LATEST NEWS

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.