he loves this story, these books, these characters. He also loves fast action movies, not romantic comedies, and he's looking forward to these books becoming movies, too, as long as it's done right!

Hello, I am currently involved in a discussion in the Amazon historical romance community and Outlander has been a popular contender for best historical romance ever read, one thing led to another and inquiries were made about if it was a movie or not and then I found this discussion so now I really really really really want to read this book and can't wait to start envisioning who I think should be in it. But I like the suggestion that it be an HBO series so that more can be delved into.

I don't understand how you can say you never read the books and yet want to make a movie from them. You cannot capture everything on film unless you actually know what the books are about. It's not just romance. I've read the books twice and will probably re read them again until book 7 and 8 come out. Making a movie of this series of books might not work. Too much would have to be removed to fit the time line of a possible 3 hr movie. I say make it a series. If you decide to make it into a movie then you need to read the books. Although the movie would probably be a big disappointment because so much would be left out. I have to agree that Liam Neeson would make a fantastic older Jamie. Henry Ian Cusick also could play Jamie from the series LOST. Or Josh Holloway from LOST also. I have trouble reading, but when I got a hold of these books I could not put them down. I read them on the bus on the way to work, on my lunch breaks and breaks. I cried and laughed while many people looked on while I was on the bus. I've never enjoyed books until now. I never had the attention span to sit long enough to read them and would give up and put the books away, but these books I would have no trouble reading a third time. Please do justice to these books if you make a movie or a series from them.

Does anyone have any recent news about "our" Outlander Movie. Does anyone have any tidbits of news. If someone knows something about it that is factual, I know the rest of us want to hear it!

If ypu are refering to me, I can assure you my comment has nothing to do with yours or anyone's individual comments. The "our" outander simply refers to everyone who loves the Outlander series. As far as asking for tidbits of news. That's because the Adam guy says its going to be made, You Tube has selected cuts which some are saying come from the movie. Yet, we still don't really know much about who is playing which roles for sure. I was just asking if anyone knew any more details. Reading this list is heart-warming for me because Its good to see so many others who love Dianna's work as much as I do. My message did not refer to yours. However, my husband loves the LOTR books about the movie he just says "well it would be tough for anyone to put LOTR on film. I sorta feel the same about Outlander. The best we can hope for would truly be a series. Peace and good will to you.

Oh I totally agree with Kate Winslet as Claire. And I think Dougray Scott could play either Dougal or Colum McKenzie. I have seen many posts that say that Kate Beckinsale would make a good Claire, but she is too thin. Claire was a "curvy" woman, and Jamie often mentioned how much he loved her "nice wide behind". Lord John Grey was only a boy of 16 when he first met Jamie, but he grew along with the story, so it would have to be someone who is young, but could be aged with makeup. What about Michele Phieffer for the "witch" Roger Mac's mother... and Scarlett Johannsen as Leoghaire... I hadn't really considered many of these, but now I am intrigued! I have been planning to re-read the series again, now I will have to see who I come up with for the characters! I'VE GOT IT! I can play the part of Claire! LOL! (I wish...)

I absolutely love this series, and I'm glad to see everybody else loves it too! I was on IMDB and I typed in Outlander and that sci-fi Viking film that came out recently was listed, but there was also another Outlander option that said it was coming out in 2011. I dunno if it's Diana Gabaldon's Outlander or just another one, but you have to have IMDB pro to look at it further, and alas, I do not.

Having just started reading the series with Outlander, the images of how I see Claire and Jamie are fresh for me. But I can honestly say that as soon as Jamie was described and spoke a few lines (well written dialect--you can hear these characters talking in their brogue or accent or whatever you call it), I immediately thought of Kevin McKidd. He is Scottish, has the correct build (though not as tall at 6'1"), right complexion, and could certainly fight convincingly (just watch Rome if in doubt). I don't think he's classically attractive, but he is still appealing, which is more how I read Jamie. Cast next to a shorter than 5'6" actress to play Claire, he would be plenty imposing. Additionally, he is a few years younger than Gerard Butler, which puts him a bit closer to Jamie's age. I laugh/cringe at the thought of Rob Pattinson playing this formidable character--so completely different from his vampire Edward Cullen, who he plays well. As for Claire, it's much more difficult to identify someone who has her physical attributes (the ones that can't be faked convincingly--Keira Knightly HAH!) and could be believably complex on screen. I don't think Rachel Weisz is a bad suggestion, but I would be totally okay with someone new. Sadly, I know the movie(s) will never be as good as the book(s), but it's still fun to see a great story on the screen. I haven't even finished the first book, but I'm already looking forward to many more weeks of reading this series!

OOPs I hit a wrong key to have my message sent before I was really done writting. I just wanted to add that I agree with Kevin Mc Kidd being a fine choice for Jamie. He is at an age where a little time in the Make-up chair could make him look very young or old. His Body is just right, Which we know from watching ROME on HBO. I bleive his acting skills are top knoch. He is now playing a E.R Doctor on Gray's Anatomy His range as an actor knows no bounds. Clair, Oh, Clair... They have to get her done perfeclty since the whole project hinges on her. Sharp, smart glowing personality. Able to comfort those in need as well as fight off evil doers. Physicaly warm and round. Claire is a very speical woman and her daughter Breianna has gifts from both her parents. Lets not forget Breianna.

The guy from Grey's Anatomy is named Kevin McKidd....he's very big, very Scottish, and he was my first thought for Jamie too.REDA THE BOOKS GUYS! you might like it.

I'm a straight guy (no prejudice whatsoever of any sort, though), no soppy stories fan (believe me), way into middle-age (no crises up to now), and... I love this series. Enjoyable blend of historical research, romance, and action, with superb notes of style. pace, and descriptive technique. Diana Gabaldon is awesome !! I REALLY think no one should bash it before reading it. BTW, I was surprised to know she's a true scientist in quantitative ecology, complete with a post-doctoral degree and a period as editor of a scientific magazine in her curriculum. How can a single person manage to do so many things ?????

Alex, I've been following the posts on this website for better than 5 months now, everytime someone posts here I get it directly to my home email. What I really want to know at this juncture is.... what is happening? Are you making the movie or what? I'd like to know so that if you aren't.... then I can let it go, and if you are.... I can anxiously await the premier. It's the not knowing that's killing me. You have the comments, advice and anticipation of a good 150 fans (some have posted more than once), We are all sitting on the edge of our seats waiting for confirmation. Is there any chance we might get that anytime soon? I'm beginning to feel you've been teasing us and it just isn't right! Thank you for your time, Rachel

Alex, If you remain unconvinced, let me explain. The Superbowl is men playing ball on the grass. The Shelby Cobra is a sub-compact car. Notre Dame is a church. Kobe beef is dead cow. The pyramids at Giza are a cemetery. The Outlander is a romance novel.

Iklw have you actually read the book because i`m damn sure that my idea of romanc is not being attacekd in the woods by a perverted warped individual - nor is it being taken against my will by a bunch of men!!!!! obviously you have different ideas to me - mm strange. oh and by the way,sarcastic "wit" about these books will not be well received!!!!

Ikwl, I agree with Nichola, that kind of comment will not be well received! These books have amazing plot and character development. You need to stop trying to put everything in a neat little box, Outlander does not fit into a box. It stands on its own. It has so much in it you cannot lable it just one thing.

Currently into my second reading of the Outlander series, anxiously awaiting "Echos" this fall (hoping!!) Pleased to see that there may actually be a visual media for all the fans out here & even more encouraged to see that someone who worked on Braveheart and Pearl Harbor is on the project. I have to say that the visual writings in the book, expanding on history, truely gave an honest feel to the book and allowed me to see not only the story but what it may have actually felt like to someone who was out-placed (Claire). I found Braveheart to not only be a movie felt, but also seen by its beautiful cinematography of the Highlands (I know I enjoyed the landscapes in LOTR!)...I can only hope that they do as wonderful a job with Outlander! I found the books very broad (in an excellent way!) in emotional experience; enjoying the storyline and the inclusion of the variety of people, even if they seemed minor, still had an impact to the entire story. This is, afterall, what life and history tend to involve. I know my only regret in it being made a movie, is that so much will need to be cut from the story to keep it down to the required time (and yes! Even just to do one book at a time into a movie!) If there are any strings to be pulled, would LOVE to see it done as a HBO or Showtime mini-series....lots of episodes(!!!) as they have done with Rome and Tudors. I will refrain from my own opinions of who should play the parts (look at LOTR, Braveheart and Pearl...can you imagine anyone else playing those key roles as well??). They will never look quite as I envision them, but with the people I see already placed on the project, I am sure my vision will adapt.

According to Diana Gabaldon's website, she does not know when the book will be published. Amazon is reporting September but she says she would certainly know before them so we will have to see.

Victoria - comment 126 As much as I love this series, they are indeed fiction. That's not a criticism on my part. I think these are wonderful books. It's just that even the Library of Congress categorizes them as fiction. Here is a link to the Library of Congress for Outlander: http://catalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBRecID=15044896&v3=1&SEQ=20090227205836&PID=2VziD21wKedif5DJPlY9oqiN9VJ

I LOVE, LOVE these books. I have read each of them many times and am very excited to hear Outlander may become a movie, but they are going to have to be very careful not to screw it up. It is a long, very detailed book, and I am afraid to much will be cut out of the movie. Also, I believe they should not use any well known actors. I think they should be unknowns, so I personally would not be placing them, in my head, in previous roles. I would prefer Claire and Jamie to be completely their own. I have read these books so many times they have become like family and have them pictured as to how I think they look, and a well known actor would not fit the bill.

I was never much of a reader until one day I was bored at my grandmothers house and picked up the book by Diana called Outlander. I read the first book about 16 years ago and never finished the second book. I always read them at my grandmothers house while visiting her, and she would not part from them. She died and the two books she had were lost. At that time Diana had only written three of her now six book series. For a while I had forgotten about the books. Until recently. I started to have time to read again. I remembered the story I read so long ago, but not the title or author. I asked my mother, who does nothing but read, but she could not recall the book. She told me my grandmother always read romance novels, by authors such as Nora Roberts. I at first did not think of this book as a romance novel, and quickly discarded the idea. I'll never find it again, I thought. For 10 years I have wanted to find this book. About 1 year ago I waited on a man reading a book at the resturant I work in and talked to him about the book I had read so long ago. To my incredible suprise he knew of the book. But he could not remember the title or the author except the last name started with G. At this point I started asking anyone who read. Two weeks ago I discovered a women reading Nora Roberts, and remembering my mothers words about authors my grandmother read I told her about the book I was looking for. She said she had not read the book personally but new her husband had. She called her husband for me and he gave me the authors name. The second I got home I looked her up on my computer, and there was my book. The #1 bestselling romance novel of all time. And It took, (two men) to help me find it again. Now tell me men will not enjoy the movie. I could only find men who read the book. i am currently enjoying the acclaimed series. PS Rachel Weis should Play Claire and the Randalls should all have Dark eyes. And Jaimie should not have facial hair the entire movie, only in the beginning to look rough. Not mean. He needs to look gentle.

I was introduced to the Outlander series years ago, and absolutely fell in love with it! My girlfriend at the time and I would read them, and I had a blast using different accents to bring the book more to life. I never saw the series as a 'romance' novel. I was struck by the history, and would try to picture in my mind the characters and places. I have never been able to put any living person to Jamie, but have always seen Claire as Jane Seymour. Don't know if she could pull off the younger Claire (well, I know she could, but would it be believable in a movie), but I still think she could do well as the series moves on. I'm looking forward to seeing it on the big screen, but agree to do it justice, the film makers need to take their time, cast it right, and spend the money needed to ensure success.

Jane Seymour?????????????? Maybe for the last movie in the series. She is far too old.

Jen: Sorry if it upsets you that a LOT of us here care about WHO portrays the characters in this wonderful saga. It is our perogative to hope that they are done well by the dirctors etc. No matter how the directing etc is done, if the actors fall flat, the story does as well. Think about it before you yell at people here who care very much how the actors look and "act". No one wants to see soap opera "stars" in these parts, so we care very,very much WHO plays the parts. ok?

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=JANE+SEYMOUR&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2 Personally, I believe a lot of people going to the above link and also to her website and seeing the very,very long list of her accomplishments would agree that she would be a very good choice to play Claire....at ALL ages. My uncle produced some of her work, including the very long running "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman", which brought her to mind for the role of Claire, IMHO.

I checked out images of Kate Walsh, and her looks are very close to Jane Seymour's, but her filmography is pretty skinny.....lots of bit parts and tv stuff, but not much in the way of anything memorable or in full length movies...this makes it difficult for me to voice an opinion on her acting abilities. I never heard of her at all, so had to google her name. Again, her looks would fit, but how about her ability to handle Claire? I refrain from making any comments about that as I never saw her before.

Hi Sally and everyone, Kate Walsh is a very intresting actress, As far as I know she started her Televison Carrier on Gray's Anatomy, Then the powers that be gave her a "Spin-Off show called Private Pratice. She is That Good. The shows go back to back Thurs. nights on NBC. The two shows have done cross-overs since charaters from both shows "know" each other. Kate is a powerful actress able to be very convencing in what ever she is doing. She's young but by no means too young. Shes an adult whth a long carrier to look foward too. Since Outlander is hopefully going to be a series, They are going to want a commentment from the person who plays Clare and the Actor who plays Jamie. Also those who's roles are also pivital to the story. Anyway, Truthfully, I see them going with someone like Kate, but, Perhaps a total unknowen with some of the quailtys You see in Jane which I see in Kate

just looked up Alexander Skarsgard as i had never heard of him - he definitely has the physique and the height and with the right make-up and wardrobe could be a contender - noboy is ever going to be exactly perefect - as much beacuse we will all have slightly different ideas of what jamie looks like if anything - i have to say as gorgeous as gerard butler is this guy looks more like the jamie i my head than he does. Claire needs to be played by me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha ha

Kathy, I so agree with you and Diana about Lliam Neeson as a very good potential Jamie. Everyone seems so concerned about the "age" thing. These characters of Diana's are TIMELESS, AGELESS, how can we pigeon-hole them into this slot or that? With the ability today of make-up artists, time and age change with the flick of a brush. The ability of an actor/actress to put passion and feeling into the part they play, to make us believe what we are seeing is the secret to success of bringing these fantastic character to life. Lliam Neeson would so much fill that bill. Another choice of talent as well as ability to take on the brogue would be Mel Gibson, who has been able to bring to life so many characters and could pull this off as well. As for Claire, the talent to "become" Claire is a challenge that not very many actresses can pull off, and the field is small. I like Kate Winslet, as well as Jane Seyour. But, I am sure that there are a few "foreign" actors who I am not familiar with who may well qualify as well. Time will tell. The fact that even Diana considers Lliam Neeson is a clue to how she sees Jamie, isn't it?

I hadn’t thought of Kate Winslet for Claire until reading some of these posts and now I can’t get her out of my thoughts as definitely being the best and not just because of her looks. Claire had a serene calmness at her center that enabled her to deal with the whammy kind of shock that being transported back in time would have on most people. I think Winslet could portray that admirably and she’s English, like Claire. Another possibility is an actress that I think is one of the most beautiful in films and can project that same serenity is Diane Lane, although she is around 40 now and may be too old. I’ve forgotten the precise ages in Outland but I’m thinking Jamie was around 24 and Claire about 5 years older, although I may be off on those numbers. If they’re true to Outlander, there’s an awful lot of story to film and it’s going to end with everyone wanting a sequel, so they need to start with actors young enough to be able to carry on during a second movie a few years down the road. At least I hope there would be a sequel. After seeing him as Rob Roy, it’s so natural to think of Liam Neeson (Irish) as the ultimate Scottish warrior like Jamie, both of them being Celts. I’m just worried about trying to make him look 25. Even with all the technology, it’s easier to age actors than to “young” them without too heavy a make up job. I keep remembering Jamie as a mid-twenties virgin when he and Claire married, although I must say he caught on quickly and very well, indeed. A fast learner, our Jamie. But I also think it’s imperative that the part is played by someone tall. There is so much made of Jamie’s impressive physique throughout the series of books that, although they’re never going to find someone who totally fits everyone’s ideal of Jamie, I think the actor’s height is a very important factor, which is another reason that made me think of Alexander Skarsgard, who is 6’4”. There is someone else who flitted through my mind. Tohmah Penikett. He’s on the new Dollhouse series and on the closing Battlestar Galactica. Very tall. Very good looking. The right age. Fantastic cheekbones. Not sure I can see him with shoulder length red hair, though. In this picture he’s not standing on a box: is actually that much taller than those around him. http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1119324928/nm0671886

Its very strange to me that people keep on mentioning a 57 year old man playing a 23 year old. Liam Neeson, though he may be able to play an older Jamie, could not pull off a 23 year old strapping young man. No matter how much make up is put on him, it will ruin it for anyone going to see the movie. These characters are around my age, and I could never see a man older than my father playing the role of someone my boyfriend's age. Think of how Diana describes Jamie with his muscular build and smooth skin. No 57 year old can look like that unless they computer enhance it which always looks fake and would completely ruin the movie! It's one thing to say you envision Jamie and Claire as having characteristics or appearances of these older actors and actresses (which I completely understand and agree with), but another thing to say you want 50 and 60 year olds to play a 23 and 28 year old (who is mistaken as younger than 28 by most of the other characters). That is just crazy! Maybe back in the days of their youth liam neeson and jane seymour would have been perfect, but there are people who fit the part way better that can be found now. I have yet to see a movie cast a middle aged person as a very young adult and have them actually appear believeable (with the one exception being Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter, but as it was a ghost, it can't be compared to real people).

Well, after months of monitoring this website, which started out with Alex's curiosity about these wonderful books and the potential for a movie made from them. It has since then deteriorated to petty squabbles about who plays whom and who looks like Jamie,Claire etc etc. Well, folks, these are FICTIONAL characters, and we each love and picture them in our mind's eye as to how they looked,acted and felt, and NO ONE, EVER is going to match up to ANY of our expectations. There are NO actors/actresses who possess the qualities of these FICTIONAL characters we love so well. Is that agreed? That said, I am leaving this board and the ongoing yammering about something NO ONE ON THIS SITE has ANY CONTROL OVER. Our differences are respected and our input was read by everyone and immediately forgotten, unlike the wonderful saga that has come from Diana's imagination. Jamie and Claire lived in her IMAGINATION and then in ours. Let them live there,and enjoy how we each see them, because if/when they do come to the "big screen", I can guarantee that NONE OF US will be content with the choices that will be made by those in control. Even the story will not, in fact CANNOT live up to what we read. We WILL be disappointed, but perhaps we can still enjoy the ride. Live with it. Best wishes to all.

I could see Kate Winslet as Clare. She is supposed to be quite striking, but several time in the books her "full bottom" is referenced, so I don't think a wispy girl would really cut it.

Alex-just do yourself a favor and read Outlander. All the other responses above say it all!

Oh, let's not spoil even one of these books by turning them into film! This is a little off-topic, but did anyone ever read the Dune series and then go to see the film when it came out? What a disappointment! You just can't bring a book of Outlander's scope to the screen (anymore than they could with Dune) -- too much would be lost. BTW my husband got hooked on this series through an audiobook when we took a driving vacation from the northeast to Louisiana, Florida, and back - narrator Davina Porter is fabulous. He is a huge James Bond fan - both the books and the films - and reads a lot of what I would term "guy fiction" - W.E.B. Griffin, Robert Parker, that kind of stuff. But he did enjoy the Outlander series, albeit I don't think he'd ever read them! Those 700+ pages can be daunting....

Wow, out of 217 votes for the movie, now we have one dissenter. It had to happen sometime.

Hi everyone, I have been a huge fan of the Outlander series ever since I read Outlander for the second time. (The first time I was only twelve years old, so that doesn`t count. I didn`t like it because the first thing I actually read was the near rape by Jack Randall, which was a bit too much for me at that age) I must admit I never recommended the series to any of my male fantasy loving friends, because I loved the romance story so much, it was the most important part of the book to me. But I agree with the majority of the commenters here, it is so much more than just another romance series. I also loved the thoroughly researched history, the suspense throughout the action filled parts and the really well wrought time-travelling fantasy. Although a movie will never do the series justice (even at one book per movie) I am really looking forward to it. No book adaptation has ever done any book enough justice but I honestly don`t know a single book as suitable for adaption to the big screen as any one of Diana`s books. I`ll keep my fingers crossed for it really happening this time, since the TV mini series also fell through. And about actors/actresses for the main characters: I only have a very strong opinion about who needs to be Jamie, although I`d love to see Kate Winslet as Claire. She`d be absolutely perfect for it (it never occurred to me before she was mentioned in one of the earlier posts, but she would). Even though I share the opinion about previously known actors/actresses. She has had such a wide variety of parts and has been able to carry them all very well, I think she`d be able to get away with her famous face. And now, for Jamie. The actor I have in mind for him has played in a big movie, but I think he is suitably unknown enough to make us forget he`s been anyone but Jamie. He has the build, the hair, the eyes, the nose and (I think) the accent: David Wenham. Who? David Wenham, also known as Faramir of LOTR. He is tall, looks strong and handsome, he`s a redhead, has very blue eyes and a long straight nose, and if he doesn`t have a Scottish accent I don`t think it would be an effort for him to acquire one. I personally think he also has the ability to be or look rough around the edges but also very gentle, strong but also vulnerable, roguish but also intensely romantic, as we know Jamie is all that. Other plusses: David knows his way around a sword, and I don` think it would be really hard to have him look aged, so he could play both young and older Jamie. There are a lot of actors I`d love to see as Jamie, just because I like the looks of them or love their acting. But none of them can BE Jamie as we all know him. I do think David Wenham could come very close to everyone`s mental image of James Alexander Malcolm Fraser though. Any thoughts?

oh please make the movie! it would be like lord of the rings, but with a better love story.

Please let the fans decide on the characters. Myself and my sister, (huge fans of the books), would be very happy to go to Scotland Highlands to find a perfect Jamie. If he isn't truly a Highlander, it just wouldn't be the same, but if I had to choose from American actors, it would have to be Josh Holloway.

I think we all just need some fresh new news from Essental Ent. the company that's making the film as we understand it. After all, we can speculate forever on who plays what. Its the director and staff that actuly make the performers do what they do. I would like to know who the director is for this film. That would let us have an idea of the style of the coming film. I do think the actors need to have acting experence, these are not lightweight roles. I can't imagine a modle ever being able to just step into acting with these roles. It would be like taking an apple and expecting it to be an orange.

If they make this into a movie, they MUST get the casting right. This book has a wonderful plot but it truly character driven. The actors must be able to deliver heavy dramatic, comedic and realistic performances in EVERY scene. PLEASE let Diana Gabaldon keep creative control of this enterprise if they turn the series into a move. Nothing will be more disappointing to her millions of fans if this movie is screwed up by Hollywood.

#230, "lady (not) lallybroch": Your post is way off-base and disrespectful. This is not My Space,face book or some other teen text message arena. Apologies to all posters would be most appreciated. Thank you on behalf of all posters above.

Unfortunately, Diana already said if there is a movie, she will have very little to do with it. Although I'm excited and eagerly awaiting a movie, I feel that without Diana's guidance, it will stray from the book.

Doesn't matter, "someone" sold movie rights. Who that is I am not sure. It could be Dianna or it could be a totaly unknowen person or entity. Dianna,Our Much Loved Author is listed as a writter on the Essental entertainment site for this movie. Try the free trial on IMBD so you have access to IMBDPRO. Look at Essental Entertainment site. I checked and its not exactly the same page as the regular web site. There everyone can see exactly what is what. Just cancil the free service before they charge you. I think its two weeks.

To Juanita, Write and ask if she is credited as a writter on this project. I wrote nearly two months ago. Or look at the credit on IMBD Pro. She is listed as such there. This is the last I will say on Dianna's envolvment with the movie. Its on line at IMBD PRO, plain as day. I just can't foward it into this group list. Wish that was possible. All in all, we want the same thing. We want our beloved favoirte of all time book to be made into a fine moive. I have more faith in people who are working at their chosen craft. I'm fairly positive everyone envolved in the Outlander Movie Project is there because they love what they are doing. People who love what they are doing generaly do their very best. Outlander should be a beatiful movie because Dianna wrote OUTSTANDING Books. Russel Scott is a very Top Knotch screenplay writter. Have faith. They won't let us down. As you can see, I'm a positive outlook person. I have faith in good people and the fine work they do. While Outlander is my all time favorite book series Braveheart is one of my all time favorite movies. So to me its the best all around for the Outlander Movie!

I truly love this book series and it simply has to be made into movies!!!! I am obsessed with these books and Jamie Fraser!!!! The relationship between Jamie & Claire is so beautiful!!! It's every woman's dream !!!!You have to make these books into movies!!!!I wiill definitely see them & buy them should they come out on video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE MAKE THE MOVIES!!!!!!!!

I don't think I could watch any movie/mini-series version of "Outlander" unless: I saw Kevin McKidd as Jamie. He is SUCH a man. His voice, his manner, his gait, his emotion. Has anyone seen "Rome"? He was so real. Jason Isaacs for Frank - he could do both sides of good and evil. Kate Winslet or Rachel Weisz for Claire. But for me, Kevin McKidd must be Jamie.

Kevin McKidd Yes, he is very,very good. Have you seen him doing the part of a Surgon who sufferes from Post-tramatic illness after coming back from Iraq? He's a regular on GRAY'S Anatomy on ABC. in my area that's on Thursday night at 8:00. I was flipping channels and saw him in an oldie movie the other day too. He was so very young. I'm sure he would be really good as Jamie or ? He is a very fine actor.

Just finished watching Nim's Island and my vote for Jamie is Gerard Butler.

It's not about a romance...it's about a marriage!!

I am so excited about this movie. The Outlander series of books are excellent. I have read them all.....twice! and can't wait for the new one to come out in Sept.'09. I hope they do the books justice in the movie. Cast the right people and have an excellent script, the Scottish Highlands and you can't go wrong.......I hope!

These are the best books ever written in my opinion!! Rarely do you find someone who can tell a story like Diana that makes you actually feel like you're part of all the conversations that go on, and like you're actually standing there next to the characters. Sometimes, when I have to stop reading and go to bed or to work, I feel like I'm missing a movie, like it's continuing on without me. That's how involved you get with the story, and it's people. A comment for 198, Jane Seymour is a great actress, and I am a fan of hers, but she's way, way too old to play Claire at the beginning of the story! I have to admit I'm a little nervous about this movie being made. There's no way it's going to be as good as the book. I'll for sure go see it, but I'm not very optimistic about it. I read the book The Mists of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley, also a great book and great storyteller. But a huge disappointment when the movie came out. You just can't take a book with that much detail and be satisfied at the end of the movie. I'm also a huge fan of the Harry Potter series, but I have to say that I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed the movies. If Diana actually gets a say, and they don't change things, than maybe there's a chance for the movie. But I thought I read on her web site that she wasn't going to have a say in the screen play. I'm really easily pleased when it comes to movies, not as picky as some of my friends and family are, but I gotta say they're playin with fire here! If nothing else, hopefully we'll get to see some attractive people on screen, and I get a nite out!!

Outlander as a movie would be fantastic. I have read many many books over the past few years and I have to say that the Outlander series is the absolute best. I agree with soo many other previous comments about the historical aspects of the books. I found the series to be very educational. It obviously does have a love story of James Fraser and Claire Randall behind it, but that is not the main focus of the book. I honestly believe you should read it before bashing it. These books are nothing short of a masterpiece. Diana Gabaldon is a very gifted author. My vote for Jamie is Gerard Butler. An Echo in the Bone comes out September 22, 2009.

I think Alex kingston would be a wonderful Claire she has avery nice british accent. She has CURLY WIG type hair as Jamie called it . Claire described it as higgeldy piggeldy. She has that accent that Brianna Makes fun of her RATHA VULGA. She also played Elizabeth Corday on ER Perfect role for Claire. Kevin McKidd absolutely Perfect. Very intense in his role on Greys Anatomy. OOOOH and those Eyes OH lord

It would be nice if the movie could have the budget of Lord of the Rings, because then I would cast it like this: Jamie Fraser: Jason Lewis for sure. Don't think so? Do a search on Google Images. He's perfect, sans the Scottish accent. But that can be learned with several tutors and some time well spent in Scotland. (Jason's the guy "Smith Jared" from Sex and the City.) Great sex appeal, strength and young enough to portray some innocence, too. Claire: Rachel Weisz -- she's perfect as well. Spunky, smart, beautiful, deep. I love her. Not much to say there. Frank Randall: Tom Welling. You'll find him on the net, too. He was Clark Kent in Smallville. He needs an accent as well, unfortunately. But I picked him because he very much looks like my pic for Jonathan Randall. Jonathan Randall: Cillian Murphy -- the Scarecrow character in the new Batman movies. When I first saw him in Batman Begins, I immediately thought he'd make a great Black Jack Randall. Dougal MacKenzie: Would be Gerard Butler, hands down. Colum MacKenzie: Vitto Mortensen is absolutely who I picture when I read the storylines involving Colum. Jenny Fraser Murray: Anna Friel (from Pushing Dasies) -- she's got the right look and is the perfect height for Jenny. She's also British, so she could pick up the Scottish accent easily, I would think. Ian Murray: Ewan Mcgregor Geillis Duncan: Naomi Watts Murtaugh: David Thewlis (Professor Lupin in the Harry Potter movies) Do Google searches on those folks -- and let me know what you think! I've mulled it over for a while now, and that's the final cast I would have. )

Jason Isaacs is the only actor on the PLANET to play Jonathan/Frank Randall!

Post 85, above, mentions Minnie Driver as a good fit for Claire, but I think she would be much better suited for Brianna. I've seen pictures of her with her hair dyed red and she fits the part physically very well. I think the physicality of the characters will be critical. They cannot compromise Jamie's character by giving the role to someone just for a good-looking face. Jamie is sexy because of his strength - both of body and character. I think that is why everyone is drawn to Gerard Butler playing Jamie, because of his rugged good looks. However, Jamie MUST be tall and I believe Gerard is only 6'. That's tall, but not "Jamie" tall. He MUST be well over six feet. I recently saw Tai-Pan on cable TV thought that Bryan Brown would be the perfect older Jamie. He pulls off a great Scottish accent and is 6'3" with naturally curly, red hair. Too bad this movie wasn't made 20 years ago. Bryan Brown, now in his 60s, would have been perfectly matched with Jane Seymour as Clarie. And, wouldn't Lindsay Duncan (Rome) be a wonderful Gillis Duncan? The cast of Rome (HBO) has a lot of actors that could fit the smaller roles in Outlander: Tobias Menzies (Brutus) would be a great Ian Murray. Simon Woods (the older Octavian) could be Lord John. And, the boy who played Octavian the younger, Max Pirkis, could be Lord John as a boy. That's enough for now. I have a long commute to work and have listened to this series three times. Davina Porter has painted such a specific picture of each character in my mind that I will likely not see the movie. But, it is fun to pretend that I am in charge of casting!

I could see Kristanna Loken with Contacts and dyed hair as a good Claire but also as a great Brianna. If anyone has seen the movie "Ring of the Nibelungs", you'll know what I mean I also think that Keira Knightley would be a good choice (if she gained at least 20 pounds) for Claire. Her acting has improved in the last years and Diana Gabalon also mentioned, that she would be a good Claire becuase of her acting but also because of her looks. I think, she could do it.

Ionn Gruffudd is the actor who portrayed Mr. Fantastic, and yes, I think he could portray Frank/Black Jack very well. Later on in the novels, I think Jude Law would be excellent for Lord John Grey. ~Thanks

From spending a few minutes cruisng the web, there is alot of talk about James McVoy and Keria Knightly playing the top two roles of Jamie and Claire. I just can't see that being possible. James M. is far too much of a pretty boy, he is far too young and he's shorter than Jamie. Jamie should always be taller than Claire and have far more of a manly build than is present on the body of James McVoy. Keria had many of the same sort of problems. Shes too young for the role, too far off from Claire's round and shaply mature body. Claire is 28 years old at the time of the start of Outlander. Keria looks like she might be 18 at the oldest. She has a very pette body size and the Actress doesn't mesure up to the actual discription of Claire. I really hope Essental Ent. took these considerations in to mind when they started shoting the film this spring. One thing that pleases me to no end is that the movie is to be filmed in the north of Scotland! There could be no better location than to actualy film in the right location. Hurah for the right location! On Adrian Paul's site there is some considerion for having the Highlander play a supporting role. Someone like Black Jack has been metioned. I think there are a few supporting role which he could do a fine job. He can most certianly handle a very large sword with ease.

I love the idea of this book as a movie. I loved the whole series. I think the actress playing Claire must be strong-willed, tall, earthy, independant and a real fireball. I can't think who it should be, but a younger version of a Susan Sarandon type would do. As for Jamie, I would love to see Alex O'Loughlin from Moonlight in that role. He's not that well-known yet, but he has a very vocal following, and his star is beginning to rise. He is 6' 2 inches tall, gorgeous, looks great with long hair, is well built, and can do a Scottish accent. Last but not least, he is a fabulous actor and can play any kind of role.

I think Alex Kingston would be FANTASTIC in the role of Claire!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG! These books are not just romantic, they are adventurous & historical. Not to mention the mystery twists! Diana G. did such a fabulous job with her writing skills, that I was actually there on Frasier's Ridge with them all! I saw the glorious scenery; felt Jamie's sea sickness; felt their passion for each other & their families; & could smell the fire in their hearth! Claire & Jamie began when they were young, tight & feisty! Throughout their lives together & appart & back together again, they grew older gracefully; built a life on the Ridge for themselves & so many others. It is a story of when men were Men and women were Ladies! Tough life in the 18th century when you're a woman doctor from the 1960's - or a witch?! I can see how a man from this day & age would feel intimidated by making a film of this stature! It would take a great team of seasoned film professionals to really pull this one off!

The books contain much history of the times in which they take place. I received my first book (and a few others) from a male friend who was also engrossed in the history of the stories, as well as the passion, and Gabaldon's interpretation and expression of human emotions. I do agree, the story line is somewhat romantic, but also very lively, informing and adventurous. Even the Three Muskateers had a little romance!! I'm looking forward to a screening.

If you had read any of the books in this series you would KNOW that this is a VERY WORTHY project in which to be involved! The complexity of the story is hardly able to be described as just a romance novel. It has incredible historical detail as well....acurate detail is woven into this series. DO NOT make basic assumptions about this book or those that follow. Now that I know that there is a plan to make this into a movie I can only say ITS ABOUT TIME!

It is not a cheesy romance novel. Written from the female perspective, but any male who isn't shallow and daft could find the storyline valuable. It sounds like the screen writer was a good choice. Braveheart and We were Soldiers were great movies. I hope it translates well on the screen. Hollywood has a tendency to cheese it up and lose the historical accuracy.

I agree. They need to dig in the native countries to find the actors like they did for the Harry Potter movies. No one had ever heard of the actors who played the main three roles. Secondary characters, yes, pull in the Liam Neesons and Alan Rickmans and the crusty Braveheart guys. The main characters need to be fresh faces and hungry talent. DaVinci Code swirled the toilet bowl as soon as they cast Tom Hanks. Not that he isn't great, but enough already. Big names that have features in People Magazines 100 Most Beautiful People need to stay off the headline. If Us Magazine has pictures of their "baby bump", their wedding, their divorce, or their latest foreign adoption, then for the love of all things holy keep them the hell off the roster. Keep political correctness out of the casting too. Stick to the historical accuracy of her writing, and leave personal agendas out of it. Capice?

Ruth Wilson, BBC actress who recently played Jane Eyre. English, curly brunette, young, talented, below the radar. Maybe? Just not from the cast of ER. oiy! Claire is a feisty 28 year old in the 1st book, not pushing 40.

Yes, its a real, true to life movie. We just about have too much information about the movie on the web rather than a lack of information. Locating that information just takes abit of creativity, think like Claire, its all on the web.

Gosh, I love to read / listen to the Outlander series. I am addicted. I have listened or read all of the books at least twice and am waiting with "bated breath" for the next. I have toured Scotland (1992) and would love to go again after the fact. The characters are written with so much depth that you start actually "feeling" for them. A mini-series or screen??? I don't know. I can be open to many actors for Claire, but not sure if there is anyone that can live up to Jamie's character. He is just too much for my comprehension. Love them both!

I too am a huge fan of these books. I have not actually "read" all of them, But I have listened to them all numerous times. The public library is a wonderful place to borrow these audio books since it is quite expensive to buy them. They have the unabridged versions(only ones worth having IMO) narrated by Davina Porter. She does a wonderful job. I am of two minds concerning a movie. I would love to see it, but at the same time I have seen the hatchet job done on the longer Potter books. They cut out and rearrange alot of stuff. Also as far as actor choice goes, let's just say whenever I read my Earth's Children series by Jean Auel the Ayla in my minds eye tends to look an awful lot like Darryl Hannah :\

Must also include Alex O'Loughlin and Gerald Butler to the cast- but not as Jamie. Too many good looking men for not enough parts, I'm afraid.

" Nothing actually wrong with that, I'm just not interested in seeing a romantic 18th century adventure on the big screen." It's not just a romance. I learned a lot about the Highland History and the war between the Britt's and the Scots. It made me research more about it. I saw the movie Clan of the Cave Bear before I ever read the books. I loved the movie but after reading the books it was different. I also learned a lot about the herbs they used for medicines. It was well documented as much as the Outlander. Anytime you make a movie from a book they leave so much out that you get disappointed when the movie plays.

i`ve said it before but i think it needs saying again - let scottish actors play the scots - english actors play the english and leave the americans alone til they get there!!! with the exception of renee zellwegger in bridget jones, most put on accents can be seen for just that, even mel gibson in braveheart - much as i love the film it would pain me to hear jamie talk like that! Gwyneth paltrow is in her late thirties and laoghaire is 16 when we first hear about her so don`t think that would work - also rupert grint is stil too baby faced - we must remeber that 22 in tjhose times would look much as 30 does in these times - people looked older than their years! as has been said many time - if this is to be done it needs to be with immense care for the characters and the detail and personality that diana gabaldon has given them and their appearances otherwise it will be a waste of time making it - it will be a flop and the series wold not be completed. as with everyone else who has read it i`m sure - i have a huge ginormous crush on jamie fraser s please please please do him justice!

Nadia Fares is very attractive. Claire?? Is her bottom generous enough? (LOL) And can a French actress pull off a "proper" English accent? I am not familiar with Ms. Fares. Emotionally, I resist assigning any actors to portray Jamie and Claire. I just can't see it. It's as if they are their own people and the movie a biography of sorts. Diana, help!

I think that making a movie out of this series would be a challange for any director. Casting alone would be a most impossible quest. I don't think there is an actor out there who could portray Jamie Fraser correctly. I also think that there would be a lot of ladies out there who would be breaking up with their silly boyfriends, because they fell in love with Jamie. He is class, heroism, adoration, and bravery personafied. Maybe guys would step up and be men if they saw what their competition was? ha ha. Just kidding. But really, Either the movie would be a complete waste of time or it would be treasured by so many people, as the book series is. My vote: Try. What's a few million dollars eh?

I think they should put this series on HBO or Showtime like they have done with the Tudors or Rome. Those were both well done and I think there is enough substance to segue nicely into a TV series.

wow....kyle schmid looks like jamie!!!! well done

I'm pleased so many others have thought these wonderful books would be better served as an HBO series...I totally agree. I can't really see how they can do justice to even the first book in a 2 hour movie. That being said, I'll weigh in on the fun of imagining a cast. I loved Kevin McKidd in Rome and Grey's Anatomy, but I think he's a bit too old and doesn't have the right combination of sweetness and strength. Gerard Butler is great, but too old and not tall enough. I haven't seen the acting ability of many of the others mentioned although they may look good in photos. However...how about Henry Cavill who plays Charles Brandon on the Tudors? Dying hair and doing an accent would be easy for him...having the acting chops is harder, but he's got that. He was favored by one of the producers when they recast James Bond, but in the end was thought to be too young. Either Jonathon Ryhs Meyers or James Purefoy would be great as Frank/Jack Randall. Can't really say I'm in love with any of the choices mentioned for Claire, but have no better ideas. BTW: In my Barnes and Noble the books are in the Literature section, not Romance. Just read that Sept. 22 is the release date for the next book...can't wait!

Second of all, who cares if the MEN like it? Its' not a man's movie, let them go to Terminator.

I was lucky to listen to this series of book instead of reading them. I discovered the Outlander series six months ago at my local library and started listening to 'Outlander" read by the incredibly talended Davina Porter. I totally fell in love with the story and proceeded to listen to the entire series of 6 books. I mentioned the story to my husband who expressed interest. Somewhat dubious, I however encouraged him to listen to the audiobooks. To my surprise, he became as enthralled as I had been. My husband is 61, a serious, scientifically minded type whom I would never have guessed would love a "romance" novel, but he assures me that the novels are much more than that. He particularly likes Jaimie, loves the rectitude and honor of the character so beautifully brought to life by Diana Gabaldon. He loves the action, the love scenes, despises Black Jack, and is dying to ask me questions about the unfolding plot but manages to resist the impulse to better enjoy the story. He is now nearing the end of the second book. So, gentlemen, put aside your mental reservations and give it a try. I personally highly recommend the audiobooks as Davina Porter truly adds life to a majestic and unforgettable epic.

Well Alex, you're a ignorant ass for making opinionated comments about a film that is being adapted from a book or series of books that you have NEVER READ! Why bother writing about something that you know nothing about. I am sure that even you, must know at least one thing, try writing about that. How would you like it if you wrote a book that was being adapted into a film and people that think you're an ignorant ass made disparaging remarks about it and gave it bad reviews, even though they never read it??? This is America, and you are entitled to your opinion, but an opinion should be based on facts, such as, actually having read at least the first book in the series before you trash it! For those of you that actually care, I bought the fifth book in the series (Fiery Cross) at JFK airport before a trip to London. All of the books in the series are at least 700 to 800 pages, so it was great for a long flight. The book far exceeded my expectations of an historical fiction book, which is the actual genre. I do believe, if you are a man that enjoys reading more than Sports Illustrated and Playboy for the articles, you might actually like the series. The main male character (Jamie Fraser) is a real man's man, albeit with a steak of integrity a mile long, even though he is prone to break the law, more than occasionally. Claire is a beautiful, intelligent, fiesty woman that really gives Jamie a run for his money, especially given the fact that she is a woman from 200 years in Jamie's future. Their relationship is an epic love story that crosses time. The backdrop of the Scottish defeat by the English and later the beginning of the Revolutionary War, made so real that you feel like you're there, with characters and stories so compelling you will feel like you lost a friend when you finish each of the books. I don't really think that a two or even three hour film can do any of these books justice, but I would see the films if they were made, if only to support the very excellent writer of the series, Diana Gabaldon. A mini series for each book would possibly do it justice.

I agree that the books would be better suited as a miniseries. At over 700 pages in the first book alone, I'm afraid that too much would be cut for the final showing to actually give the complexity of the overall plot justice. As for Gerard Butler, ladies I agree the man is good looking, but he is actually much older than Jamie in the beginning of the series, and let's not forget how often the books reflect on the past of Jamie while him and Claire were seperated. And James McAvoy is much too young looking for the part, although his age would say otherwise. Let's face it, McAvoy looks about 15 years old in everything he's been in. And for the men readers' of this post, I do assure you that although there is mushy gushy romantical parts, the action, drama, and climatical suspense overshadows the corset ripping by much much more. My father has actually read and enjoyed most of the series so far, reading as far into it as The Fiery Cross. He is a bit tired of hearing about how...erm...majestic Jamies'....ah....member is....but let's not forget that this magnificent description won't be verbalized on screen I did say that a miniseries would do the series much more justice, but I don't think I would want it on HBO or Showtime, as those two venues are under the impression that only sex sells in the end, as is made apparent with series such as Six Feet Under or The Tudors, which, although they are fantastic shows, could have done without quite so much...anatomy.

Well, I do agree with Ashley. Kiera needs to gain some weight for the Clair role. She is the actress the rest of the web says he is now in the role of Clair.

James McVoy? Dark hair but his beard comes in red like my husband's. Ewan MacGregor as a supporting role. Big name I know, but doesn't do all the mainstream crap. Jack Randall???? If that guy that played the villain in the Patriot and Malfoy's dad won't get out of my head for the mere fact that he is so good at playing a horrible bastard. I think he may be to old, though. Randall is key to the first book, he needs to be pretty, cold, and evil. Not every actor is comfortable in that role, especially the buggery aspect. This could be done well, casting is key. I for one am excited. The Showtime mini-series would have been great, but obviously it isn't going to happen. Can you imagine suffering through the summer during season breaks, and waiting almost year for the next season to come out? I think that would be torture.

I'm so sick of hearing Gerard Butler as Jamie Fraser. Yes he is gorgeous, tough, hot, blah blah blah... but Jamie Fraser is much bigger and much more rugged. Gerard doesn't have the wide smile that curves up at the corners, doesn't have the coloring. I don't picture Jamie as a really gorgeous handsome guy either. He's more rugged and magnetic than good looks. I watched some of those YouTube trailers too and the best one so far is Taylor Mane - he looks EXACTLY as I picture Jamie. For the movie, I think a 3 1/2 - 4 hr movie which begins with an older Claire telling Roger and Bree the story (sort of like a narrative like Titanic), the movie is almost all of the first 2 books, narrative ends with Claire coming back through the stones, then about the last 40 minutes or so about her returning and reuniting with Jamie. I'd like the movie reunion to be a little different than the book reunion though. Not that I didn't LOVE the book reunion but for a motion picture it should have a much bigger POW.

I think that if these stories could come to the screen, it would be a remarkable achievement. Surely a "Lord of The Rings" type trilogy (at least) would be necessary. I have read every book twice and enjoyed them as much the second time around. For the screen, I first thought Kate Winslet for Brianna, but as the years have gone by, maybe she could suit the role of Clair. Jason Isaacs would certainly fit the role of Jonathan Randall For Jamie, Sean Bean was my first choice. Ewan McGregor in the role of Roger MacKenzie maybe. Keira Knightly, absolutely not for either Clair or Brianna, not enough oomph. I think there is a part for Clive Owen in there somewhere too. I just hope that if this movie/movies ever arrives, it is as true to the books as is humanly possible. The stories are just too good to minimalise.

I would love to see Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond from Lost) as Jamie. His hair is the wrong color, but that can be fixed.

A friend of mine was obsessed with the Outlander series, that's what put me off from reading it myself lol, I came across it years later as an audiobook and I must say... it is wonderful! Yes there's "romance" but there's so much more, the characters are so well written as to seem real. The historical background, the supporting characters, the book has it all! I would love to see the series made into a movie. Sometime ago I was looking through a magazine and came across a picture (I don't watch TV so had no idea who I was looking at of a man and thought...that's the guy who should play Jamie Fraser if the movie ever gets made. It was a picture of Kevin McKidd from Grey's Anatomy. As I mentioned I don't watch TV and have never seen an episode but as far as looks... he's it, in my opinion. He's young enough to play both parts, young Jamie and Jamie twenty years later. As far as Claire, I really have no idea but I'm rooting for the movie to be made and not ruin the book for all of us converts!

BY THE WAY, this is the closest I've gotten to belief that a movie will be made. Anyone heard anything (besides that production should be begin spring of 2009)? It's June of 2009 and I havent heard anything.

I have to admit I am still reading the series. To say it is basically a Romance novel, is demeaning. Yes there is romance, but there is trials and loss as well. In the first book "Outlanders", you meet the main charactors, and you have a mystery that unfolds with the "Stones"; time travel; the love of man and his home country (Scotland); the heartache of losing not just a war, but homeland, wife and faimly. The Series is gripping, you keep reading to find out what happens next....you get so involved with all the charactors, wanting to know what happens to them. Dianan Gabaldon is a great writer and I am excited to see her books come to the big screen, I hope you can do them justice. To take anything away from the books would be a sin and a cheap shot. The best way to have a good opinion of the "Outlanders" Series is to pick them up and read for yourself. Don't think that just because there is romance in the novel that only women would be interested in it, for the wars and survival of the men and women in the books are just as important. Don't take my word or anyone elses, read the books for yourself, and if they do make a movie or two from the series (and stay true to the books) I would be first in line to buy them on DVD!!

All the fuss about the genre of this series of books. Some of the classics were categorized as “historical romances” – think with Gone With the Wind for one. The du Maurier books, for example. Absolutely nothing wrong with having some romance in a book that’s otherwise filled with historically significance events done with the painstaking accuracy that is Gabaldon’s trademark. Except, of course, the Book Snobs will look down on any history written in fiction format. They’re like the TV Snobs that you have all met at one time or another – the “But I just never watch TV, except for Public TV, of course” people. But anyone who has ever read these books can tell you, they can in no way be lumped in with the bodice rippers. In fact, when Outlander first came out, some book critics reviewed it as Science Fiction because of the time travel! As for casting, I give up. I like Kate Winslet for Claire but Jamie almost defies casting. He has to be tall, built strong, be handsome of face. Do not cast someone short, I don’t care how cute he is or if he’s Scottish. One of Jamie’s characteristics is that he always stood taller than most everyone else around him. I’ve read with interest many of the suggestions for Jamie but the truth is that I cannot picture anyone suggested or think of anyone myself who is up to Jamie’s perfection. It’s too bad that cloning a younger Liam Neesom isn’t possible.

Outlander (and sequels) is one of my all-time favorite novels. Yeah, yeah, it has romance and kissy stuff, but it's not a chick book. My dad really liked it, too, and you can rest assured he is a manly man. The time period; location; history--social, political, warfare; and the characters are wonderfully written. You find yourself not reading a book, so much as experiencing what happened. Please read the book before you see the film. This is one like The Bourne Identity where so much goes on in someone's thoughts or motivations that cannot be captured sufficiently on screen. The best movies of all goe on inside our heads when our imaginations kick in. I hope the film does justice to the printed word.

Firstly, we are severely lacking good historical, Scottish movies. The Highlands were full of adventure, passion, fiesty hearts and men and women bent on saving what they loved. Apart from Rob Roy and Braveheart, Scotland is not the center of any really good movies. To begin with, I was reluctant to read "Outlander" due to the fact that I hate romance novels. After picking the book up though... I can attest that Diana Gabaldon is an author that brings her words to life and yet keeps the book moving and flowing forwards. There is romance, yes... but there is also intrigue, history, folklore, adventure, incredible swordsmanship scenes, passion, true events and a story line unlike any other movie out there. This book is more than just love and a time traveler, this book brings alive so many hearts because of its ability to strike at the heart and soul of women and men. It depicts what every woman wants to be: treasured, desired, longed for, rescued. To play an irreversible role (in two places and times non the less!) and to be apart of a great adventure. For a man it brings alive the rush of battles, sword fighting, saving the sassenach beauty and taking dominion over a passionate and beautiful woman! This isnt just the typical historical novel or the stereotypical romance novel... this is something, that if done well, will become an all time favorite. The only things that I would keep in mind while selecting actors... Jamie is young yet strong, commanding, handsome, SCOTTISH, passionate, deliberate and a romantic heart. Claire is older, beautiful, has curly hair, determined, resolute, fiesty, damned to be triffled with and a zealous woman who has seen her share of blood and gore. If you choose actors because of their current appeal, their personal looks or their past movies, you could ruin the movie and have the book readers against watching it. But if you pick actors that characterize the main characters and go for authentic ability to capture Jamie and Claire, you will have a beloved treasure. Take your time in locating authentic actors (no matter how small their names now) and hand select the right actors. Gerard Butler, despite the fact that I love him and he is handsome, is NOT the right guy for the job. He is too old and he is Irish. All the other suggestions that I have seen have been too wussy, too fake, too girlie, too lame, too boring, too wrong for the part. Take time to read the novel and get a feel for the characters, they jump right off the pages to you anyway! Then go to Scotland and search for Jamie. Claire will come easier once you have your Jamie.

I'm a 25 year old male. My wife begged me for close to 3 years to read the books. After I finally got around to it, I couldn't stop reading them. Gabaldon is a master of storytelling. The main characters are full of depth and personality. Jamie is a man's man. He's an educated, thoughtful warrior/laird/husband/father that knows the proper way to balance democracy with brutality. Claire is a good balance for him. Always copassionate and strong willed, with as much, if not more humor than Jamie. In short these are two of the best characters I've ever seen, be it book or movie. This should be a good series of movies. My only concern is that so much is packed into the books that an accurate telling of the story will be difficult to achieve in a movie. If the situation involving Jack Randall at Wentworth isn't handled very, very well, a lot of people will be put off to going to see "Dragonfly in Amber". As it stands I had a hard time getting through that part of the book. It was disturbing. To all guys skeptical about this: take it from me. If you enjoy reading, you have to read this series. In short, this is one of the best stories ever put to paper. Don't be fooled into pegging it as a romance. It has romance in it, but it's properly balanced by action, mystery, history, drama, etc.. Ultimately it's the story of the life of an 18th century Scottish Highland warrior and his 20th century Brittish wife, who is trained in modern medicine. Considering how many wounds Jamie takes from brawling, soldiering, and homesteading, this was a perfect match. Please, read the books.

I am just stumbling onto the Outlander series and am absolutely -dying- to get to Dragonfly in Amber, which I will be going to get first thing in the morning. I cannot even begin to fathom how a feature length film can be made of this book. It definately needs at least a 12-hour mini-series on cable, or something. Better yet, turn it into a series, like True Blood. Two hours would not nearly be enough and I fear we lovers of Jamie and Claire would be sorely disappointed. It happened to me with Stephen King's "The Stand". As for who should play them, I have -no- clue who could do them justice. Although Ray Park, who played Darth Maul in Star Wars- Episode 1 would be a good choice, he's a big guy, but I don't know what his accent is like. Someone mentioned Kevin McKidd, too, from Grey's Anatomy, but he's a bit too old for the part. Heath Ledger would've made a good Jamie. Jamie is only 24. As for Claire, no idea. None at all. I always picture Jack Randell to look like Jason Isaacs' character William Tavington in The Patroit. He's who I think of when I think of Bad Guy/English Officer/Smarmy Bastard. Duuno why. Always have. Anyway, that's my two-cents. Thanks!

From What I've noticed around the web, The Outlander Series is: based apon the success of the first movie going to be a series. The Company bought the rights and they cando what they want to with the proptery. So far this movie appears to be the first of a series. It would explain alot of things after all. 1. the secret filming location. 2. the reason for going with Young actors, they cangrow and age with the series. 3. By buying a well knowen series they have a product thats good for several films. 4.They are able to keep a set # of persons with good steady jobs for several years. It takes many people to make one film if they work on a series,Its just that much better. 5. We stay with the films awaiting the next part of the series. they are working hard to make the best product possible that's easy to see by the well-knowen names which are being associated with the Outlander project. About what Dianna's books are: The Library of Congress lists them as Sci Fi.

I have read EVERY book in this series 3 times. Can't WAIT to see it on the screen.

OMG! I am so excited! What i recently found out about the stories is that so many of the people and events are/were real. It is amazing how Diana worked them all together to fit so seamlessly. My favorite scene is where Claire goes back to Jamie after Frank dies and she finds Jamie in the printing shop. I read it over and over every time i read/listen to the books. Kate Winslet for Claire I think, but as we all know Diana has said she has absolutely no say over casting. I think maybe Gerard Butler for Jamie. He used to have a crooked smile, i am pretty sure he has braces and his smile is more straight now and very attractive, but still a manly man. Well to me any way! I just hope they stay true to the stories and don't use a lot of "dramatic license" and ruin it. Sabrina

It's more of a HIGHLANDER meets DIE HARD movie set in the 18th century Europe... And IF, (And that's a Big IF) the Script is written in a way to convey the true temperament & disposition of the novle …I mean Sure there are love sense, but there is a heck of a lot more action in the book then love’n BY FAR...

Outlander and its sequels are the most fascinating, absorbing, interesting, and romantic sagas that have come along in a long long time. Diana Gabaldon is a born writer, imaginative, creative, and fills her books with one adventurous event after another without missing a beat. I have read the entire series several times, and that is a lot of reading as if you've seen her books, they are all somewhat lengthy, but never ever boring. This lady can write. Fiction does not usually grab me, but due to the historical information woven into the story and the memorable characters you can't help but fall in love with, I was swept away by this series. Now, that FINALLY the story will hit the big screen I am truly looking forward to seeing it - as well as buying the DVD's. I hope the production will do justice to Ms. Gabaldon's writing in the screen iversion of the story. Outlander and its sequels will make Gone With the Wind - just that, gone, with the wind. There is no comparison between the two. Claire and Jamie make Scarlet and Rhett look small in comparison to their "bigger than life" characters and story. As for the movie - bring it on!!! I'm not getting any younger (I'm pushing 77). P.S. Gerard Butler is a talented and dedicated actor - he would be a great Jamie.

I LOVE the books. To me it's one the those that I just can't put down. You have everything here to make this a fantastic movie. You have a villian that Jamie isn't allow to kill because of the dire request of Claire (you'll find out why). You have a love story that beats all time (modern day husband vs. Jamie Fraser). You have all the politics and upheval of the 1700's. It's really, really a good book series.

Actually the filming should start in spring (which is over by now). I fear that the movie wont happen in the near future...I mean, the last time we got news was in October 2008, right? So what happened? Maybe they couldn't find a proper director or have trouble financing the project...I hope that they'll manage to make the movie soon...

It would be "exciting" to see Outlander (series) on screen and better as a mini series IMO. However, speculating which actors would fit the bill is difficult at best unless you are in the "biz". It is unlikely that all the actors previously mentioned would appear in one movie. Many of the characters, important as they might be to the story line (especially to us die hard fans), would likely be minor roles in a movie and therefore likely to be portrayed by "unknown actors", if not left out altogether. Regardless of what turns out on screen (if anything) I accept that nothing will be as good as my own mind's visual that has been spun with "Herself's" talent, time, creativity, patience, etc etc. I also encourage those of you who haven't had an opportunity to listen to the audiobooks to run to your library now and make sure you don't get the Abridged version. Davina Porter is fabulous. I am member of Audible.com and was able to purchase many of the books for a reasonable cost and download to my iPod. Great to exercise or do housework to. Also looking forward to to September:-)

Is there a petition that's going around that perhaps we can sign to support this to be made into big screen? If not, can somebody make it- not sure where it would be sent to???? But I really think if they do it right, it could make a lot of money for them (kind of like Lord of the Rings- that was a HUGE hit)- As far as rob pattinson, yes I agree, he is way too skinny... he would have to really beef up for jamie's role (Brad Pitt was able to do it in Troy)... I just think rob has the look of gentleness (the way Jamie looks at claire)- but rob could be rough looking as well with the bristles and wild "reddish" hair (for when jamie is the protector and the warrior)- but really, if this is to be made a movie, they probably couldn't afford the big name actors/actresses- they'd have to find some "unknowns" with talent- which I think could work. I just love the books and to actually get some visuals for some of the scenes would be absolutely amazing!

No matter how they do it, it will never do justice to the writing genius of Diana Gabaldon and her avid readers' imaginations.

There is an Outlander movie listed on IMDb for 2011 release. The status right now has it as "in development". Details on the listing below: Production Co: Essential Entertainment Genre: Drama / Fantasy / Romance / Sci-Fi Summary: A British nurse visiting Scotland in 1945 stumbles upon a time portal that transports her to the 18th Century. Source Material: Novel Filmmakers: Diana Gabaldon - Writer (novel), Randall Wallace - Writer (screenplay), Neil Kaplan - Producer, Jim Kohlberg - Producer

OMG! Tahmoh Penikett IS Jamie! How did you fine that guy? I had never heard of him but he is perfect (in my mind) So, we have Jamie and Roger. I kinda like Kate Winslet or that Anna Friel who was with Gerard in Timeline for Claire. Ok, lets insist that WE the fans have a say in the casting. Anyone have Diana's phone number?

beejay - I've seen Dollhouse and thought he was gorgeous but never even thought of him as Jamie until I read your post and now totally agree with you. I think having someone who is less famous play the part(s) is the smarter way to cast. Have that actor become Jamie or Claire etc. Look at Robert Pattinson in Twilight - he IS Edward because he wasn't really anybody else before. If Gerard Butler was to play Jamie (and f#*k, yes he's HOT) it would just be another role for him. Plus, everyone needs to remember that there is a budget involved. The studio cannot cast an A-lister in every role and still have money left over to actually film the movie.

I have never seen Tahmoh Penikett before now. I think he would make a great Jamie just from looks and the fact that he is an unknown to me would make it all the better. Let's not let him get too old thouogh. Let's get this movie underway! What is the holdup?

I have to say......I'd love to see Tahmoh with long red hair!!! lol. I've just watched him speak about his upbringing in the Yukon and his grandmother with great pride and depth. (there's the hand on heart patriotism...and the "gentler" side. I had never heard of him before....but am impressed. He does have flat broad cheek bones and an upturned mouth when he smiles. He has a British father....maybe scottish relatives???? Hmmmm..... a very distinct possibility...Wonder if we could get him to read the outlander series.? He would love it I am sure. Claire....well I still think Kate Winslet, she has the depth of character, the figure....the English accent. I wonder what Diana would think of tahmoh....

so how do we find out if this is actually going to progress to big screen? I think if there's enough demand for it, somebody will listen...

what about channing tatum? he is hot, with a very strong body! I know normally his roles are kind of rough, but I think there is some potential there- I mean Jamie is suppose to be beautiful and a warrior.

to Author: Paiseley Gerard Butler is Scottish.. He only had an Irish accent for the movie P.S I love you.

the higher rated actor...would probably not be available for the long haul....and it would be dreadful to cast someone and then change actors mid=stream... there was only four years difference in their ages when they met.....and my daughter is 28 and looks 19....but my son looks older than his age..... and as I said before....most of the books are when they are more mature....so in fact...actors in their 30's ...would be the way to go....they can look younger...and older.... kate winslet...is probably too big a name for claire...but she has the figure....and the acting expertise.. I wonder....if these books will ever get to screen given the monumental task and expense.... sigh...

Please don't let them do this! There's no way they will get all the nuance and it will just be another sappy romance movie. I sincerely hope that they find something better to make a movie out of. How about "Lies of Locke Lamond"?

I am an older married man and I have read each of the six novels finishing the sixth one now. I do want the book seried to become a movie series like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. Diana's books should be sold by the pound she has so much detail in them. I worry that it will be a poorly made reader's digest verion of the books. It also takes place over 30+ years so the actors will need to age quite a bit. If the series does not concentrate on the Claire-Jamie romatic scenes all of the time, I think that men would really like this series. (I personally like the relationship they have). There is so much that Joe Lunchbox would like in the movie(s). Highland gathering, skirmishes and the battles with the English, science fiction of time travel, Geilie and her craziness/insanity, historical costumes and the Indians. So much more that it would take too much to mention. Remember that Jamie is tall, has a straight nose, a norse apperance, and red hair in a long pony tail. I see Claire as a dirty blond with neck length hair. Brianna is a femail version of Jamie. Roger is a blank in my imagination. I'm interested in who would be cast as Lord John. Black Jack Randall is a shoo in. Jacob Isaacs who plays Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter movies and as he brutal Colonel William Tavington in The Patriot. I hope they film the movie(s) on site in Scotland and in North Carolina for the later books.

Gabaldon is a devil of a good story-teller. The Outlander series is pure fluff, which is what entertainment should be. Who needs more realism anyway? The world of 2009 has cornered that market and left us numb to atrocities and blood. Bravo, Diana!

Sam - I imagined Jacob Isaacs as Black Jack Randall when I read the book! Good choice.

I adore these books, my mom and I watch them. Personally, for a Jamie, it would haave to be Kevin McKidd. If ANYONE had been watching Grey's Anatomy lately he plays Dr. Owen Hunt, a war surgeon. He's perfect for the part I think. Scottish, red hair, massively buff, and to top it all off, can do an amazing tortured soul act. There's no compitision in my eyes, Jamie IS Kevin McKidd.

Can not see Kevin McKidd at all as Jamie- Jamie is suppose to be a very beautiful man- Kevin is not good looking to me. I think erik dane might make good jamie- he even has squinty eyes like jamie.

I agree thaat these books needs a series context. The BBC productions are dead-on with their historical dramas. With so many books the series could go on for several years. I have read all the books once and am now listening to tem on cd's in my car back & forth to work. I was just on UTube - there are several mini-videos - one with a shot of different characters as casted by the videomaker. They are really dead-on. Just as Clark Gable WAs Rhett Butler - so Gerard Butler is Jamie Fraser. I pray that whoever takes this massive project on does it right! The characters are so vividly portrayed by Diana Gabeldon they must be true to the author's descriptions. Catch the UTube video casting picks - they're right on! Pat

I just can't imagine Kiera as Claire. I tried the IMBDPRO.com and weird stuff came up. Vickie when you get a moment can you give me a little more info on where i might find out this stuff and so i can send them an e-mail and tell them to STOP!!!!!!!

I went to IMDBPRO, searched Outlander and found a link that gives it’s date for release as 2011 but I found nothing else about the cast and no way am I giving them a cc number and pay for info that will pretty soon be free all over the internet. But I’m just finding it very hard to believe they’ve picked someone only 5 foot 7 inches tall to play Jamie, for crying out loud! James McAvoy may be cute as a button but he’s NOT Jamie. If Knightly plays Claire to McAvoy’s Jamie, it’ll be like what I read about that famously happened decades ago when Sophia Loren starred with the diminutive Alan Ladd in a movie and they always had to do fairly close up shots with her standing in a trench so she wouldn’t be so much taller than him. Casting directors can’t be that insane! Someone who has the right figure, curly hair, and face for Claire is Keri Russell. Didn’t think of her until I saw the movie “August Rush” on cable the other night and I immediately thought of Claire. http://www.mademan.com/chickipedia/keri-russell/

Sophia Myles would make a great Claire. Just watched the scifi Outlander movie. What do y'all think?

Hey Samuel. I'm glad you like the books but you as a man consider some things more important to the story then I do. I think it would be foolish to "just speed up some of the sexual offerings between Jamie and Claire", as their intense relationship is the crux of the story, after all she chooses to risk her life and go back to him 20 years later. I don't think anything should be speeded up or omitted, no characters should be combined to save time and space. That is why these books should be an HBO mini series like North and South, or the Thornbirds or Rome, Tudors etc........I also think they should cast unknowns for the most part. Anyway, that's my story and i'm sticking to it!

This series of books are chock full of adventure, drama, sorcery, religious dogma and conflict, time travel, and every manner of gratuitous violence you can imagine. Just because it has been wrongly labeled as a historical romance novel all these years is no reason to pass on this. My husband picked this one. When I began to read I was so engrossed I never noticed I had stayed up from after dinner till the alarm went off the next morning. Go ahead and pass on this because you assume its mere drivel as it is written by a woman and wrongly labeled historical romance. Diana Gibaldon is the most brilliant writer of our time and I am lucky to have had access to her story. Her research is flawless, historical accuracy is stellar and the action is a roaring breath holding, heart pounding great time. When Murtagh died I cried out loud. I experienced a deep gut wrenching anguish and a profound sense of loss, all the while knowing this was a novel. Diana Gibaldon knows how to get into your very soul and elicit every emotion you are capable of having. Perhaps the problem is your inability to read one or two chapters before you condemn these works as fluf? As far as casting goes, they should all be unknowns, regionally correct accents, and not crammed into one and a half hours but this will not happen. James McAvoy is so heinously wrong for Jamie that it is safe to assume every other significant detail will be lost to the clowns in the studios. Keira Knightly is wrong as well, but a good actress. Their next choice would be Angelena and I connot begin to say how disgusted I am getting every time I see her skeletal, glowering self. Why do they insist upon using the same ten to fifteen people continuously? Stupid. I'm sick of seeing them over and over and over again. The movie studio will no doubt butcher this novel as they always do to any amazing piece of literature. I wouldnt watch it even for free. My mind is the best interpreter and I will leave my version untainted by anyone elses. Especially by ones that consider James McAvoy a suitable MacDobh.

To Amanda, The movie is currently set for 2011 September sometime. The clips on You Tube are made by fans of Diana Gabaldon the better ones do look like movies. Thats because that person is talented with video equipment, They take clips of other movies put them together and create their own movie.

Darn i missed the tonight show. I should have know he would show up there. I'll have to find it online. You know when Gerard is cleaned up he looks way younger, and i thought for awhile he would do Jamie proud and i still think he would. BUT now i think he would be better as Roger, now it seems it doesn't matter as the characters have already been cast.

Oh-do not worry-the battles in these novels are enough to keep the non-romance readers attention in a film, there is humor-hot steamy sex, real death and disaster, children, old people, time travel, native americans, the historical fiction is wonderful-the best books I have ever read, second only to the Bible.

James Macavoy is a fine actor (Last King of Scotland and he was Tumnus in the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe) and he is scottish - those are the plus points. For the negative (which i think outweigh the positive) he is too small, he is the wrong build, the wrong colouring. I think the build and the presence of Jamie has to be captured by the actor and portrayed to the audience, yes Mel Gibson did it but how much did we really know about William Wallace before Braveheart? Outlander is loved by many and we all fell for jamie (lets face it we are al in love with him!!) because of the way he was described as a person as well as his physical attributes - personally i wouldn`t want a man 1 " taller than me! Keira Knightely is probably taller than james macavoy! she is about 4 stone too thin, and i`m not sure she can convey the emotion needed to play Claire, although i have not been put off films i have seen with her in and have never thought her a bad actress i just feel this role needs an exceptional one - i have always thought Kate Winslet would be much better. I don`t think they will find anyone with everything diana described such as slanting eyes and broad cheekbones etc., but, i do think they could find the height and the build to match the acting skills. build can be worked on (think Will Smith as Muhanned Ali) height can only be worked on so much - i personally see james macavoy as Ian Murray in the later books whe he has grown up. anyway thats my opinion for what its worth!

No, can not see James McAvoy as Jamie, and not Kaeira Knightely as Claire. Both these characters are larger than life- with all that they have gone through. They'll have to be VERY careful who they cast for the main roles. They cannot mess this up. So we don't know anything more about the movie being made? Is there a petition going around to sign so that the books can be made into movies?

just to digress slightly, i have just pr-ordered An Echo in the Bone from the American Amazon website, for all us British fans the books release date is not until March 2010!!! if yu can`t wait that long the US release date is 22nd Sept 2009, the book is about £11 to but with shipping between 11-16 days at the cost of about £6-7 which is well worth it!! you can have longer delivery which is cheaper, or have it couriered but that would cost over £20, just thought i`d let u all know that you don`t have to wait until next year - mine is ordered!!!!!

To Chloe (#415): Great selection. You did your homework and both their physical apperance and backgrounds fit the characters. Just one more suggestion for Randall (both Frank and Black Jack Randall): Keannu Reeves; and for Dougal, Liam Neeson. Now, if we could just get Chloe a job in Casting for the Outlander production, we could all sit back and enjoy the final product when it comes out.

My earlier comment: "Sophia Myles would make a great Claire. Just watched the scifi Outlander movie. What do y'all think?" Has anyone seen her in this movie yet? To me she is so Claire

I agree with you Sharon. I know Sophia Myles work and she is perfect for Claire. She is also British and has that spunkiness that Claire has in all the Outlander series books.

Rachel Weisz would be amazing. I was just watching a clip of Gereard Butler on Craig Ferguson's show, and I was wondering if he'd be able to play the part... I have always loved him, and truly think that he could play both young and old Jamie with the right editing. BUT PEOPLE the most IMPORTANT thing is that they cast actors who can adapt to both the young and older versions of Jamie and Claire. I am Canadian, and fell in love with the books a number of years ago. I had actually listened to Outlander on audio book/cd about 5 years ago, and then sort of forgot about it. (I really did love it though). Two year after that I was on the ferry bored out of my mind, so I went to the book store and saw a copy of Outlander on the shelf. I started to read it, and then it all came back to me. I remembered how much I had loved hearing the story. I was hooked, and then read the whole series up until the fiery cross. At the time, the other books weren't out yet. After having been OBSESSED with the books after this, I decided I was going to move to Scotland. So for 6 months I moved to the town of Stirling, and fell in LOVE with the area. This was the town where Wiliam Wallace was from, and his monument stands some 200 feet above the rest of the town. It is truly and amazing place. I highly recommend going, to all those crazy fans out there. Nothing can prepare you for the green scenery, the sheep everywhere, the amazing architecture, and the scottish highlands. SO back to this topic of the movie. I have ALWAYS thought that a BBC series would be best. I hate to say it to us North Americans, who usually salivate at the thought of High paced, action packed formulated films, with sex and violence; but the Brits have way better taste than we do. They are much classier, and the BBC offers a much better approach at writing, casting and depicting realistic historical accuracies. If I could make it happen, and wave my magical wand, I would make the WHOLE outlander series into a BBC television series, with ALL British Actors. I don't know why people are picking from the Americanized Pool of popular British Actors. There are plenty of British actors out there that are more or less unknown to our North American tastes. We just have to GO OVER TO THE UK to see them realistically. So a BBC series with ALL UK actors would be awesome. For now, I am assuming that Jamie is somewhere out there, in Scotland, waiting for his big acting break. I still do however think that Rachel Weisz would be a perfect Claire. She is English. So let me know what you think. Before you resort to HBO, and whatever else American television companies there are, look to the BBC, and note how much better they are at being creative. I was a film major while I went to school in Scotland, and hearing the opinions of the Brits in regards to how we approach filmmaking was somewhat enlightening, and shocking. My two English profs (one of them looked exactly like Ron Weasely, but all grown up) had worked for the BBC for years. They told us how, in the states, for a film to make headlines, it has to make a certain amount of money now. The bulk of this money is made during the first week that a film is shown via the theatre. In order to MAKE the money, popular films have a formula (this formula has only emerged over the past 12 years). This means that there has to be a.) a certain amount of sex appeal b.) explosions and c.) violence. This is why I am afraid for Diana Gabaldon's film project. I don't want her films to succumb to such a low common denominator of aesthetic. Anyways, I am scared, but all the while hopeful deep down. Fingers crossed. ps. James Macavoy and Keira Knightley? What the hell are people thinking??????

Response to Danielle: You’re very right about BBC and how they might would do justice to the Outlander series. You’d be surprised at how many BBC miniseries I’ve ordered on Netflix that I’d never heard of and have thoroughly enjoyed. Your comment reminded me of some of the stars I have seen in some of those shows and Richard Armitage from “North and South” should most certainly have a role somewhere. I’m afraid, however, that what casting directors will mainly be looking for are star power names that will draw people into the theaters around the world. I guess we can just thank our lucky stars that the time line for the story won’t allow for any car chases or transformers or flesh eating zombies. And I, too, keep hoping the McAvoy and Knightly thing is just a rumor based on their “heat” generated in the movie “Atonement.” I can’t remember well, but I don’t think they ever showed a pic that was shot from a distance of them standing side by side unless she was, maybe, standing in a well disguised hole.

In terms of casting, if any of you were fans of Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire the actors were off on that yet they made it work. Tom Cruise played the vampire Lestat who was supposed to be at least 6'1 in the book and in his early-mid 20's yet Tom is only 5'7 and was in his 30's. The vampire Armand was played by Antonio Banderas, well into his 30's and that character was supposed to be a boy of 13!!!! They may have to age the characters to make it work. Apparently Christian Bale is an EXPERT in accents and looks really tall so he could actually make a convincing Jaimie with the right hair colour, etc. I agree with some of you who thought Rachel Weisz would make a good Claire. I actually pictured her when I was reading the books during her "The Mummy" days. She looks and sounds the part! Robert Pattinson would be good as the young Lord John in the 3rd novel when he was introduced as the prison warden. (That's assuming they would take it that far). Gerard Butler is great but would do best as Dougall.

This is the most exciting news I've heard since I learned that Diana was releasing an additional book (An Echo in the Bone) in the series. I have been a fan of this series since I stumbled upon Outlander when it was released in 1991. I am an avid reader of all types of books and this series is one that has always left me eagerly awaiting more. As far as who might make the best leading man to play Jamie, I say the role should definitely go to a Scott.... and I'm thinking Gerard Butler (now showing in "The Ugly Truth" with Katherine Heigl). I also think there might be a role or two that might be suitable for James McAvoy. Not sure about Claire... this actress must be a spitfire. Definitely NOT Keira Knightly!! Have you read the book? Claire is definitely not the Keira type of person. I give a big NO to Katherine Zeta-Jones also. Perhaps Emily Blunt or maybe even Kate Winslet.

Oh God, PLEASE, anybody else but not hat disgusting Brendan Fraser...duh, his acting abilities don't even come close to the required acting abilities an actor should have to play Jamie... I still stick to Gerard Butler...though I've got to say that Eric Dane would be a close second god, he's hot....

Outlander is a movie series.

I'm excited to hear the books series materialise into film, but I'm disappointed to hear that Gabaldon will not be aiding the script writing or casting process, as she discussed insightfully beforehand on her website. Like with the Harry Potter books it'll be difficult to translate the complexity of the author's writing and characterisation through the brevity and stylised ambiance of a two - two and a half hour cinema sitting. Being a huge tennis fan, ANDY MURRAY (impossible, I know, but who can resist that Gaelic roar) has always represented my consummate JAMIE *sigh.............................................................that will never happen, but I hope they find the perfect Jamie who will pay homage to Diana Gabaldon's creation.......................................................................................................

If you are intrested in honest to god info. about the movie take a look at the Outlander subject at the largest Scotland newspaper. It doesn't matter who people might suggest for the movie, The stuido wanted actors who were able to age from the early ages where we first meet Caire and Jamie. They wanted experenced actors of correct age. That way they can grow along with the ages of Claire and Jamie. One thing I can assure you is there will not be aged actors. Sorry to Gerald Butler fans I like him too he's just too old for this.

Okay, I can see that they'll want actors that will age if they continue filming these wonderful books into a series of movies. That is a valid concern. I get that. But they can make an actor look younger a hell of a lot easier than they can make one look taller. And if the powers that be screw it up too badly with the casting there may not be any sequals. That's one of my worries.

Hey Victoria! What is the name of the Scottish newspaper you spoke of? Got a link for us?

This is a link going back to April when "Our Studio" was loooking at land in the north of scotland. Aryone who has braaved the Nothern end of scotland knowsexactly how cold it is in the summer, let alone spring up there! BURRRRRR. Here is the link- HTTP:// Scotlandonsunday.scotman.com scottland/highland hopes for hollywood-hit.4652353jp I wish the links could be "hot" when inserted into this group, rather you have to write down the link and copy it in your browser. Can you imagine how much work has been done sincr April? Isn't that terriffic? Vickie

so is this really happening or WHAT

I went to the "scotlandonsunday" website and found out that Randall Wallace - who wrote the script for Braveheart and Rob Roy....(among other things) has written a script for the first book CrossStitch and its been sent out for potential directors..... So then I googled Randall Wallace and sure enough ....he has already written it and sent it out.... Hmmm well...It said it was scheduled to commence filming in spring of 2009....which for us in Australia....is coming up.... For those in the northern hemisphere...spring is in 2010.... so thanks victoria for putting me onto that.. PS.... this may already be known to comment writers here.... LOL

I have been following every single comment on this site since the start (like ros I too have been filling in the void while waitinf for Echo in the Bone) and look eagerly for any news on the start of production. Although I did go to the "scotlandonsunday" website, that article is outdated, surely there is updated information regarding it? They even mention that other companies might try to rival it by adapting The Timetravellers Wife into a movie - which now is completed and due for release before the end of this year! Does anyone know of any more recent developments regarding the movies or series? I would also like say that I enjoy all the comments and different opinions regarding the Outlander series of books, I can't wait for the book to come out, but I know that once I've read and re-read it, it would be another long wait till the next one. Meanwhile, I fill in the void by reading recommended books by DG herself, or scan the web for anything Outlandish! Keep the comments going............. Lena

Who ever managed to add in the first line in my post 422 ,we could've done without that addition. Go bother someother site. Thanks to Ros for the Thank you. I would love to read other facts about the new movie too. I should add that I wrote and checked the facts on what I have posted with Diana's personal assistant before I ever posted anything I found on IMBDPRO or floating on the internet. There was mention of other actors who tryed out for Outander roles at one time on the net but, those postings have passed away in time. At this point I am not thrilled with whoever changed my post 442 and I am not posting anything new because of that person. I don't write childish garbage like that person did. I write facts. If your looking for information currently on the web, be creative with searchs and don't expect to find Outlander Movie info under commonly used terms like "Claire and Jamie" or "Outlander" you have to be more creative than that. After all the Hollywood folks are smarter than that.

Thank you... I apperciate your comment ros. Give me a day or two to settle down and I'll post something worth while again. I didn't manage to even say what the strange person added to my #442, It was the first sentace that just isn't the way I write or talk. Such strangly worded words don't belong to this midwest girl.

I am a man and have read all of the major works by this fine author, so there. This includes the alternate Lord John series. And I own the Outlandish Companion. The appeal of Gabaldon's writing might seem to be only to women, but the engaging tales appeal to every reader if they dive in.

Yes Mel I do agree with you!

First of all, I don't for the life of me understand anyone linking these books with "gayness". It's an absurd notion. Secondly, I am a male and fell into the series sort of mid-way, via "Drums of Autumn". I now feel compelled to go back to the beginning and read them all. Thirdly, someone suggested Laura Prepon as being perfect to play Brianna! I absolutely agree. I have always liked her "big-boned" beauty and sizzling character - much like Brianna! Oh, last but not least, the Outlander books are much, much more than romance novels. In fact that's only a thin thread. one of many, that ties them together, but in the end it is about people and events running from past to present and back again. Time travel? Sort of, I guess. But it's a very clever device to make a story concept come to life - and even plausible - and tell a huge, jarringly real and sometimes bloody tale of life, love and family. I find myself being disturbingly stressed by the idea that Claire and Jamie are supposed to perish in that fire the newspaper notice speaks of! I can only hope Diana Gabaldon finds a way to let them live!

These books are amazing. It seems most guys seem to think that it is just you run of the mill romance novel to keep women interested, its really not ( I wouldnt read a book like that, too predictable in my opinion). Im so happy that there is a movie coming! I love the Patriot and Braveheart so if it is anything like that I know I'll be interested. Can't wait!

I am not sure that putting the Outlander books on film would necessarily "destroy" them, but I agree that it wouldn't be easy to do such a complex and multi-faceted story justice. In fact I can't imagine that it could be possible to do in a single film, if only since the the books themselves are, as such, still a work in progress. So presumably they are, hopefully, planning more than one film? I also wonder how much control Diana Gabaldon would have over the scripts, I imagine her input would be fairly crucial. For one thing, I sincerely hope that any movie doesn't turn it into some kind of time-travelling Gone with the Wind romance. After all Scarlett said "Tomorrow is another day" but for Jamie and Claire, tomorrow could be 200 years ago! It's much more of a tale of swashbuckling adventure and see-sawing historical drama than a "mere" romance story. I am a "mere male" (and I don't know why us men seem to feel compelled to keep pointing that out when contributing to these comments) but I am definitely as impressed with Diana Gabaldon's books as the next woman. Err, man.

I found this book(The first one) in a blue box and started to read it. I was hooked.My wife and I fight over each and every book as to who gets to read it first. Diana has heard the story of my find every time she has come to Winnipeg from everyone I have turned on to the book. The series has something for everyone. Action, adventure,Love ,romance,history and more. You cant judge this series until you read the first 3 chapters .If your not hooked by then you live a verry boring life.

Lauren, Unfortunately Diana Gabaldon has stated she has nothing to do with the movie including the casting. She does have a website and if you check out her blog from November 2008 you can read her comments on the movie and casting.

Thanks, Juanita, I had read that in the past but had since forgotten! Let's just hope that whomever they cast, they'll do the characters justice. We all know that the books will ALWAYS be better than the movies, but we can hope

welcome back victoria.....once again...you're on the ball.... I just don't know when we get Echo in the bone .....in Australia......I hope it's soon.... Interesting to note ...that already it's in the top ten list.....pre-publication.... I have decided....I am not hanging out for the movie.....I joined Gerard Butler's fan club ....just to send a message...asking him to read the books....LOL.... What a loser I am.... I should just "get a life" as the saying goes.... I have one ....don't fear.... I just have to say....seeing Diana's own blogs....listening to her interviews on utube......I think she's fantastic....and I'd sooner her be writing......than overseeing some movie....that's never...(let's face it)......gonna do justice to the books.... But that's sounding sooo negative..... I am soo enjoying everyone's comments on the books.....great to see that a few guys are reading them.... If only I could get my man to read them.......sigh...but alas alack....he only reads factual manuals......I think I shall create a 1001 arabian nights .....kinda situation ...where I tell him the story......wooohooo....(I am so in love with "jamie") type things.....LOL keep writing guys....it's great....

thanks Victoria......hey....we must exchange emails....I would love to have an american pen pal....who shares my interests.....would be great...I wonder how we could exchange emails... Ii hope you saw my earlier post of some books that I've read that are in two time lines..... If you missed it....just go a few messages back...it's on there. I would love to hear yours.... I've heard about the time travellers wife....very recently.... I would appreciate you telling me what the book and who the author is......I would very much like to read it.... I don't know if you feel safe about giving me your email address on here......but I have a hotmail address..... so I could give you that if you'd prefer... cheers for now Ros

MJ, I love your comment and I totally agree with every word you've written

@ Neil When I say we all want Jaime, I mean that we all want our own version of him. Someone with intelligence, wit, daring, caring, loving, fierce, strong, proud, stubborn and protective. And that's how he is with everyone he cares about; not just Clair. Of course women don't expect every man to BE Jaime (he is a character after all, we aren't stupid;) we just know that his ideals, morals and attitudes are what we crave. He is a man who would go to any lengths to keep the people he cares about safe. Of course be yourself. That is the essence we love about him. He is not what society thought of as a good catch but he turned out to be the best. Just like men; women are attracted to different things. You are someone's "Jaime" just as my husband is mine. Don't lose hope. @Lisa. Thanks.

Ros and Lisa..... thanks for giving me peace of mind again. So there's hope for me and my kind after all. Of course Jamie is fictional, I knew that because I did read the books so I did pick up a few things here and there, but we can all strive, can't we? It's too late for me to become big and tall and grow red hair, but I hope and pray I've turned out to be an OK sort of lad just the same. My mother seemed to think so although my dad had had his doubts. My own background is very, very different and I can never hope to become a Scot, but then again they're kind of a fractious lot, aren't they, and seem to be fighting each other as much as they are fighting everybody else. Don't get me wrong, some of my best friends are Scottish. I think. When they speak to me I don't understand much of what they're saying, so one can never be entirely sure. I did go to Scotland once, didn't fit in. It was that tossing thing that did me in, and although I find bagpipes a joy one wonders whether there's ever been a man (or woman) who actually learned to play it....... Oh, yes, Jamie is my hero, too, because we all need role models. And Claire is the stuff of dreams.....

Ros, send me your hot mail address:)

I had such a giggle at your post.....Neil.....I agree with beajay.....if you can make any woman laugh...you're half way there. You must be a charmer with three former partners that all still talk to you...LOL Good stuff... That saying is so true beajay....I'm half scot, half english (don't ask me which half) and therefore I knew a great many scots....and a lot of them would do just that... Victoria my email address is Park20048@hotmail.com look forward to hearing from you.

I can't wait for An Echo in the Bone & especially the movie(s). I'd prefer an HBO mini-series, ~ if they stay true to each book, they can't go wrong! Please hurry.

to answer your question Mary, Outlander is being made for the big screen at your neighborhood Theater. Personally, I am really looking foward to seeing it. Hopefully , it will be on time, due to arrive in September 2010.

think Positive about the future. Ros, if you see this know that I have written to the address you gave two times.

Hi Victoria I have been checking my email since I posted that address on here but so far have received nothing. I read it again that I had given the correct address and it is right. I am so sorry that I am not receiving yours. I have checked the junk mail too ... just in case it got sent to that file (cos your address is unknown)....but nothing it has TWO ZEROS....not one... park20048@hotmail.com please try again.....hope it works Ros

Gabaldons "Outlander" series is not about romance! It's about survival. It's about real men in a world where the good guy doesn't always win. Its about doing what has to be done regardless of the pain and possible loss. It's about sacrificing yourself for others. Its about men and the different types of personalities that they have, good and bad yet still have their own sense of honor and duty. In these books you will experience more pain and fear, more injustices, more blows to your manhood for the sake of what is right and still you will be glad you lived it. I dare you to read it. All men should fear measuring their own manhood against both the good and bad men in these books! No movie could come close to doing Outlander justice unless it is an eight hour movie and cast with all unknown actors. CJ Mandernach

While I am thrilled that Outlander is getting attention from movies makers I just don't see how they are going to put inside Claires head like the books do.

Nobody is going to get it "right" because there are already too many cooks in the kitchen! It would be interesting to see what a man like New Zealand director Peter Jackson would do with this, if only because the man's own imagination seems to know no boundaries. But in he end we'll just have to wait and see and I imagine even Diana Gabaldon herself is in the same boat. She can only hope and pray they'll give the job to someone who understands the spirit of her books.

This is fantastic I would love to see this something like a series in the vain of the Lord of the Rings, Twilight or Harry Potter. It needs time, money, imagination and talent to equal that of the author. It is a large undertaking but if done right wow would it be a power house. At the moment i am personally very exctied to get Echo in the Bone in my hands next week. Can't wait to see what is in store next. I will be sad when the series comes to an end. Good luck with movie prodcution this is defaintely one that is worth doing and doing right.

I discovered the Outlander series about 3 years ago and had all 6 books read in a matter of weeks. My husband thought I was possessed. It wasn't that, I was actually obsessed, I couldn't put the books down. Never has a series captured my heart, mind & soul as these books did. And of course I discovered my Scots/Irish heritage. After I finished the last book I felt like I had lost my best friends, I really missed Jamie & Claire!! I cannot wait for "An Echo in the Bone", 4 more days!! I am planning my first adventure to Scotland and have actually planned out a route that I think would take me along the same path (or close to it) as Jamie & Claire. I have found several very helpful websites and am so excited to walk in the footsteps (although not as challenging) of my two heros!! Alex, I don't know how you can make assumptions on books that you have never read! It is emotional, as far as what people in that century endured, things we can only imagine. Emotional as far as the loyalty and devotion between the characters. Emotional when you read about the battle of Culloden; what the English did to the Scots was horrible, putting an end to what was known as "Clan" from their bagpipes to their tartan. You have to read the books to understand what that meant to them. As for the movie(s), I hope they can do it/them justice. I would hate to see them do a lousy job with a story that will forever remain in our hearts and minds!! Connie C

I hope with all my heart that this outlander series is made into movies!! (with the right characters, please stick to the books descriptions xox) Its about history, adventure, family, respect, violence, good morals, culture, honour, war, deceit, skill, romance, hardship, intelligence and alot lot more. Hands down, by far one of the best reads ever!!

Just received notice from Amazon that I will receive "Echo" today, UPS!!! I'm busy packing getting ready to move and will prop the book up as motivation to finish packing. Won't read anything but the jacket until I've moved and am settled a bit as a reward. I figure it will be a bit like it was when I resisted "finding out" the sex of my children before they were born. "Delayed Gratification".

I headed over to buy my copy of Echo in the bones today, It felt so very good to really have the book in my hands. I've started to read it and so far "Echo" is holding my attention 100% captured, word for word.

Dear Sir, I would LOVE to see OUTLANDER as a film. You would enjoy it as well: Ms. Gabaldon's meticulous research on 18th century life, on the Rising, and Highland life(my one beef is when Jamie calls his love 'mo duinne' as I don't think that might be correct Gaelic) is wonderful to read. The story is deeply involving and fascinating. I don't know of any so-called 'women's books' that have had such a long lasting appeal--unless you count the Highlander novels of Karen Marie Moning. Read the books, sir. Then give your opinion. There is much for a man to enjoy in these novels-- believe me! Until then, Slainte! And, in Irish, Siochana(Peace)... Tina

The comment about girlfriend watching Ever After and sounds gay to me. You my friend have never read the book. I don't see you anytime soon to jump into it either. I am not a fan of romance novels whatsoever. I have tried to read Nora Roberts which people love and I can't get pass the macho man and the lady just falling all over herself to get sexed up with him. complete turn off. This book "The Outlander" doesn't do that at all. Jamie Fraser by all means is masculine man but he isn't full of himself and Claire is a very strong, and at times a stubborn woman. Diana Gabaldon takes you into this world of 1743 where you can smell the people and visualize the scenery and has some historical aspects to it as well. So don't knock this book up as GAY until you read it. I can't wait till it is in Theatres. I would like to see Gerard Butler play Jamie but unless they can do a "Benjamin Button" thing on him he is now too old. I like Kevin Mckidd on Grey's Anatomny to play Jamie as well. He already has the red hair. I hope Randall Wallace reads a lot of the fans intake on the book so it turns out good.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these books. Diana G is an amazing storyteller ! I have read all the books several times over just like lots of the others here ... fell in love with Jamie and wished I could be Claire many times .... can't wait to read the new book. Am going to the bookstore today to buy it !! If you want to get hooked on reading ... this is the series to do it ... it's an awesome read.

If there is one thing I am absolutely sure of it's that any attempt to turn the Outlander books into a TV series cannot, should not, be handled by any other organisation than the BBC. Nobody does this kind of thing better, that's just the simple truth. And in the end I am not sure I would like to see American actors/actresses in the lead roles. They just wouldn't be believable. I have always liked Claire Goose and think she'd be good in any role she chooses to play, although she may not have the supposed physical stature of her namesake in Diana Gabaldon's books. What's more, she has a "suitable" Scottish/English background, being born in Edinburgh. But I guess all this speculation about who would be best in the various roles is more than a little academic and in the end it all depends on who is actually going to put up the money to get the job done. I just hope and pray the BBC will take it on because if this becomes another attempt at creating a "Hollywood blockbuster" I for one would probably lose interest. That is not to say there aren't any fine acors and actresses in America, but in the end the best Americans still can't hold a candle to the best Brits. Obviously that is a very subjective view, but all "views" are like that!

Does anyone know when we will be able to watch the movie?

Angela, The Outlander movie is set for september of2010. I am pretty sure that is the date Essental Entertainment has set without any type of delays. Their has been no public mention of time delays at this time. To that other guy, Look around,your bias is showing.

Of course it would be authentic if English/Scottish actors would play the roles. But I wouldn't care too much if they are american as long as they learn to speak with the right accent. Liam Neeson could do the scottish accent in Rob Roy, Johnny Depp could do it in Finding Neverland and Angelina Jolie could the English accent in Lara Croft. The most important thing is that the actors can transport the same impression the characters transport in the book. Therefore they don't even have to look exactly as they have been described. If the actor for Jamie does look exactly like the Jamie of the book, but isn't capable of being as impressive and viking-like but only looks pretty, as if he just jumped out of a glossy and obvoiusly only has been picked because he has slanted eyes and a long and straight nose... this would be a disastrous choice! I rather have an actor who doesnt exactly look like Jamie but who is a great actor who looks like a scottish warrior with a good heart. Still my all favorite for the part of Jamie is Gerard Butler. But I guess that this wont happen. Therefore I checked some other actors and I came across Philip Winchester who plays Crusoe in the NBC Series. He would be a very good choice: He has the height (6'2''), the body, quite the face, he is a good actor and he has the perfect age to play young Jamie (Philip is 28). An other advantage is that he is pretty unknown, he didn't play a major role in a movie with which he could be identified with. For those who don't know him I'll post a link for a youtube video where you can check him out. IMO he would be a great choice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbRXl2h5_Zo Slainte!

I am a bookseller for B&N, 64 year old male, let me tell you a story, I gave a copy of Outlander to a woman who wanted to read a historical series. Two days later the woman returned and told me she needed another copy of the book as her husband had picked it up and started reading it, when sh asked for it back he gave her $20 dollars and told her he could not stop reading and to go buy another copy as e was not going to give it to her. I started the series 13 years ago when a co-woorker recomended it to me, I declined as it was in the Romance section. She informed me that it was Not romance and "Gone With the Wind" should be shelved right next to it. She bought me a copy of the first book and I was hooked for life. It is the best series of books I have ever read bare none.

Poor Jason Isaacs! I’ve seen him in other roles and he’s very good looking and funny. But he was so deliciously evil in The Patriot that we Americans seem to typecast him as the quintessential English villain. Of course, that’s the mark of a good actor, to be so believable.

Sara, I agree that the actor for Jamie has defintely to be older than 23. IMO somebody in his late twenties/early thirties would be perfect. But still - Jamie is striking and beautiful, which has been meantioned several times in the books. Therefore I don't think that Kevin McKidd would be a good choice for Jamie. He is charming, yes, and he is red-haired and scottish. But that doesnt make a good Jamie. Besides I think that Kevin is too old for the young Jamie - he is obviously older than 35. If the moviemakers choose an actor in his late 30s or early 40s they definately should go with Gerard Butler. Though actors like Philip Winchester, Tamoh Penikett or Chris Hemsworth would be great choices as well.

I too am enjoying "Echo" but at a much slower pace. I have just moved and am surrounded by boxes. It is a great way to take a break while unpacking along with a cup of coffee or glass of wine (depending on the time of day). Maybe 2 chapters a day. My 11 year old son just completed the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan yesterday and he actually shed a couple tears because there are no more to read (I told him it is time to just start over from book 1). I could only tell him I completely understood as I feel that way each time I finish and "Outlander" series book. I just can't imagine the series ending; but those thoughts are for another time:- )

Lets all find something else to talk about rather than Name your favorite actor. After all, the actors were chosen long ago. Nothing is going to change that fact. It gets so old to keep reading All of the Chose My Favorite posts. My goodness, the demand for British actors, come on folks, The Lead role is being played by a British Actress! not only is she British, she's from an stage and screen acting family and her mother writes some of the finest Scottish Romance novels out there. Lets stand back and be proud of their fine choice. There are reportedly some top knotch American,Scottish and British actors coming to the screen in this MEGA Blockbuster movie. I for one look foward to seeing what this giantic pool of fine writters, producers,directors, actors (and crew) will put forth for our veiwing enjoyment.

Sharon: IMBDPRO.com look for essental entertianment. IMBD is not the same as IMBDPRO it will cost you extra money to enter this area. Those of us who did it used a two weeks use free sprecial to find the information you see near the mid-top of this list. Also check the scottish newspaper called Scotland On Sunday. Once you are there, type into the subject line the word "Outlander" the short story should come up.

Yes Sharon, you are right about the conditions back then. People worked hard and it showed in their features. Like Claire said when she came back and looking at a woman who had three bairns and said she was in her late 20's and looked more like late 30's or more. So maybe Gerard Butler could be Jamie. Tricks with the cameras would be in order too.

If you go back and re-read more about this forum you will discover its supposed to be for talking about the movie. There are other sites for the books and L.o.L's site has special areas that have been set up long ago for the "guessing game". The Ladies of Lollybrouch have a wonderful, very large site devoted to all things Outlander. Lisa, you totaly mistook the tone of my e-mail. I was simply repeating information from this very list. If you look back you will be albe to see that. My tone was that of someone offering information to someone who was looking for it. nothing more. I didn't say anything that wasn't accurate andI offered outside addresses to show where it was found. If you look on the web you can discover the same information. I do hope this is helpful.

I will just address this one last time. Vickie, You said if you look back and re-read the forum it is about the MOVIE. What do you do at a movie?? You watch it right? Well, we are simply saying who we would like to see play in the movie. The main senses that are bodies are going to experience when we see the movie is our eyes and ears. So yes you are right it is about the movie so choosing who we would like to see portray the characters is very sensible.

Well, the article about the movie in the scotland on Sunday paper is pretty outdated by now, and it only says that the movie could attract calibres like James McAvoy and Keira Knightley and that they are only suggestions. I agree that mr McAvoy has to get a role in this one b/c of his beautiful accent and his undoubtedly great acting ability. But he is CUTE. I mean, I really like him, hes charming and funny and everything. But can you imagine him leading Highlanders into a battle? Can you even imagine him chipping wood? At least I can't. He is so petite, really. And if they actually choose him or have chosen him for the part of Jamie I am really looking forward to see how they make him look tall, hunky and like a viking warrior. That could be a bit of a challenge...though he actually has a beautiful nose... Keira Knightley...uhm, yeah. I actually can imagine her as Claire. She has the features, she can act properly and I could see her smeared with blood and swearing on a battlerfield between wounded soldiers. But she really has to gain weight. But I wouldn't have a problem with her . They way she looks in Atonement she actually comes quite close to how I imagne Claire. An other thing I hope is that they choose the right locations. I don't want them to pick Eilean Donan castle for Castle Leoch or something like that. I hope that they coose "fresh and new" places which haven't been seen jet in movies. I also hope that they get a good costume designer. I love moves where they try to get the costumes as right and original as possible. Somebody like Deborah Lynn Scott. She is amazing. And I have another suggestion for the music: Hans Zimmer. Nobody can make music which is as emotional and dynamic like him. God, I wish I could be a part of the making of the movie...I would even do craft services

wooops, got to edit: "And I have another suggestion for the music: Hans Zimmer. Nobody can make music which is as emotional and dynamic like him." I actually meant that nobody can make music which is as emotional and dynamic like his music.

Laura Z. I guess that is the whole thing in a nut shell. "Sensible". I'll only say that isn't the word that comes to mind . Lisa had a great comment, What a great new thing to talk about.Hans Zimmer could do this very nicely. As for the music, I don't know who did the music for Dances of Wolves years ago, but that has always stayed with me. When I think of the music I hear some bagpipes sometimes such as in the very first scene when Claire frist sees Jamie. The Battle scenes, and then full orchastra at other times. Some scenes will need softer scottish ballads at times. Scottish drinking songs would be nice for dinking parts .

Off topic: Just stop it now. that had nothing to do with the topic and was nothing of value. On topic: Wouldn't it be wonderful to be on the crew touring scotland looking for all of the great places to film? Scotland is a beautiful country with lovely scenes nearly everywhere you look. Can anyone imagine looking at all the castels and having to select just the right places... I'ed love that job.

That would be a dream come true I would so love to do that as well. I have read the first book so many times, I don't even count anymore. It really has changed my life. Before I knew the book I wanted to become a nutritionist. Now, after having read the books thousands of times, I am studying English and I'm planning to go to Scotland and live there As for music: I also love the soundtrack from Rob Roy - very beautiful and something like this would also be great for outlander

Lisa....yes, I can totally see Philip Winchester as Jamie! Great suggestion.

Sometimes I wonder about how diffrent scenes may look through the eyes of the cenimaphotographer and the director. How will they stage diffrent shots? What will Clarie's room at the Inn look like, How will they film her falling through the stones? I do hope it doesn't end up looking like a spiraling twirling scene out of the old Twilight Zone t.v. show or heven' forbid it looks like the tornado from Wizard of Oz. How ever they decide Claire is to "fall through the Stones" its going to have to be creative and new. It will be intresting to see how they manage to do it.

Here's what I see in the kitchen of Castel Leoch, A open doorway on the far side of a big stone room. Outside the door in the distance is a stunning natural scene of Scotland. The Camera pans the view givng us a feeling of decening down a stone wall with a circular stair-case built on to the wall. The room is a very deep round stone room. There are big wicker baskets scatered and stacked around with game and produce in them. A bee hive baking oven is nearby. Loafs of bread line a table with shelves above for storage. A large work table stands in the center of the room, kitchenworkers gathered around a large stack of root vegatables on the table. The vegtables are being prepared for the next Great Hall meal by the kitchen workers gathered around the table. A strong-looking man welds a large knife chopping potatos. Along a wall there is someone plucking feathers from a game bird.He has live geese in stick cages next to him and a large pot on the other side. The floor is stone with rushes strewen across it. A young boy is coming through the door with a a arm load of small wood to keep the kitchen hearth going steady. There is a Large woman in a cap and apron busily going from the goose simmering in the pot to the round of cheese resting under a damp cloth all the while verbaly ordering everyone to tend to their chores for tonight their is a special dinner at Castel Leoch. The scene suggests the cook is proud of her work and this kitchen is her domain.

Athena, I couldn't agree with you more! I despair to think of my life had I not discovered Outlander at my library 4 years ago when I was 16 and worked there. I love it like no other (it is definitely a different love from Harry Potter). Outlander was my special secret, because no one else that I knew had heard of it. Now it shall be a movie and more popular with younger crowds (even though I was young when I first read it). I read Twilight the first week it came out, long long long ago, because I thought the cover was pretty, plot sounded interesting, and because I had 1st dibs at the library. I was made fun of so much for reading it, which sucked even more because I thought it was a very long story that was very poorly written, and couldn't stand the very annoying sighs and woes of the narrator. In the end I thought it was an "ok" book, but nonetheless, 3 months later it is the best-selling book on EVERY list. Pathetic. The love and bond between Jamie and Claire is much more developed and solid, so it's easy to understand why the one might fall to pieces without the other, but also be proud that both Claire and Jamie were able to go on living despite being apart from their soul mate (they are strong believable and inspiring characters!!!!!) but Bella and Edward are very Romeo & Juliet the way the suddenly love each other but can't be together, so both become suicidal. I love Outlander. I love Romeo & Juliet (nicely written). Did not like Twilight so much (cheap version of the previously mentioned titles with vampires). Sorry for going on so much about Twilight, I don't mean to soil this thread by making it one of many Twilight discussion boards.

I love the series, but do have my doubts (like some others) on if a movie could be enough for the series. I wouldn't mind it becoming a series on HBO or similar in the sense of The Tudors or True Blood.

Wow, Jane Seymour could certainly do it. She looks fabulous, might need to gain a little weight tho. Her daughter IS Brianna. I am so glad i found this page. I had certain people in my head for the characters and was very stubborn about them, but i have discovered many others who would do just as good!

has anyone actually seen any updates on this movie being made since the 2008 write up? It's been over 12 months and I can't seem to find anything updating or mentioning that the movie is in production or canned or delayed? Let me know if you find something or post the link please. Reading Echo if the Bones now, another 5am finish..lol. Can't wait to finish it yet I want to take it slowly and enjoy it.

Did you all know that there is such a thing as L'Heure Bleu Perfume that Claire pours in her palms because she doesn't want to go get fresh water from the lavatory tap. I ordered a small sample on Ebay once. It is a pleasant smell but not my taste in perfume. I do hope they use some of the items she talks about in the book on screen. I remember trying to find the Scotch she said Frank use to drink and I couldn't find that one but found something close. Got to be a Scotch person to enjoy that, but after two glasses who cares.. Right???

Sorry, one more thing.... Studio Execs.. see Twilight - note, Woman can easily carry the attendance of this movie, it will make obscene amounts of money (i.e. twilight) if done true to Diana Gabaldon's vision.... we want these types of movies!

i SOOOOOOOO cannot see Rob Pattinson as jamie!!!!! Jamie is a mans man - he is brawn and brains!! rob pattinson although ideal as cedric diggory and edward is not a mans man! jamie is as well built as he is tall and, not too be too disparaging about rob, he is tall and a little gangly - if he didn`t have such a pretty face he would have made a very good young ian!! i see jamie as handsome but in a much more rough manly way - not a pretty boy.

VJM, on post 552 About the falling through the stones scene, I think, maybe, that it would be neat if when Claire touched the stone the screen went black and the audience was bombarded with extremly loud noise, and possibly flashes of light (of different colors? or maybe just white?) at intervals very close together. I think it would sound somewhat like the noises, if not louder and more drawn out, on the remake of War of the Worlds with Tom Cruise, when the lightning storm is going on. That, to me, is a kind of how I would imagine what the sound of screaming stones actually sounds like. What about you guys? How do you picture it?

Intresting,creative idea...I Like the idea of the screen going black.that' good, It gives the idea that she really doesn't doesn't know where or what is happening to her. maybe draw her back in sliding or tumbing into a landing.

Yeah I do agree with you Athena. They kinda strayed with "True Blood" they still kept some of the main characters but they didn't kill Lafayette off like the book ( I liked that they kept him though) and twisted things around. Speaking of characters I have been a fan of "Sons of Anarchy" and the guy that plays "Jax" he has the features of Jamie and youth. I discovered who this young lad is and he is British. His name is Charlie Hunnam. Tell me what you all out there think of him being Jamie. He is very good. I could see him being Jamie. He has the viking features or Nordic features. He does a great American accent so I see no problem with him being Scottish. He is 6'1 just shy two inches to Jamie. I would really like some feedback on this Gent. Negative or Positive.

Laura i have had a look at Charlie Hunnam and he isnt a bad choice although personally - going just purely on looks though i preferred Phillips Winchester who was mentioned in an earlier post. There are so many people to cast for a good movie so i think the vast majority of them would be unknowns as it would be far to expensive otherwise - i would prefer someone for jamie that isn`t very famous as i feel he could then become jamie in a much better way thank someone very famous ( imagine Brad Pitt or Mel Gibson for example - to me it would be them in another film pretending to be jamie, i`m not suggesting either of those could be jamie just that i need to believe this person is jamie!!) for Claire i still see Kate Winslet - although very famous she isn`t in evey other film at the cinema and it seems that she chooses her projects carefully and would care about the character and how she portrays her - i also feel she is an excellent actress and also has the physical attributes that match claire perfectly - failing that they should get an unknown and it should be me!!!!

This Charlie Hunnam guy looks very good, I think that he would be a good choice - though that also should depend on the acting and not just the looks...therefore I can't say too much about it, but he does have the right looks. As I have already seen Philip Winchester acting he is still one of my favourites. He has the looks and definately the talent. Concerning Claires Falling through the stones, I kind of imagined it as some of you described it. Something like Claire being in a different "space", all black with flashes and strange noises and Claire swirling around herself and then just "falling out" of it. At first everything she sees is blurred out a little bit and then it gets clearer and clearer as she gets up and recoveres from the "travel"...

I absolutely cannot see Keira Knightly as Claire! What about Kate Winslet? Definitely Gerard Butler as Jamie!!

Wow, if Alex wasn't convinced about 575 posts ago he will never be. The series is awesome reading and will make a very popular movie. I agree with Beth #8 that each book should be it's own movie. There is no way one movie can begin to cover the story. I have just begun to read the series again and I so look forward to the movie if it can be done right.

I just finifshed making a little video about my ideas concerning the casting. It took me about 4-5 hours, I'm totally tired hungry, and thirsty (I got a little bit obsessed there ) but its finlly done. I thought very long about the acors and didn#t only choose them b/c of their looks but also b/c of their acting abilities and on-screen charisma. I tried to pick strong personalities who could survive the struggles of the middle of the 18th century in scotland. I especially tried to keep the family resemblance between Jamie, Dougal and Colum. I also took the age of the actors into consideration, except for Claire (who is extremely hard to cast) and Jamie (surprise! Guess who I picked ) Please watch and tell me, what you think. I used great music and some (to the youtube-world of outlander casting videos) new pictures instead of the usual pictures which are used in every second outlander casting video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYSAuThoT5s&feature=player_profilepage cheers! I'm going to sleep now

Lisa - great job!!! although i agree with gerard butler being a great Jamie - I also think that Hugh Jackman would make a great Jamie as well!! can`t imagine him as jack randall he is too nice!! Robert Carlysle should totally be in the film - cant` believe i didn`t think of him before!

Lisa can you provide a link please?

I can only envision someone who looks like James Caviezel for Roger, I think he's got Rogers eyes, they way they are described in the book! http://www.variety.com/graphics/photos/_mugc/caviezel_jim.jpg

Lisa I will take the legs and you get the arms, lol we'll carry him there together! ever since I saw Gerard Butler in PS I Love YOU, he has been my number one bad thought..lol. I think he'd be perfect as Jamie, although he may find it hard to blush as Gerard seems more cheeky than Jamie..lol. I think regardless of the budget any actor should be thrilled to be cast in this movie IF the movie is done right. I truly believe the possible screen writers, directors and other potential money machines looking at this movie are not yet seeing the full potential of a movie based on this story.. i can only believe it will be a major movie block buster IF done right. I hope so. Diana Gabaldon is coming to my city next month for a book signing.. i'm gonna make sure she hears all about the websites and petitions and prayers and bribery i'm going to offer to make sure she does everything she can to make sure this movie gets made..lol.

well, Gerry has some really beautiful legs though... The funny thing is that I always pictured Gerry when I read the book, but heres the thing: I didn't know that he existed! Actually I became a fan of Gerard through Jamie b/c some years ago I typed "Outlander Diana Gabaldon" into youtube and there were some videos suggesting Gerard. I could't believe that this man was real! And the more I found out about Gerry the more I was sure that he is the only one for this role Nely, I envy you! I wish I could meet Diana and tell her how her book changed my life and of course I would love to tell her whats going on here Maybe she has some news or something about the movie

Nicola, you me and Lisa are starting to sound like stalkers..lol Gerard will never talk to us..lol. I'm in Perth Western Australia and I believe she's coming some time mid-november ...can't wait!!!

If you would like to see a beautiful film with Gerard Butler you must see "Dear Frankie" It is in Scotland so he is using his ever so sexy accent. He is very caring I think this is my favorite movie with him in it. Also "One More Kiss" is good too except for he is a "Cheat" and you might get mad at him for his actions. I know "Dear Frankie" is in video stores also on Netflix. 'One More Kiss" is on Netflix and you can watch it right on your computer screen.

I have just re-read the entire series again for the fourth or fifth time. When I start I dont stop until the last book is finished, normally when a new one is released. So I am waiting for my birthday present which is the latest, Echo. I started to read these 11 years ago, in the UK before moving down here, and when I found myself pregnant I thought what a really unusual name Brianna was and so I now have one of my own, 10 years old and getting older. I cant wait for the film but like a lot of others on here, one movie will not be long enough to do the series justice. A mini series would be heaven, then all the locations and detail can be included and not left out (leaving these out will kill the story). And being able to tape and rewatch episodes seventh heaven. Hurry up and do what ever your going to do and put us all out of our misery.

What--do you not read. Read the series--it is by far the best piece of fictional history out there. The two primary characters (Jamie & Claire) are intoxicating--one cannot get enough of them. Seriously--read them........... You will then be able to answer your own question. Tami--Chesterfield, MI

Please, can someone explain to me why some people think that Jamie is not beautiful or even pretty?? I always think that those people haven't read the books properly because it is mentioned so often that he is striking, mouth-watering and beautiful. Even in the Lord John book he is described as absolutely beautiful. So you can't pick someone like KevinMcKidd for Jamies part, b/c he definately isn't even pretty. This wouldn't work at all. I just watched Atonement. I guess this movie is one of the reasons why Keira Knightley and James McAvoy have been suggested by several newspapers for the main characters. And I wouldn't have a problem at all with both of them if only James McAvoy would be taller and physically impressing (and if Keira gained some weight). I've seen McAvoy in Wanted as well. He had to beef up for this movie (which looked really good though ) but he still hadn't this striking-viking like impression and this larger-than-life personality. I really can't see him as Jamie though I would love to be convinced otherwise b/c he has the loveliest accent and he is a tremendous actor. He definately should have a part inthis movie, but I'm not so sure if he can be Jamie.

My last posting was not post so I am writing a test write to see if this post. Sorry~~~

Kevin McKidd looks like he is in his 50s...even if he's younger than that...no way. Red Hair, Blue eyes and a scottish accent isn't enough to be Jamie. And his face is so average.

Oh, please. At the end of the day its a matter of taste. I don't like McKidds face and I think he's ugly, but you like him... its all fine. BTW, I dont get the 2nd half of your last comment. What do you mean with the wrestling thing??? And if I get your last sentence right, then I agree. I too think that no pretty boy who just jumped out of a glossy should be casted for Jamie. He needs to be a tall, brawny guy with a stunning charisma (and a beautiful face - I mean a kind of wild beauty ).

Ooops, I meant that it "might sound niggling", not "must sound niggling"...damn

What I meant by the wrestler part is ... this wrestler looks like a cookie cutter version of Gerard Butler. Meaning his looks as well as Gerards,are well sort of ,seen one good looking guy you have seen em all. Know what I mean. Not unique.

Ok Ladies I dug out my old Dragonfly in Amber book because there is a picture of Jamie and Claire from some artist it didn't say and I don't know if Diana had any say as to what she wanted the character to look like but look at the link below. I am trying to fine Claire's too. I would scan my photo in my book but it is fragile. http://www.lallybroch.com/LOL/images/jamie-dia-us-sb.jpg

YES, Charlie! What a cutie! Ok, i am almost done with Echo. I am so confused, well not confused but my head is whirling with all the characters having equal parts. I hope the next book focuses on Claire and Jamie more like in Outlander. They are getting pretty old after all, how much longer do they have?

I've tried to stay out of the whole casting debate, but I have to say Charlie Hunnam looks GREAT!! He would be a great Jamie. Also, I saw someone mention an actor for Fergus a few days ago and can't find it anymore, but I always pictured Johnny Depp for Fergus. I don't know how French he looks, but he lives there so he'd probably do a really good French accent.

Love seeing all of the Outlander fans - I've been a huge fan since it first came out and it is my favorite book of all time - i would like to start them all over again. I don't know who I want for Jamie but I know the type. i want him big and tall and red haired and totally hot but extremely masculine. That about wraps it up, eh, lasses? lol Clare, the whole time reading the book, was Emma Thompson for me. She is older than Jamie and she considers herself quite plain. She is strong and earthy and BRITISH. Oh please please give me a great movie of this that I can cherish. Please do as well a job on it as was done with Lonesome Dove which just improved upon the book - an extreme rarity. And please bring it soon!

I just started with the outlander series and am absolutely fascinated. By the way Robert Carlyle is a great choice for Murtagh! But all of you should have a try with Dorothy Dunnett, a real scottish writer - unfortunately she died in november 2001 - and her hero, a certain Francis Crawford of Lymond. Her series was written in the 1960s and begins in 1547, when England tries to get Mary Stuart as fiance for Edward. No timetravelling, but the best written and researched historical fiction I know of. No. 1 - The Game of Kings up to no. 6 - Checkmate.

My pick for Jamie is Sam Worthington. See http://www.sam-worthington.net. I didn't realize that he was the picture that I had in my head until I just saw a preview for Avatar and realized, "That's Jamie!". I've also been picturing Jack Davenport for Jack Randall. I'm not sure why he came to mind, but I remembered him from Pirates of the Caribbean. http://www.jackdavenport.net.

Yes!! Jack Davenport would make a fabulous Jack Randall! I can see Sam Worthington as well...and also Philip Winchester!

Thanks for agreeing with Sofia Myles for Claire! I really did like her in the Outlander movie.

I read the first book of the series for book club. It was like reading a 14 year olds sexual fantasy journal. Extremely immature. I'm embarassed for those who enjoy such literary shallowness. I think you should demand a love story written for women and not for little girls. Can't wait to see how dreamy Jamie rapes and beats Claire is portrayed as a sexual turn-on, how demure. Poor Claire she is so brave. Grow up you women

I have to second your seniments Mandernach. It wasn't even close to a "beating" or "rape". And if you had seriously read the book you would know that there isn't a bone in Jamie's body that would ever seriously hurt Claire in any way, shape or form. Claire is a strong enough individual that didn't fall into a sobbing heap but instead was pretty ticked off at Jamie for the "spanking". You're just as bad as the guy that critiqued the book!!! Go away!!!

To S. Lock, #632: Your statement cannot be left without response. You certainly have the right to your opinion, as do we have the right to comment on it, and, you will note, without insult to you in return. I am curious though as to your age, how much you read, what type of books you prefer, and how many books you have critiqued? The answers to these questions could be enlightening. Also, could you just possibly be entering your somewhat random comments for entertainment? If they were to be taken seriously, that would put millions of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series readers, worldwide, both male and female, in the category of immature and as you put it "literary shallowness". I don't believe that is the case, and I don't believe you do either. So think on these things, if you please. If you do a little homework, you will find Miss Gabaldon has done considerable research into historical events and facts, and has woven them into the tapestry of a love story that spans time and generations, creates a unique saga which has fascinated readers of all ages, gender, nationalities, and types. I'm also guessing you might be just a little hung up on the sexual part of their love life for reasons of your own. I suggest you re-read the first book, and go on to the sequels which are a continuation of their never-a-dull-moment lives and after finishing all 7 of the books, then ponder on what you have read. If you do not enjoy them, that is too bad, and so be it. These books have given me (and many more) an enjoyable pasttime and hours of excitement and escape into another world created by Miss Gabaldon, which will eventually be shown on the big screen. Ten to one you will be in attendance when the first movie hits your local theatre.

S. Lock I gather you're not actually a 14 year old? however your comments simply indicate your own immaturity, quite obviously this is a site that has been compiled of enthusiastic debate of both the novels and potential actors for the proposed movie. If you didn't like the book series, perhaps you need to go elsewhere to comment on your favourite genre? Perhaps your opinion of this literary masterpiece was not well received at your own book club so you felt the need to vent elsewhere? For my part you supplied me with 3.4 seconds of amusement. thank you.

Emily Blunt for claire - I think she could do this - Rob Pattinson or Henry Clavill (is that how you spell it?) for Jamie - The guy needs to be tall, he needs to be young. There is so much to this series, I think they have to concentrate on the first three books for now. The guy needs to have Jamie's charisma - Jamie is so key. It could be like Braveheart - very compelling stuff. This series is so treasured for me! Glad I just discovered it this year, I'm going to go nuts awaiting her 8th book - she really left us hanging at the end of Echo in the Bone! Jamie & Claire Forever!

Oh my, if they cast Rob Pattinson as Jamie the movie will be ruined before it's even made. I don't know how they are going to come close to finding a man who can be beautiful yet not be effeminate what-so-ever. Remember Loaghaire along with all the ladies both young & old, think Jamie is gorgeous and yet he can give a look that will put tough men in their place. Too, his unequivical since of right and wrong, of duty to those that belong to him, that also adds to his appeal. I keep hoping one of you will find an actor that comes close to my imagination. I know I haven't been able to. I wish Diana were doing the casting!

Hi, Few weeks ago I have finished the "Voyager". I just can't wait to buy the next part (unfortunately I must wait till December:) - I come from Poland and the editor is publishing each part once a two months). To be honest with you at the beginning I wasn’t sure about this book. I didn’t like the time travel motive and what’s more the book is written in the first person. But my husband (thanks him for that) has convinced me to by the first book. And I felt in love with it – with the whole story and with the characters. And Jamie – he’s ideal. Strong, carrying and charismatic. I really hope that the movie will be made. I’m not sure who should play Jamie but for me Gerard Butler is almost perfect. I know that he is a little bit too old but he’s got that something…I just started reading “Outlander” in original. And I hope that next summer I will be able to visit the Scotland:)

There is a great picture depicting a young Jamie on U-Tube that looks like the one described by Diana in her books. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MioW7jHNKKE. Using this picture as a standard, all we have to do now is find his match.

Yes, in my mind Jamie has a face that is a mixture of Gabriel Aubry and Josh Holloway, Gerard's body and the beautiful hair of Rupert Grint. The only problem is where to find "this guy" in real life? Mona, here is the photo of Gabriel that Diana herself asked for a graphic artist to color because, even she thought he's the most close of "the Jamie" she has in mind when writting him: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v514/aag567/Role%20Playing/?action=view&current=Jamie7.jpg

A far as Gabriel Aubry goes, I totally agree that he is tall and gorgeous. I don't see his face as girly but instead with very chiseled features and great cheekbones. However, while I’m very much in agreement that whoever plays Jamie needs to be someone with a kind of manly beauty, it’s also absolutely essential that he has some acting chops. As far as I know Aubry has only been a top flight model with no acting experience so I can’t see him taking on the role of Jamie.

BEST STORY EVER!!!!! Cant wait, have read all 7 books many times.

Reading one of Diana Gabaldon's books, especially the most recent, An Echo in the Bone, is not like reading your typical book. It is more like a visit with an old friend after a long seperation. Listening while they pour out everything that has happened to them while you were apart. It's not like any other reading experience I have ever had.

What about Simon Woods? When i saw this picture of him on the left with red hair i immediately though WILLLIAM! http://www.whosdatedwho.com/celebrities/people/dating/simon-woods.htm

Like I said , Mandernach, Mr. Aubry can't act or even has "40 more pounds of muscles", the way we imagine Jamie has, but anyway if any of you are interested, here is the link for Diana's blog where she mentions Gabriel and says: "Among these was a photo of Gabriel Aubrey, and I'd mentioned in re this photo that Mr. A. did in fact have a strong resemblance to Mr. Fraser, in terms of facial physiognomy. So yesterday, an enterprising person named Grace who inhabits one of the "Outlander" discussion boards evidently came across my idle remarks and decided to see if she could make something of them. So she dragged Mr. Aubrey into her PhotoShop for a little revision, and…. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v514/aag567/Role%20Playing/?action=view&current=Jamie7.jpg OK. Yeah. That's very much what he looks like. In case you were wondering. I'll venture out on a limb and make a small prediction here: to wit, that half the comments made here will be along the lines of, "Well, that's not what I thought he looked like! I thought he looked like Josh Holloway/Sean Bean/David Cassidy/etc.!" To each her own, as I said. But do remember that I can see him." http://voyagesoftheartemis.blogspot.com/2008/09/jamie-and-graphic-novel-mr-f-and-mr.html

s.locke - yes jamie did give claire a beating, and yes he even said he enjoyed it - as far as i can recall (and i have re-read the entire series including echo in the bone many times) the only person who got raped is in fact jamie himself, if you feel that anyone, regardless of age, would fantasise about being tortured, humiliated, beaten and vilently and sickenengly raped by a perverted and sadistic individual purely for their own gratification - and only allowing it to happen to protect the woman he loves (the woman according to you he treated so badly) than i`m afraid it says a lot more about you and your own preferences than it does about the beautiful way in which this story is written and portrayed. Yes there is a lot of sex, this was never a problem for Barbara Cartland! I feel that maybe you have feelings of sexual inadequancy or problems with preference which made this uncomfortable for you. If you have genuinely informed opinions of dislike to post then by all means do so - but please do not insult us by telling us to grow up - i myself am a `grown up` intelligent woman and would not transpose my own feelings of inadequacy onto others - `grown ups` don`t do that.

So dreams can come true!! Oh how I have wanted to see this series on the big screen! I first picked up Outlander (Cross Stitch, here in New Zealand) at the airport for something to read on the plane and in the evenings for the 3 day meeting I was headed for. I wanted some escapism and the fly leaf hooked me in. I thought it would be a romance book .. but Ohhh it was so much more. I had difficulty putting it down and would read at every available break. When I finished the book (3 days later) I picked up the next 2 in the series at the airport on my way home. Since then I have collected and read the whole series (including the latest, "An Echo in the Bone"). I have travelled through time with Claire, sat in captivated awe at the magnificence of Jamie and other characters in the books, laughed till I hurt at some of the wonderful humour, cried at the loss and longing's, been fascinated by the witchcraft, the battles, the political intrigues of the times, and experienced the rich tapestry of the stories written by Diana Gabaldon (an amazing Author... I cannot speak highly enough of her). I have followed the life stories of Claire and Jamie and their children (Brianna & William) and their grandchildren, and enjoyed every single word... several times over and continue to do so... and that for me is a first... I have never before re-read a book --- believing that I do not boil my cabbages twice... but not so with this series!!! I could not resist and continue to re-read the series at least annually. My only qualm would be who to pick for the part of Jamie in the movies... (I would expect a series).. Whoever he is would need to be of good stature, able to express the powerful emotions and most of all have a good command of a scottish dialect. Liam Nieson used to spring to mind 15yrs ago... but I think I favour Gerrard Butler more these days... as for Claire... Keira Knightley would be awesome... Clive owen would certainly make a great Dougal MacKenzie, Orlando Bloom would be spectacular as Fergus or possibly Roger .... Whoever is picked for this epic series... The all important ingredient would be a director with vision and passion... who? I don't know... maybe Peter Jackson... or Chris Weitz.. Whatever!! My last comment would be... do not scrimp with the budget... If it is going to be a film.. make it a series... Make it EPIC... and do justice to the wonderful writings of Diana Gabaldon!

Yes, Athena, I think you are right on both counts.

Looked at 617 again, Athena, but since I've never seen the TV show he is in I haven't formed a real opinion about him. I can't see Pattinson as Jamie. Maybe I'm seriously strange because I don't really find him all that attractive, although the eyes are nice. I think the hair is a turn off for me; looks like it was combed with a lawnmower. But long red-tinted hair might be a really good look on him. If we’re going for a Nordic look, why not a real Nordic – Alexander Skarsgard. I have no doubt he can do Scottish since he played an American Marine in the HBO series Generation Kill and pulled off the accent perfectly. http://images.google.com/images?q=alexander+skarsgard&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=owr6SrHsKMXdnAeRkbyEDQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CCUQsAQwAw

How is Charlies face supposed to inspire fear in men? I mean he has great features but the thing that makes Jamie ... "Jamie" is still missing. He just doesn't look like he could take the pain that Jamie took for the sake of family and honor ya know. I think that Dougal would squash Charlie Hunnam don't you? Who ever portrays Jamie needs to be able to inspire at least respect if not fear in men like Dougal and Stephen Bonnet. Dunno... maybe I will never be able to see anyone as Jamie. I wish Gerrard Butler were younger cause he is the only one who comes even close for me.

I'm going to post another comment just so I can get emailed the responses to this ongoing debate, lol. I love talking Jamie Fraser.

Mandernach, I so agree with you. You are so right about this. There might be some men who have Jamie's features, but you mustn't forget that he is a warrior who endured alot of pain and stood two whippings in one week. He is a feared and respected fighter, in the books he is one of the most famous Jacobite rebels. So you can't just take one pretty boy with Jamie's features. He needs a wild and rough beauty. Because, though he is a great warrior, he still is beautyful and many women (and John Grey) fall for him though he is a poor outlaw. There are not many men out there who can combine those things. And Gerard Butler is definately one of them. For Jamie we need a Gerard Butler/Clive Owen-type of man: Tall and impressive, fierce, charming and beautiful.

Charlie Hunnam is 6'1 he is sly by two inches but Hollywood can figure that out. They did it with the Hobbits in Lord of the Rings.

gabriel aubrey does look as I envision jamie - however does he have acting chops? The reason I keep mentioning rob pattinson is because he has that electricity, has the intense eyes, can have amazing hair - transmits amazing soul across the screen. Gerard Butler has the charisma but just isn't jamie... unless he were jamie alot older. I think we need to worry about jamie the younger first and foremost, let Outlander/Dragonfly in Amber/Voyager get off the ground. If Outlander or any combination of the first three gets off the ground, we can worry about Jamie older later. Benjamin Button showed remarkable aging skills and as Jamie and Claire (per Diana) do not age dramatically, I would think whoever would play them younger would be aged appropriately to play them older. I find so many people don't know about Outlander, I'm giving this (newly discovered series for me) for Christmas, birthdays, etc. and recommending it to anyone who has enjoyed the twilight series.... because it is an more mature series with the same type of draw... so, pass the word people - I believe when this series is widely known and properly cast, the response will be amazing!

Hey Jabberywocky, I was thinking the very same thing! I was thinking that those who like Rob Pattinson for Jamie are maybe under 30 or 35? Nothing wrong with that of course. I have read the twilight books and saw the movie and am going to see the next one. He is wonderful, but i just can't quite see him as Jamie. I could see him as Young Ian though especially with a mohawk and facial tattoos. Just my thoughts.

I think that Chris Hemsworth would make a great young Jamie. He is very tall (6'3''), he is 26 years old and he looks like a man who can take two whippings and lead lead men into battle. And he's very handsome as well. I watched a short video from the Star Trek premiere and Chris really stood out of the crowd. I has to think about Jamie immediately when I saw that. Check it out, its only 33 seconds long: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXk_O5-jFEc If they make a franchise he could be replaced by Gerard Butler from the 3rd book on.

Chris Hemsworth might be good. I could see that if he had red har. He even has a little bit of a Gabriel Aubry look to him.

Touche' Lisa

Again for me Rob pattinson would be a complete joke. He not only has an ugly ugly nose that looks as if it has no bone it that could even be broken, he looks gay. I loved the twilight books and was sooooo disappointed with the cast. My teenage daughters were even disappointed with him as Edward after they read the books. If he couln't portray Edward how the heck is he gonna play Jamie. Besides after seeing him in "Little Ashes" where he plays a gay man .. geez. no way. lol

A "little" out of topic but since BlessedWannaB pointed the graphic novel (and it's amazing) I'd like to share with you a fanart I did about Jamie and Claire wedding: http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/Lillywmw/1-1-1-1-1True_AMarriage_TrueCompani.jpg?t=1246551341 And my autograph of Diana, that a friend of mine got to me over it last September: http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s118/doverbears/signedlilly.jpg

Lilly, your painting is beautiful. And your Jamie and Claire are much closer to my imagination than the graphic novel pictures. Those are nice as well, but they have something asian about them. But I really love your work, great job done!

Thanks, BlessedWannaB, for the posting of another art work of Claire. I like this one much better in that in comes closer to what I picture Claire to look like. The other one had eyes too slanted and a mouth a little too pouty. This one is gorgeous. Funnily enough, although this picture is to me a perfect Claire, it looks hardly at all like some of the actresses a lot of us have been picturing in our minds, except perhaps just a little like Keri Russell. Maybe Rachel Weiss with long brown hair instead of black. I have begun to face the fact that they may never be able to cast anyone at all that completely measures up the perfection of Jamie and Claire that are in my mind. And I’ll accept that if they just don’t screw it up entirely with someone ridiculous in the roles that are cast just for the name recognition.

I've uploaded a new casting clip on youtube and I've made some major changes compared to my last one. I had to make a new one b/c I wasn't really happy with my choices for Claire and Roger. I also took someone else than Gerard Butler for Jamie. You can check it out here, if you like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjfIW12Sbtg

Lisa Liked your casting clip. Jamie for me is the hard one he is young in the begining which makes it so much harder. Claire, well yes you could be right she is the right shape for her if you stick to the description in the book, her hair would have to be short and curly. She would also make a good Brianna. I can see Cate Blanchett as Gillie and at the mo I am seeing Hugh Jackman as Roger big dark and very handsome. I thought your choice for Ian a little old. He is very very young in the books. Oh a thought, the guy (for the life of me cannot remember his name) who played Alex in McClouds Daughters series would also make a good Dougal. He's big and strapping. There is so many characters with important roles, Fergus and his wife for example. Just my thoughts at the mo

I like the casting choices. Chris Hemsworth would be great as Jamie. Don't really know why everyone thinks of Gerard Butler. The author has said on numerous occasions that Jamie is slender and muscular - more like Hemsworth than Butler to me. Anyway, lately I've been picturing Johnny Depp as Fergus for some reason (I know he's a little on the old side, but he's very cute and could pull off a French accent). Someone mentioned Orlando Bloom for Ian and I could see that too. Kate Winslet as Claire would be perfect. She's definitely got the looks, attitude and confidence. I do agree that Jamie should be played by a not-too-famous actor to make the role his own, but Winslet as Claire would give the movie a bankable star in the lead and I don't really think too many women would be upset with the choice.

I know that everyone is crazy over Gerard Butler, but he is obviously too old to be 23. Not to mention he doesn't fit Jamie physically at all. But has anyone ever offered him up as a possiblity for Dougal? I think I could accept that. Dougal is big and about Gerards age... Hey Lisa... what is the name of the actor that you selected for Colum? I am at work and can't watch the video to see.

BlessedWannaB, I chose Sean Bean for Colum. It was quite hard to pick the three MacKenzies (Jamie, Dougal and Colum) b/c I took their age, looks and height into consideration. I think with Chis Hemsworth, Clive Owen and Sean Bean I found three actors who could be members of th same family, especially Clive and Sean. Chris is very tall, he is 6'3'' and Clive also is abou 6'2'' or something. Sean Beans height wouldn't matter for the role of Colum And I also think that the age of the actors would fit: Chris is 26, Clive 45 and Sean about 50 or something. And the charisma, attitude and acting skills are there as well.

OMG!! Lisa I was thinking the same thing. My husband is in Detroit and was rudely awaken by machine gun fire and an explosion when he was told they are remaking the movie "Red Dawn" in Detroit and Chris Hemsworth is playing the lead part. I saw him in the Star Trek movie and he was great.

I envision Joseph Gordon Levitt as Ian for some reason! http://www.askmen.com/galleries/men/joseph-gordon-levitt/picture-4.html

watched Gerard Butler on Jonathan Ross on Friday (for those non uk it`s a chat show) - he looked amazing and was Jamie personified!! he has just turned 40 but looks more like mid thirties which can easily be made mid twenties with the technology available now, if you didn`t see it you can see it in uk on BBC player on the internet, others should be able to view the interview on You Tube x

nichola, I watched it as well. And like you I thought 'He's SO Jamie!'. I think that everytime I watch an interview with him btw

Yes Oh Yes. Chris Hemsworth looks a good Jamie. DEFINATELY!! However will he be able to act out of the square?? Whomever plays Jamie needs to be open to whats expected!! Joseph for young Ian. MMMHHHPPPP!~ for sure!!

Funny, I actually saw that yesterday and thought it was Chris Hemsworth too! I looked it up to make sure it was him and the actor is actually LIAM Hemsworth, Chris's younger brother... they look so much alike, don't they?! Per IMDB there are three brothers, Liam, Chris, and Luke Hemsworth; all actors. Hottie blonde brothers, nice!

I'm posting this video for you guys to see the physical potential of Chris Hemsworth. He was a bit younger in this video but really stunning. Being older now he looks a bit more rugged and if he beefed up a bit more....phew, he would be an adorable Jamie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTz_8yUj4Wk&feature=related

Yep there have been a couple of people saying Kevin McKidd. I being one of them. I too wish they would start production so we can see who they will pick.

I'm sorry, I hope you don't take offence, but ANYONE but Rob Pattinson. I've had it up to mount everest with Rob Pattison. Hollywood is shoving him so far down our throat that it's become sad because they've made a good actor a bit of a joke. I will definitely not waste my money if they sell out and cast him as Jamie. However, I'm quite sure this wouldn't happen, he's too popular and caught up as Edward. Henry Cavil fits the description of Fergus or Frank, not Jamie. I'm not expecting perfection but I am expecting that they attempt to follow the guidelines that the author stated very clearly. Jamie is very tall, muscular but lean, and fair skinned. This isn't something that can be altered because it is part of the story. How many times do they make reference to it. His appearance is its own plot line. How will Brianna turn out to be 6ft with red hair and fair skinned if both her parents are average height and brunette? Its too important for them to throw that out. The average height of a man is from 5'9 to 6'2. 6'1 is not tall enough. Diana Gabaldon writes that Claire is 5'8 and that Frank topped her by a mere couple inches, she could almost look him in the eyes, which makes sense because in Dragonfly she says that Frank was 5'10. She writes that at 5'8 Claire's nose fits in the hollow at the base of Jamies neck. He needs to be at least 6'3, if not a tad taller. Chris Hemsworth is 6'3.5, fair, his hair is light enough to easily make it red, he's Austrailian but I bet can pull off an accent, and he's lean but muscular and he's only 23.

I've never read a story with such detail and depth, such as Diana's writing. I don't know how she does it. The series has something for everyone. History, war, interesting facts, science fiction, medicine, strong characters, and yes of coarse romance. I know of men and women of all ages that enjoy her writing. It's as if she has lived a lifetime of every character. Once you start to read them, your hooked. It comes to life in my head like a movie. She uses such detail, they become real. There is a lot of blood and gore. The main characters that we love near and dear don't always come out ok in the end. Sometimes the bad guys do win. I'm mixed about having a movie done. On one hand it's nice to put a face to some of these characters. Yet, I don't think that anybody well known should play any of the parts. On the other, I'm not so sure a movie would do it justice, but maybe a series of shows for cable would have more time to give the story life.

EE does have A list actors for Outlander. Check back posts.

VJM, I'm following those comments for some time and I already read your comment that they've got Knightley and McAvoy for the lead roles. Obviously no one else here had imdpro and could check it and the article (Highland hopes for Hollywood hit: filmmakers seeking locations for blockbuster set in Scotland) that you mentioned only says that the movie might attract calibres like McAvoy and Knightley. No word that the've casted them. I've just checked the internet for news bout Knightley and McAvoy, searching for theyr upcoming projects etc. Both of them have quite a lot coming up in the next months but there was nothing even slightly hinting at outlander. I really don't think that both have been casted for the movie (if it's happening at all) b/c if they were, it would have already been announced - and not just on imdpro.

Lol. I just found something. DIANA's ASSISTANT: “The recession has affected this as much as it has affected many other things. The option has been renewed but other than that we have no news.” It was on this site- http://paranormalromance.wordpress.com/2009/09/15/whats-up-with-diana-gabaldons-outlander-movie/ Bummer.

This is not the first time Outlander has been optioned. The others all fell through. And remember, as of right now ONLY Outlander is optioned, so Jamie is only 23 and Claire 28 so Kevin McKidd and Gerard Butler are waaaay too old to play Jamie IMO. It is easier to make an actor look older than younger and IMO McKidd and Butler look their ages. I think that this will be an expensive project and may be on the backburner for a bit. Essential has reoptioned this book and there is no way of knowing how long the option is. I have no idea who I would like see play Jamie and Claire but I do know I do not see them in any of the actors mentioned thus far. And Diana Gabaldon has only mentioned Kiera Knightley as far as I know with the caveat that she put on 40 pounds so at least that gives me an idea of what Claire may look like and only Diana knows for sure since they are her characters.

I finished your latest book "An Echo In The Bone" and I am very unhappy! I was left with sooo many questions! I hope I do not have to wait three years for all those answers! Please give me and your many readers a hint of when the next book will be out; I am terribly anxious! Sincerely, Eileen(an English nurse in the 21st century)

I am in Australia and have just finished watching the first episode of " Crusoe" on tele. I think Philip Winchester who plays Crusoe would make a great Jamie . http://cm1.theinsider.com/media/0/111/19/Philip_Winchester.0.0.0x0.383x512.jpeg

Thanks, Sabrina, I am sooo glad to hear that Diana is almost through with the next book in the series! I anxiously, await the movie Outlander; whoever plays Jamie or Clare! (personally, Hugh Jackman, with died red hair would be great for me!!) Eileen B.....PS. Michelle Pfeiffer would also, be an excellent Gillis!

I agree with the other commenters who ask that you read the books before bashing them. I'm not into romance books,never have been. The typical "bodice ripper" always struck me as a farce. I'm not sure why I picked up Outlander but I did and have been hooked ever since. I even convinced my husband to read them and he's hooked as well. I love they history and action in them. Guys give it a shot before you condemn it out of hand. I guarantee you'll love them. There's enough blood, guts, gore, and fighting for even the most blood-thirsty of you. Obviously I'm not in the minority when I say Gerard Butler would make the perfect Jamie but some you are right when you point out that he's too old now to play the Jamie in Outlander. And I never could quite picture him as a red-head. I do like the suggestion of him as Dougal. I think it would be interesting to see him as a quasi-bad guy. (I never could quite hate Dougal completely). As for the rest of the characters, I think I'd rather be surprised. Any thoughts on who would play Brianna thought, since she's to look so much like Jamie? Heather Osburn

MY FRIEND LOANED ME OUTLANDER AND I COULD NOT WAIT TO BUY THE NEXT THREE BOOKS .I AM TOTALLY HOOKED AND WILL TALK ABOUT THE BOOKS TO ANYONE WHO WILL LEND AN EAR!!!! THIS IS SEVENTEEN YEARS AFTER THE BOOK CAME OUT !!!!!

Hi, I am new here, but I just have to ask: am I the only person to have thought that Jared Padalecki, Sam from the TV series Supernatural, would be a great Jamie? He is 6'4", broadly built, perfect nose and cheekbones, and from my recent observations on Supernatural, I think he would be able to pull it off. Of course, he would have to have his hair dyed and skin lightened, and I am not sure his eyes are blue (sometimes they look blue) so he might have to have contacts. I can't watch Supernatural now without picturing Sam as Jamie. I hope they make the movie someday!!

I can't see him as Jamie, but thats just my personal taste. He's cute though Last night I dreamt that I was allowed to see the first page of the final script for the movie and in that dream the movie makers didn't want to start the movie like the book with Claire and Frank but with Jamie coming back to Scotland from France and being "welcomed" by Murtagh, Dougal and the other guys. The actual story with Claire and Frank started in the 2nd scene. Isn't that weird? But something like that could actually work too, wouldn't it? A little change or twist in the storyline to keep it exciting for those who read the books about 100 times?

As for the part of Jamie, I think Gabriel Aubry's face is pretty close to Jamie's. He's 6'2'', but he's a model, , so he's probably out of the picture.

I'm in Scotland flicking thru my Radio Times and I see the perfect actress for Claire ......MIchelle Dockerty .... see if you can google her she's in a program called The turn of the screw on BBC1... What do you think? I'm still searching for a Jamie.

The thing is it doesn't matter who our fav guy is for Jamie they'll proberly choose someone we wont approve of... I'm sure the movie will be fine if they can finish it and get characters for the parts, I just wonder who the director is goig to be ...Hope its not Katherine Hardwick she doesn't go by the book... and does her own interpretations instead.

I couldn't agree more. The idea of my favorite book being turned into a movie both thrills me and terrifies me to the bones. I can count on one hand the amount of good movies made from my beloved books that actually met my expectations. For instance, Mists of Avalon=dreadful! Clan of the Cave Bear=a joke! I think Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings came closest and even those left out so much over the course of the movies. Add in the epic-ness of Outlander and the fact that it is my all time favorite book... I'm just pretty afraid its going to get massacred.

As I have been searching for more info on this possible movie, many interviews with Diana over an Outlander movie or miniseries have been popping up, even one as far back as 2001, which is starting to scare me. Comparatively, it seems like this movie might be dropped, like it obviously was before, again! I really really hope not, but we have not been given any REAL new information in a year. I don't think they have even found a director yet! Doesn't anybody (any director) want this movie?

Gabriel Aubry and Jason Lewis have the look. This is how I picture Jamie... For Claire, why not Sophie Marceau?

I feel that so many women have fallen in love with these characters, that if they would try to put a face on Jamie or Claire it would be a huge mistake..........

Lets just say I have too much time on my hands. My thoughts on the best Outlander series cast: Gerard Butler is THE perfect Jamie. I think Hollywood could make him a believable 20 something. However, I think Jared Padalecki could do a decent young Jamie, if anyone could stand the change. But Gerry is the ONLY one to do the role beyond the beginning of the series. As for Claire, I lean more toward the look of Vittoria Puccini. Not sure if she could pull it off though. Felicitas Woll was another I thought had the look right. For Black Jack/Frank Randall, I had always thought Jason Isaacs would have made the perfect choice. I think he is too old now. I have decided on Michael Fassbender. John Grey Jude Law Collum Sean Bean Dougle Clive Owen Murtaugh Gary Oldman Laoghaire Sophia Myles Jenny Rachel Weisz Bree Amanda Righetti Roger Christian Bale I think that if they mess this up......... well, I think it will be worse than never making the movie at all. I don't understand how this movie hasn't been made yet. I have been reading these books since before Twilight or Harry Potter was written. I think the fan base of these books surely is far greater than for those. Yet these books went to movies PDQ. What gives?

Some days ago I looked at some photographs of my greatgrandmother when she was in her mid-twenties, which was in 1930 or something like that. I mid you not, though she was about 24 she looked at least like 40. And the other people in these pictures as well. According to that I guess that the people in the 18th century might look even older at an younger age. So maybe the 23-year old Jamie could have looked like a 35 year old of our days but the question is if this would be considered by the filmmakers. They could ignore that b/c it might not sell very well or maybe not as good as if they took young young actors.

Karen, wasn't Mr. Hollands Opus with Richard Dreyfus?

Zack Ward is no where near tough enough. Too skinny. Sorry. Any one remember Tom Berringer?

I loved Last of the Dogmen i have watched it about 7 times over the years! Anyway I have finished Echo. Read the book then just finished listening to the audio for the 2nd time!

I found a beautiful video on youtube, which is one of the best outlander-fanvids on youtube. Thought I should share it with you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ebGyBZ2bek

I just re-read the 2nd book and when I reached the part with Lord Lovat and suddenly Jack Nickolson popped into my head (not literally, of course ). Might sound weird, but I thought about that a little bit and actually Jack Nickolson would be a great pick for the old Simon. It would be so cool if he would make, like, a star-guest appearance or something like that. Im about to make a cast video for the 2nd book and I will most definately choose Jack for Lord Lovat

Wow, Bridget! I loved your suggestion of Sam for Jamie! Yeah, "Avatar" made me a proud member of "Sam's club" and since they could made him look "blue", why not make him a "red"?

Echo ---left a big cliff hanger --- Drew barryamore as Laoghire ???

I think Kevin Durand would be the perfect Jamie. See pics: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0243806/resumephotos

PS: I think the most important actor (in this case actress) will be the one who will play Claire (I'm rooting for Kate Winslet): She has to have a strong personality and have Claires nice butt in the beginning, but towards the end of the first book and from the middle of second book on (after she loses Faith) she loses a lot of weight and gets very slim throughout the story. So the actress shouldn't only be abe to pull of Claire's strength, and her feelings for Jamie and Frank, but she should also be willing and able to gain and lose weight through the whole process of filming the franchise. That needs an actress who can 1) do all of this and 2) is experienced enough to live with the pressure on herf and on her character. Jamie, still a hard role to cast and play, wont be as hard to play as Claires. And that almost screams for an actress like Kate Winslet.

Sorry, but the Kevin McKidd thing is getting old. He's obviously too old and by far not hot or beautiful enough to be Jamie. I'd like Chris Hemsworth as Jamie, he would most def. be a wonderful choice!

I hate to sound like a pessimist, but I’m afraid ALL the great looking/good actor guys we’re thinking about for Jamie will be too old to play the part if or when they get around to filming. For goodness sakes, I may be too old to make it to the theater without being taken in on a stretcher! I’m thinking they’re having funding problems because it will cost a small fortune to do this right with the huge cast and period costumes and settings that it will need. Thank Heaven we have the books and I know there will be more. Diana left to many lines dangling to have closure on all of them with just one more book.

Toria, the filming etc of Outlander has been delayed b/c of the recession and Outlander has been re-opitioned again by EE. Thats the newest news I know. And beajay, I think that Chris Hemsworth has the perfect age to play Jamie

I wonder if the powers-at-be know just how many fans this series has or how loyal they are? I have been an avid reader since childhood and have never read a series more than twice until Outlander. I have read many, many wonderful books and series of books from all genres, but there is something about the characters, the history involved, and the attention to detail that makes these books truly unique in my opinion. What makes the reader get so attached to these characters and their story, more so than other books? Why do we care so much what is going on in the day to day life of Claire and Jamie, as opposed to other fictional characters of other works? Maybe it is just the sheer volume of the series. After reading thousands of pages from Claire's point of view, one cant help but feel as if you know this gal, like a like a girlfriend youve known since childhood. I started reading the series when my son was an infant, and now he is 16. And I am still reading about Claire and Jamie. I was 30 then and I am now 47, and I feel like we are aging together!

I know what you guys mean. I too am an avid reader and I only first listened to Outlander 4 years ago while at my desk at work. The cd's were old and i missed lots of stuff because they were so scratched up. I couldn't stop thinking about them, i dreamed about them, i still do though not quite as much. I did dream alot when i first listened to Echo. I have the whole series and listen to it every year since i became addicted. I have never felt like this with any other book i have read.

We all do, lol, but still we find ourselves turning this comment sections into a group discussion on how absolutely amazing these books are. Even though we disagree on who should play whom, we all agree that these books are wonderful to read over and over again. Personally, I love how alive DG made these characters so real. She gave each of them their own quirks, like Jamie's inability to wink. This made them feel so much more human and identifiable. I think that is the reason we keep coming back. We feel like we're getting a glimpse into someones fascinating life!

Its about time somebody decided to to put these FANTASIC BOOKS into a movie I think either Peter Jackson or Mel Gibson as Directors (Mel was great in Braveheart ) For the part of Jamie it has to be someone believable, after all he is a highlander and they were 6ft tall in those days with great bodies they were warriors. He definately needs to be Scottish to pull it off, surely there is some gorgeous hunks in Scotland who would fit the bill. As for Claire there are some great english actresses who would do well. The casting for me is really important as it will make or break the movie, we all fell in love with Jamie in the books and would do the same on screen if they have the right guy, not some insiped American who cant even pronounce the words. Also the guys would love all trhe action, as they did in Braveheart so even though its a romance it has a great story line for a fabulous screenplay. Hopefully someone will get too it asap as I am dying to see the movie Trish Jan 13,2010

This could be another "Lord Of The Rings", except that the characters are based on real people that actually lived (in good part), the politics and the battles really did take place, and the story has no ending because the generations in families just keep going- Romantic History at it's best! The element of time-travel brings that point to a sharp. I just finished the 7th book and am thrilled that there's so much more to find out - "what happens to so-and-so?", "how does she explain THIS!?". I'm friends with these people! The depth of character development, the hardest task for movie-makers, mustn't be compromised. The audience must buy in quickly for this movie to succeed - they just don't have the time to spend that an author does (>7,000 pages and counting!). And what about the "fringe" characters? Can we play down the Fergus-Marsali family? or Rodger and Brianna and the kids? Jamie and Claire have a crew on the Ridge - can any be cut to make the movie manageable? Family members in Scotland, etc., etc. Well - that's what great film-making is about, and as long as the effort pays for itself with some to spare, it'll be a win-win. Thankfully, a writer as excellent as Dianna trumps a film-maker. Movies can't wreck my personal vision of these stories, so however it turns out will be interesting at least and hopefully, spectacular. I won't miss it, but feel the same trepidation as I did for "Rings", which turned out - even more accurate than my vision of the books?? Yes, quite possibly. So, go ahead and give it a try as a movie - and luck to ye' then, aye?

To 797: Rachel Weisz is one who would fit Claire in age, beauty, and ability. She'd just have to get a curly perm! Also Kate Winslet would be another candidate, but also some of the non-American actresses who have been mentioned on this site whom I looked up as I was not familiar with them, but they had "the look" and hopefully abilit as well. Finding a Jamie is going to be tough - darn, wish Gabriel Aubrey could act. We all love Jamie and whomever is eventually chosen is going to have an uphill battle pleasing all the Outlander fans. Let's face it - he's bigger than life, and masculine, charismatic, tough, soft, sweet, funny, witty, and so many other things in our own opinions and minds. On another note, can hardly wait for another book - after all, "Echo" left us all hanging and the curiousity is killing me. On another note, I got one of Dorothy Dunnett's books from the library as she was mentioned as a great historic fiction writer. I only read one book and maybe some others are better, or else I'm just biased, but the book I read couldn't hold a candle to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series.

ANDY WHITFIELD AS JAMIE- FROM UK,HGH CHEEKBONES ,SLANTED BLUE CATLIKE EYES AND VERY FIT!!!! ANYONE SECOND THIS? SEE SPARTACUS BLOOD AND AND AND YOU MAY AGREE (ITS ON DEMAND ON COMCAST CABLE) -

Andy Whitfield might be a good pick, I can see similarities. I still like Chris Hemsworth. The Sara Donati books were really good for the first few, like the first three, after that they kind of lost me. Her writing isn't as eloquent as DG, but I loved how Sara's stories made reference to Claire and Jamie. I would definitely recommend them.

Robbert Pattinson cannot i repeat CANNOT be Jamie!!!!!! Sorry for those of you who like him but he has neither the looks or the presence or the talent to play jamie!!! the only thing they have in common is that they are tall! don`t get me wrong he`s great in Twilight but he still looks like a gangly teenager to me! I know Jamie is only 22 in the first book but everyone seems to be forgetting the constant references made by Diana that people of that time looked years older than their actual ages - a 22 year old then probably looked much liek a 30 year old now - meaning that they had been men since the age of about 14 and therefore looked like men and acted like men, they weren`t the 22 years old of today - they had too much responsibilty. to me Jamie is an attractive man but not a pretty man, so he needs to be a bit rugged and rough around the edges!! someone who looks as though they can protect you with their bare hands! without the teeth robert pattinson looks like he couldn`t fight his way out of a paper bag!!

I'm definitely in the group who thinks that Rob absolutely cannot play Jamie, he looks nothing like him, isn't tall enough, and in my opinion doesn't have the ability to play Jamie. For me the biggest reason he can't be Jamie is because he's Edward! You can't take an actor in the height of a series of movies and cross them. It would be a joke. If Essential sinks so low then they are selling the beauty of the story short. Outlander deserves to have their own face for their most beloved character. Jamie does not deserve to be played by a regurgitated actor from another famous book. I do think that Chris Hemsworth would be great. He's got the height, his hair is easy enough to color because its light and he has the blue eyes. Plus he's shown that he has an emotional acting ability and he's not too well known that we will be watching him and thinking of him as someone else. Unlike Jamie, I think that Claire could be played by a more well known actress. While I agree that they would have to do it soon because they are on the cusp of too old, I still think that Rachel Weiss is visually the best Claire. She looks exactly like what I picture if her hair was curlier. Even her eye color is perfect. I think personality wise, Kate Winslett fits.

I think Sam Worthington and Andy Whitfield are possibilities. Both have the "look" however I have only seen Sam Worthington act.

Andy Whitfield is too short...under six feet tall. Robert Pattinson is also too short and as stated before, too well known as that Twilight dude.....sorry not my kind of movie or book. Chris Hemsworth has the look I think. As for using an older actor, that is fine as long as he looks early to mid twenties. Claire states that Jamie looks young in Outlander so he obviously looks younger than her 28 twentieth century years. I do not think this movie will ever be made but I am fine with that. Jamie is best left in our minds I think. Also only Outlander is optioned at this point as it has been previously and nothing came of it. I would love to see the movie made if it was done true to the book and that rarely happens in Hollywood. They tend to use the actor du jour of the day to draw in the masses. Time will tell I guess.

so is mel gibson short but did he look short in BRAVHEART?its the magic of the movies!!

nickyjo - While I do think Gerard Butler and Jamie McKidd are too old, I would rather see one of them as Jamie then someone like Rob Pattinson who is the face of Hollywood right now. I love Gerard Butler, I watch almost every movie he's in, he's an amazing actor and very sexy, but it really sealed it for me when even Diana said that he looked too old to be Jamie, I feel like you can't argue with the person who created Jamie. I think Gerard would make an excellent Dougal. As i said before, I lean more toward Chris Hemsworth or someone of his ilk for Jamie. So anyway, that's my opinion and I'm 31. kiwichick - If by lost blond guy you mean Josh Holloway who plays Sawyer, I agree completely. He would make an excellent Stephen Bonnet.

You used to be able to email her and she'd respond. I've done it before. Maybe I'll try again and ask her.

the jury wil lallways be out -jamie is a vision of different looks in all of our thoughts . yes, i do agree a mini series will do her books justice as regards to character development,story plot ect.

I agree with the others before me; Gerard Butler would make an EXCELLENT Dougal, not the Jamie character! I honestly think it should be an "unknown actor". Somebody that will be recruited for his looks! (and acting background, maybe from the theater)

my point about having a man who looked like they could fight their way out of a paper bag to play jamie was meant to emphasise the fact that a persons physical presence should not be overlooked when casting the part. James Macavoy has been mentioned in the press as a possible contender for the role of Jamie - now, i personally think He is an exceptional actor and whilst i feel he could certainly convey all of the necessary emotions and has he acting skills to be Jamie, unfortunately he doesn`t have that physical presence that would be required to step into Jamie`s shoes. The role of Jamie cannot be filled by either physical prowess or acting talent alone - the person that could take on this role would need to be an exceptional actor as Jamie is quite a broad character with the gentle side he shows to claire and the warrior side that we see so often, he would also have to be able to show intelligence and fierceness. I also feel Jamie should be a relatively unknown actor, i feel that unless someone can do an excptionally good scottish accent that the person be scottish - there must be an unknown actor out there in scotland that fits the bill! Claire will be slightly easier to cast although by no means easy - i saw emily blunt on tv this morning and she looks the part, haven`t see her in anything but the devil wears prada but i believe she was excellent in the young victoria, she is also known but not massively famous which would be a plus. its a shame Julia Roberts isn`t 20 years younger as i think she would have made a great Brianna! Jason Isaacs definitely for black jack randall / Frank Randall I think i`m not in favour of gerard butler for dougal cos i didn`t really like dougal and i like gerard butler!! absolutely stupid reason i know but there you go!

Oh, I love so much to read everybody's oppinion in this page! After posted my oppinion so many comments (and months) behind about the actor who could play Jamie, I start to change my mind and agree with some members that think he should be played by a new actor, like the young actors the productors chose so right for the Harry Potter's kids. Gerard is beautiful, good actor but too old. Jamie McCavoy, excellent actor but too short. Rob Pattinson, in my oppinion, well I don't think he's an actor at all, excuse me those who vote on him. Chris Hemsworth, the truth is that I never see him acting but he has the right (and good) look (although I have issues with his nose ). Gabriel Aubry it would be the perfect Jamie, second Diana, but he can't act too. Josh Hollaway was my first choise because he's a decent actor and has very similar feactures from Jamie and to think on him as Bonnet is to link his image always to the bad guy, but anyway, I think he hasn't the certain age, too. So, my vote is to a new face and hopefully, a new talent! Oh, and let me show you a Brazilian actor (yes, he's an actor) that could gives us a good Jamie if the language wasn't a barrier. His name is Rodrigo Hilbert: http://marcofelipak.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/fotoscatalogo_out09_2620b.jpg http://bnpress.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/gisele-bundchen-colcci-inverno-2009-05g.jpg http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4561/colccicamp4.jpg

Sorry Lily, I could not see Jamie played by this Australian actor"Rodrigo Hilbert"! He looks too thin to play the part of my idea of Jamie. Jamie needs to have a very muscular build and have definite facial features. So far, I have not seen him out there! I still think Kate Winslet would do a hellava job with the Claire role!

Ok, i watched Spartacus last night to see Andy then i googled him. I definately think he could be Jamie. He has everything but the height but that would be easy to fix in my opinion.

Sorry Blaire everybody but the Jamie and Claire characters were good. In my opinion, the actor/actress might have to be unknowns!

The question"who will they be" and when will this movie start happening? I also, want to know when Diana's next book will be published....she left me with soooo many questions with this last one, I cannot wait ANOTHER three years!!

lisa absolutely loving david tennant for ian murray!! well done!!

The video was PERFECT, except I don't agree with the Jamie character, Chris. I wish we could find someone more rugged looking and bigger in stature; thie would fit my idea of Jamie. All your other characters were right on, including Michelle Pfieffer as Gillis and Rachel Weisz as Jenny Murray !!

I guess I will have to watch Star Trek! I was basing my opinion on the pictures that were presented!

Ok Lisa Ican kind of see a "Jamie-like" actor in this last pictures...still not completely sure. Thanks for the update!

I made a bet and lost and had to read the first book thinking it wasn't my type i never liked reading . haven't read anything since high school and im 25. but I read it in 3 days and went out and got all the others. i have read them all and re read them all ..I LUV THESE BOOKS and they have so much more then romance and I know if it was made right there would be pleanty of guys who would go watch it..I have described a lot of it to my husband because I would start laughing and he would want to know why..lol.. Plus twilight was more of a love story and look how well thats been doin.

David, I don't know what trailer you watched, but there was a movie named Outlander in 2009 that was not related to Diana Gabaldon's series. To quote: "Outlander, this year's best movie about Vikings led by a space messiah to kill an alien dragon." Just a coincidence. L

I just recently started reading this book last year and I am still enchanted by the story and the connection that Diana Gabaldon has been able to create between her characters and readers. I think there is a lot of stuff that can be flitted as "romantic" but there is a lot of action and historical items in this book that would make it great on screen. I do, however, think that this book would soar and profit more as a television series on HBO or Starz. there is a lot of sex and a lot of important events and it is a long book series. there are more than 5k pages of this book and would be too long to adapt into the regular 2.5 hour movie. I think if they were to try to get the general jist from all 7/8 books and cram it into one movie or try to move it along into multiple movies that people wouldn't like or or would lose interest. but I think as a Television series would be the way to go. but that's just my opinion.

Andrinna, I agree with you 100%!!

sorry if i

I know is OoT but, because I know people here love him too, look who is here in Brazil to watch Carnaval tomorrow: http://ego.globo.com/Gente/Noticias/0,,MUL1490037-9798,00-RODRIGO+SANTORO+LEVA+GERARD+BUTLER+PARA+PASSEAR+EM+MEIO+A+FOLIOES+NO+RIO.html I wonder if he'll be wearing a kilt...

I could maybe see it. He's an idea for a younger actor and I believe he could play Franks classy gentleness and we know he can play Jack Randalls evilness. I could accept it.

Henry Ian Cusick? Uhm, NO. Sorry, but that would be a desaster.

heath ledger would've been perfect as jamie. too bad he's dead... keri russell seems okay for claire as she has curly hair.

I am in love with the series. I'm currently about half way through the last one. I agree that Gerard Butler would be a good Jamie (though he is kinda old to play a young virgin). Rachel Weisz would be a good Claire, strong woman, curly hair, and curvy (unlike Keira Knightely). It's kind of a weird character to cast, but i think that Jason Issacson from "The Patriot" would be perfect for Jack Randall (evil British soldier, long black hair, somewhat handsome). Anyway, can't wait!!

I have been reading this series, over and over, (amongest other books) for several years now...they are the best adventure, romance, magic, historical, character study, survival tactics, war, etc.etc...... all of these with some truly great sex scenes thrown in! It's an epic love story that every woman on the planet will love, and many, many men will also enjoy. Gerard Butler is definetly a Dougal type. A curly-wig Brit shouldn't be that hard to find, But you had better find a brand new red-headed ultra masculine actor to play Jamie, With the Gaelic accent!

I had no idea that Diana Gabaldon's book, Outlander was going to be made into a movie! I think my happy level just jumped through the roof. I got started on this series a couple years back and could not put the books down. Read every book up to A Breath of Snow and Ashes in 2 months flat! Never have I ever encountered a book series that caught my attention with every page.. Any they are making it a movie!! I always said, I cannot wait for them to make a movie of this! And with the screenwriter from Braveheart - this could potentially be a huge hit!

Gabriel Aubry would be a great Jamie and I was thinking Emily Blunt also!

I have been reading this series for many years, several times and I have Outlander on audiobook. I found the series when I was going on vacation and wanted a thick book to read on the beach. As soon as I came home I bought the other two on the shelf. Yes, the "romance/sex" is great but it comes to a point where I think "not again" stop screwing around and get on with the story because the story is great for all the details of life at that time, using actual places and people. As for the movie and who to cast, all the actors previously mentioned are wonderful actors but most are too old to play the time frame needed. I just found a new actor who is welsh born, has the blue cat eyes, wide flat cheekbones, thin lips and he looks very similar to Aubrey just not as beautiful. But Jamie wouldn't be would he. When I saw him I immediately thought, that's James Fraser. Andy Whitfield, check him out as Spartacus. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_D67Kwd7m5Xs/S1k5EXuBEyI/AAAAAAAAAWk/BLLfspG8Lfw/s1600-h/Spartacus-Andy-Whitfield-1-788789.jpg Davalos would make a good Claire, she has the figure, face and sassiness. JMHO Can't wait for the movie!

I can totally totally see alexa davalos as Claire!

Spartacus, Andy Whitfield, yes, watch Spartacus. Also it's hollywood, they can make a short man tall and a tall man short. He has the face, the age is good, and he'll be able to grow Come on, Let's vote Movie? or Major Mini Series, per book, Like Band of Band of Brothers, or Deadwood, any very long mini series, on HBO or BBC. It can be donw

As much as I would love to have this story in a movie, you have to be kidding yourself if you think it will ever be done well. They have trouble making a decent movie out of a 300 page book and these are 800+ pages each. Plus, the sexual abuse angle that is so important in the early development of Jamie's character would never work in a mass-market movie.

I'm not sure I agree completely. I agree that we're kidding ourselves if we think it is going to do our favorite books justice. However I don't agree that all movies made out of epic books are horrid. Occasionally (rarely, but occasionally) the do take complex long books and create a movie that, while it is not perfect, it is a good compromise between the two. Take Lord of the Rings for example. Sure, die hard fans can sit and nit pick because loved characters are left out and situations are adjusted, but at the same time the movie adaptation was good. They worked really hard to do the best they could with the time allotted, and to still keep the integrity of the book. However, I do agree that the chances are slim that that situation will happen with Outlander, because again they are rare. Usually they fail completely. Not to mention that while I think that LotR was a good movie (and I have read the books), it is not my FAVORITE book and therefore I didn't mind that things were altered. I agree with Diana when she asks who we would want to be left out and which of our favorite moments would not be captured, because it is impossible to cram every second of a 850 page book into even a 3 1/2 hour movie; I wouldn't want to lose any, lol. As far as the abuse scene, I think that Hollywood could make that scene and people could accept it. In my opinion there are movies with much worse situations of abuse that people readily flock to. And it is absolutely not a scene that could or should be cut.

I'm sorry, Andy Whitfield is really good looking, really does get close to Jamie, but if he's 5'11" it's a deal breaker. There is too much intertwined in his commanding presence. It's still Chris Hemsworth for me. He's 6'3" has the eyes and the emotion and presence. Give that guy shoulder length auburn hair and he'd be Jamie.

Carolyn, funny I said that too. Yes, they can make a short man tall and tall men short, but their are amazing actors out there that are tall. I want to see his actor interview and red carpet and have it not ruin watching him as Jamie. Finding out Tom Cruise wore raised shoes to play tall characters ruins both the actor and the character. Gimme a tall Jamie! Claire was 5'6, Frank was 6', and Jamie is 6'4! He clearly states his height in Voyager when talking to Willie in the stable as 6'4. Chris Hemsworth all the way! New news is that they have reoptioned with television mini-series on the table. I think this will be a much better idea for getting the more of the story told, but on the other hand I think it will mean lesser named actors. Any idea's out there for a lesser named Jamie?

btw I found a new interview with Chris Hemsworth on youtube. It's pretty rare to get somehing new from him cause he is still quite unknown. In the intervie he is a bit more rugged than usual and has a beard (maybe b/c of Thor). He looks just awesome He would be such a wonderful Jamie ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBtpmzpONKg

YES!!! Chris Hemsworth! Yes, he is 6'3" (Jamie is supposed to be 6'4") close enough. Watch the first 12 minutes of Star Trek - the 2009 movie - doesn't he just have the presence, strength, grace and emotion for jamie???!!! Absolutely!!! - all that's left is him having shoulder length auburn hair. Absolutely he could carry it off - claire would need to be someone who could sync up and resonate with Chris - and that would take auditions, her part is much easier to cast physically. I keep hoping! Done right, Outlander would take off.

I would love to see the books made into a movie. I think should do each book as its own movie. Im not sure about actors but i wouldn't mind seeing Eric Bana as Jamie i think maybe kate winslet as claire if i had to choose big name actors. I agree it will be hard for them to capture the essence of the books though, the books are so real you can almost feel the love between jamie and claire.

Actually any of the Hemsworth boys, Luke, Chris or Liam, could probably play Jamie. They all have the same looks. As slow as this movie is going, Liam may be the only one young enough to play Jamie by the time this movie starts production!!!!!

The picture is awesome. Though you can't really see his face...still, I'm SO in for Chris being Jamie. He's simply pairfect.

I have another option for Claire, she is in Clash of the Titans and will be in Prince of Persia. I stopped when I saw her white skin and instantly thought she'd make perfect Claire. Her name is Gemma Arterton. http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1747750144/nm2605345 http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2245823488/nm2605345 Check out these links.

I only feel that when and if the movie ever happens you need to combine both Outlander and Dragonfly in amber, somehow. You need to be masterful and bring Brianna and Roger into Clair and Jamie's world for the audience. If not in one movie, maybe in two. There was a time I knew who should have played the characters but now they are getting older. Just promise you wont make them to young. I long for this kind of romance this movie could have. But whatever you do, don't forget the incredible story and the ACTION. make us want more. BOOK THREE and four and so on...

Yep, Gemma is also English. She was absolutely beautiful in Clash of the Titans as Io. She actually stole the show for me more then the woman playing Andromeda. Plus she had a strong presence. Cindy, Rachael Weis is still my favorite too but Gemma was the first girl I've seen who I think could also do it. Not to mention that the longer they wait the older Rachael gets. She's already 39.

I'll tell u one thing! It has some good action packed adventure in it! just because everyone loves it because its a romantic novel doesn't mean there aren't any other qualities to it! There are some bloody gory scenes, totally different from that! But hey i really don't care if you watch it or not, it's totally up to you and your opinion!

I got on the computer today because I was curious to see what the new status of the "Outlander" movie was. Whenever I need a pick-me-up I open my Outlander book. Just anywhere. Sometimes I look for certain scenes, like Jamie having to "punish" Claire for...well...you know (all of you Outlander fans). I wish I COULD convince people to read it because of how it effects you when you do. It makes me happy. Period. I actually try to get anyone in my family to listen to just 5 minutes so I'm not the only one being tickled by Diana's humor. OMG! She is brilliant! Like "I want the world to know" brilliant! (OK, I'm sounding like Oprah now). But, the truth is that for whatever reason back in 1991, this book was not publicized like "Twilight" was. And you know what? It obviously didn't matter! Because there are still crazed followers in hoards for this author. I feel incredibly blessed that my friend told me about this book and I was ready for a good novel to take me away. But what I didn't realize was how frigging SMART it made me feel. Like, I now know about Scottish dialect, French, even Mohawk. And guess what?! I didn't have to do all the research! Diana did! She is so brilliant that she made learning about history (which I hated once upon a time) to OMG, why couldn't I feel this way about it in High School? I feel like I get it now. She connected me to another country, another time and at the same time made me horny for my husband! The other brilliant thing she did was wrote "The Outlandish Companion", to show you how she did the research. Brilliant! I just learned on her website that she met the young Scottish man that was her inspiration for Jamie. The one she saw on "Dr Who". Only Diana!

I love this book! I only read the first one, but I'm so excited that a movie is being made about it! I researched it, and i think Gerard Butler(Phantom of the Opera) is going to play Jamie... It seemed too long, but I was hooked from the beginning.

Jonathan Rhys Myers is excellent, Frank Randall is 10 years older than claire (38) and I know Jason Isaacs is older than that but I would think they could make him look a bit younger.... I think Emily Blunt for Claire. She is 27 and English and I think would be dead-on for this role. (She and Chris Hemsworth look well side by side too - picture wise. Wish I could attach them here, but don't seem to be able to!). There is a strapless black dress out on photobucket of here with a long silver strand necklace hanging down the front - she looks very sultry and Claire is a very sexual being - at least with Jamie she is.

Oh, btw, here is a (tiny) new picture of Chris Hemsworth being Thor...nice http://www.moviereporter.net/assets/news/photos/000/006/607/original/Thor.jpg?1275550456 the pic's from this page: http://www.collider.com/2010/06/02/thor-chris-hemsworth-new-images-concept-art/ there is also another picture

Last I read, Essential's option had expired. New negotiatons were ongoing with them and a mini-series was a possibility. I believe this was posted late last year.

uhm, don't get me wrong: he's also capable of portraying other emotions etc as well...these were only those emotions that stood out in Ca$h

I am 100% convinced he is "our Jamie"...now let's convince the people who do the producing etc.!!!!

Diana Gabaldon saved the clip to her favorites!!! Jeyyy!!!!

If and when Outlander series come to the screen. May it be done by people who feel the story in their hearts and souls. May the actors be indwelt by the spirits of the characters and may the director and producers strive for excellence on par with the books. Previous movies such as Brave Heart, Titanic, and Gone with the Wind have the potential of being completely blown out of the water by Mrs. Gabaldon's sweeping creation. To any potential Producers and Directors. These books are not your teenage daughters vampire fantasies. These stories will resonate with people all over the world because of the vivid portrayal of real historical events. It is the beginning of a beautiful American History and the characters are profound examples of the lives of their times. Do not pass this up and if you do choose to take it on, don't screw it up. Thank you. K.K. Sutro

Carolyn, thats so nice of you. What a lovely comment Thanks You know, since I'm posting on this and other blogs and having made casting videos for youtube I realized how huge the Outlander/Jamie-Fan-Communtity is. We are all connected through the love to that series/man and its such a wonderful thing to discuss about our passion and connecting with each other. I have gotten so many positive response in form of PMs, comments etc (and of course the high honour of Diana Gabaldon saving two of my vids to her favorites) for which I'm so grateful about. Even if the movie (if it's made one day) wont satisfy us, we will still have these amazing books, our (in many cases colorful ) phantasy and this great community. Thank you all for coloring the Outlander world! cheers

I always thought that Kellan Lutz would be great as Jamie. Now, I am unsure. Chris Hensworth was suggested and he looks great! I would believe him as Jamie. I think that Kate Beckinsale is my Claire. Clive Owen would be perfect as Dougel and Gary Oldman should play Jack Randall...he is any amazing actor and can be charming as well as twisted all in the same roll. That is all I have really thought about.

I can't wait! Outlander was a life changing book for me and I went on to read all in the series, studied Scotland for 4 years and went to SCOTLAND to visit some of the historical places she had mentioned. It is an amazing and intricate story about history, love, and life...EPIC! Anyone who thinks otherwise has not bothered to see the depth but read or only understood the surface of this fantastically gifted author. Scotland visits, 2 times and will go back again next summer. LIFE Changing for anyone open to seek and expand their world and view of life. I can't wait for this to hit the screen. Those of you who are seeking advice whether or not to make the movie are not only motivated by the depth of a story (I'm sure) but also the return your investment will bring. Rest assured you will make your money back, no question!

Hey, I just watched "The Man in the Iron Mask" (screenplay and director: Randall Wallace) again...it's been quite a long time since I've seen it, and though I love the movie, the screenplay is, let's face it, pure crap. I guess most of you have noticed that as well. But the script is so bad and that, espeially in the more damatic scenes, the movie gets unintenionally funny when the actors throw around their pathetic lines. ... Well, I don't know how (and if) Randall Wallace has improved in the last 13 years (I do hope so, since he wrote the screenplay for Outlander), but if the script for the Outlander movie has the same quality like the man in the iron mask and braveheart...help!! At the other hand, the man in the iron mask is still a movie (at least for me) which catches me and in a strange way touches me. Maybe just because it's so damn pathetic that it has the kind of romance of a modern 1940s swashbuckler, which makes it all adorable again. And the music and the great cast just speak for themselves. Now, I don't know if the swashbuckler romance is the right thing for Outlander - probably not...I don't want to laugh, when Jamie tells Claire about the whippings and uses the most pathetic lines...nah, Jamie is not pathetic. Jamie is cool Another thing: The article at the top of the page says that EE has fast-tracked the movie. Well, since it has been delayed due to the recession and the option has expired, do you think that, as soon as the option has been re-newed (what Diana and EE intend to do), they will again try to fast-track it and will go into production quickly as soon as actors (CHRIS HEMSWORTH FOR JAMIE!!! YEYYYY!! ), a director etc have been chosen?? cheers oh, btw... Am I the only one who wants the books to be made into big screen movies? Honestly, I hate the idea of a mini series on TV. For quality reasons but also b/c of me being very selfish here...I'm in Germany and couldn't watch it if it was broadcastet in the US first. It usually takes a long time, before (if at all!) a show or a mini series comes to my country

The Oulander series is more than a story of romance. It overflows with history,suspense, intrigue,adventure, science fiction, violence, etc. These not-for-women-only novels get right to the soul. If this series is done with the expertise of Showtime's "The Tutors", it could be a mini-series that will apeal to both men and women.

I was in the Tourist Bureau in Inverness looking at books and I daw the first three of Diana's. I asked questions of the staff and a man on duty took me outside and pointing across the River Ness, Up the hill on the other side of the river and told me that the book began at the top of that hill. I was hooked. I bought the books and have kept up with them as they came on the market. I just finished"An Echo in the Bone" and am already wondering when the next one comes out. I am awed by the amount of research that has gone into so many areas, and the shaping of the characters from the 18th century. I have only one compliant - the latter books in the series are getting unwieldy but i'll still read the subsequent ones. Thank you Diana

Hey, I stopped getting email updates about this! I just had to read to catch up. I don't have aything new to add, except Chris for Jamie! Gerard for Dougal!

Oh my gosh! The whole time I was imagining him with a broadswoard in his hand instead of the hammer. He'd be an incredible Jamie!!

Watching Vampire Diaries and thinking that Ian Somerhalder would be a perfect Black Jack/Frank! Because HBO can show things that regular channels can't, they will be able to portrey the violence more realistically and won't feel the need to cut out some of the rougher scenes. I have never seen a BBC show, but I'm not opposed to it as long as they make sure to include the good with the bad. Big Screen makes me most nervous because it's either excellent like LotR, or it will suck like most others, but either way alot of things will be left out. I'd like a Gone with the Wind type movie, long and as full as possible.

I got my Graphic Novel today!!! Whew hoo!

I carried mine around for 2 days, read and looked at it.

Outlander is my favorite historical fiction series of all time! Having said that, the only part I could envision Katherine Heigl playing is Laoghaire. I also cannot envision Jamie as some of the older actors suggested. Jamie is a young, buff guy for the most part, even after aging, he's breathtaking. Not an easy role to fill, and I'm sorry but I don't think McKidd is hot enough for the part. Nor is Gerard Butler. I agree with some of the above posts: Chris Hemsworth has my vote! Below are my top pics, in order of preference. Jamie - needs to be a 100% buff, manly guy, like Chris Hemsworth, Matthew McConaughey, Chase Crawford or (as a last choice) Paul Walker. Any of those guys could pull off the red-haired role, particularly Chris. Jamie is noticed everywhere he goes - Gerard Butler wouldn't turn that many heads in a crowd, nor would Kevin McKidd for that matter. Gerard & Kevin could be older Frasers, but not Jamie, IMHO. That would just ruin it for me. Claire - is naturally beautiful. Dark brown, curly hair. I personally think Catherine Zeta-Jones is absolutely PERFECT for the part! She may be 40 years old, but she's stunning. Her features totally fit the part. I also think Kate Beckinsale could do a decent job, and even Rachel McAdams, or Kristen Davis could pull it off. Rachel Weisz would be my last suggestion, just b/c Claire is voluptuous, and Rachel's features (physically) don't mesh well w/ the character for me. Rachel just falls short but that's just my honest opinion. Frank Randall - is also relatively attractive. No offense, but Jason Isaacs may embody Black Jack Randall's character, but I CANNOT see him as Frank. Frank is more of a stately kind of historian sort. Very predictable and reserved in temperament, but not unfortunate looking. I dunno, maybe I just can't get Lucius Malfoy out of my head. Isaacs won't work. I think Hugh Jackman is absolutely PERFECT for the role as Frank/Black Jack Randall. I can't foresee anyone else. Laoghaire - I picture Kate Bosworth in this role. Possibly Kristen Bell, Malin Ackerman, Sophia Myles, or (last choice) Katherine Heigl. I think Kate would do an awesome job, actually! But she would need to gain weight for the grown-up role. Jenny Fraser - Actress Laura Fraser totally fits! Can't think of anyone else. Ian - Viggo Mortensen possibly. Ewan McGregor would also fit well. Brianna - Emmy Rossum! Dougal - Gerard Butler Roger - I picture James McAvoy or even Jude Law Young Jamie - Zac Efron or Simon Woods There were lots of great suggestions in the forum!

After reading book 7 in the Outlander series I had to go back and read the first 6 again. As I finished my second reading I felt like I was saying goodbye to best friends. These books take you into another world. They are robustly written, gritty, enlightening and dearly loved by me and the many friends I have recommended them to. I am a voracious reader and enjoy many genre's both fiction and non fiction and these are very special. They are beautifully crafted and are among the few books I cannot give away. As for the movie, I have little hope that anyone could live up to my image of James Frasier or Claire. It would seriously dissapoint me if they were under represented. possibly Charlize Theron for Claire. She has the power. Jamie needs to be a big guy a manly man. A Liam Neeson or Sean Connery type. Who would that be? Maybe Gerard Butler.

" If all goes well, Ms. Heigl will then turn toward sharply dramatic work, starring as a Scottish heroine in an adaptation of “Outlander,” the novel by Diana Gabaldon. “Scotland? 2012? What do you think?” she said. " This is a quote from the original article from NY Times.

Kevin Mckidd def has my vote for Jamie! Not sure about claire. But Kathrine for Bianna maybe!I like the idea of Gerard Butler for Dougal. Maybe Ewan Macgregor for Collin or Ian. I would love to see this in theatre!

Yeah, at least she should get credit for at least mentioning Outlander and hinting at a possible movie. I just watched Love comes softly from 2003 and I've got to say that she's really good in it. Looks great and handles the drama very well. @ Laurie: You DO realise that McKidd looks like he is 40? I'm SO ANNOYED that people always bring him up. Yes, he is a nice actor and charming as well and yes, he is even Scottish, has red hair and blue eyes. Yes, yes, yes. But thats IT and that alone doesn't make Jamie! Quote Diana: "I think Kevin McKidd is a lovely man and a fine actor. He's also twenty years (at least) too old to play Jamie, just like most of the actors people suggest to me. Kind of the difficulty, isn't it? If a guy's been around long enough to be established and have people recognize and like him...he's too old to play a 22-year-old virgin, I'm sorry. ... And while Kevin McKidd is likewise a lovely Scotsman, he's twenty years too old to play Jamie, so why keep suggesting him?" That's all there is to say about that. IMO Kevin McKidd would be a much worse choice for the young Jamie than Kate Heigl for Claire.

Lisa, I agree with you 100%. The same is true of Gerard Butler. It is much easier to take a young actor and put make up on him so that he looks old (Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button), then it is to take a man who looks in his 40's and make him a believable 22 year old. Plus, if it's true that Kate Heigl may play Claire, can you imagine how old Kevin McKidd would look next to her?

Hi, I've just found this info: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118025882.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 I hope that this mean that we will be able to see the movie soon:)

PS I believe that it would be much better if a woman wrote that script since I think that women have/get a better connection with the novel and the characters. If I got it right Ann Peacock also adapted Narnia for the big screen. Didn't read Narnie but I saw it. Maybe anyone here has read and seen Narnia and can tell me how good/bad the books were adapted, concerning the script.

Familiar with it? I read the series every year or two trying to figure out what the exact formula for the romatic chemistry is, along with polishing my UK history. I LIKE Kathryn Hiegl, I do... BUT NOT IN THIS. British unknown, or someone who can play drama and under-stated comedy... not canned or forced. Eve Myles (BBC Series Torchwood) or even Kate Winslet (if you need box-office 'al la curves!'). This is a HUGE franchise... Harry Potter big... don't screw it up with an American actress.

Love the Outlander Series! I'm on book 3 and am already looking forward to re-reading books 1 and 2 My dream lead actors: Kevin McKidd (plays Owen on Grey's Anatomy) as Jamie. Kevin has it all - he's Scottish, really tall, has red hair, and is good looking in a manly/rugged way. Ideally, a young Kate Winslet as Claire (think Kate Winslet in the Titanic...perfect!). I liked someone's sugg