LONDON — The much-anticipated return of “Outlander” is set for this month as the series prepares to air the final episodes of its seventh season. In exciting news for fans, the main stars have already completed the official filming for the eighth and concluding season of the show.
Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan, who have portrayed the time-traveling Claire and Highland warrior Jamie since the show’s inception, recently shared their emotional reflections on wrapping up their time with the characters. Just days after finishing their last major shoot, with only minor pick-up scenes remaining, the duo opened up about the experience of filming their final moments for the series.
“It was really emotional. I felt a wave of emotions,” Balfe expressed.
Heughan responded, “I felt the same way. Our final scene was particularly challenging because it was a genuine Jamie-Claire moment, which made it all the more significant. I believe they planned it that way intentionally. It was overwhelming as many crew members gathered to celebrate and witness our last take.”
“There was a lot of dialogue,” Balfe added. “It was quite challenging to get through it all because it seemed to carry a deeper meaning, filled with reflections on farewells and goodbyes.”
Adapted from the books by Diana Gabaldon, “Outlander,” mainly filmed in Scotland, has taken viewers on a journey through various historical settings such as the Jacobite Rising, 1740s Versailles, 1960s Boston, and the Revolutionary War, among others.
“I began portraying Jamie when he was just 23, and now he’s nearing 60. It’s been quite a transformation,” Heughan remarked. “The show constantly evolves and shifts, taking us on an incredible journey from Scotland to America. I appreciate not being in a procedural format that restricts us to the same locations.”
The second half of Season 7 is slated to premiere on November 22 on Starz, starting with Jamie and Claire’s return to Scotland before their obligations in America, specifically the rebellious Revolutionary War, complicate their marriage in unprecedented ways.
“Going back home is undoubtedly rewarding for Jamie and the fans,” Heughan stated, “as they will have the chance to see many beloved characters and familiar settings once more.”
The upcoming episodes will delve into the various storylines involving Claire and Jamie’s daughter, Brianna, and her husband, Roger (portrayed by Sophie Skelton and Richard Rankin), as well as Jamie’s nephew Ian (John Bell) and his secret son William (Charles Vandervaart), raised by a British lord.
Season 7 also marks the farewell of one of Heughan’s favorite co-stars—one who unfortunately won’t be making an appearance in Season 8.
“He’s my horse, Sleepy,” Heughan revealed. “This is the last season viewers will see him in. He’s a black Friesian with a distinctive white spot. Interestingly, if you pay attention, he somehow also appears in America, standing in for other horses. It truly feels like we’re saying goodbye to numerous locations and characters in the latter part of Season 7.”
Although the final season is still ahead, the “Outlander” universe is set to expand with the forthcoming prequel, “Outlander: Blood of My Blood.” This will keep the narrative alive for fans, even as Balfe and Heughan prepare to adjust to the “Droughtlander”—a term coined by fans to describe the breaks between show seasons.
“It has defined our lives for over 11 years. We’ve established relationships and homes within Scotland,” Heughan noted. “Thus, we are facing a significant change ahead of us.”
