‘Outlander’ Prequel: Sam Heughan ‘Jealous’ of New Show
Starz announced development on an Outlander prequel series on Feb. 25. That was only three weeks after author Diana Gabaldon said she was writing a prequel book on Feb. 3. Now, Outlander’s own Sam Heughan weighed in on the prospect, and he’s already angling for a role.
Heughan was a guest on the Happy Sad Confused podcast on March 4. When host Josh Horowitz asked Heughan about the Outlander prequel, he shared his thoughts. Outlander Season 6 airs Sundays on Starz.
Sam Heughan became an executive producer of ‘Outlander’
Heughan and co-star Caitriona Balfe became executive producers on Outlander in the fifth season. They both wanted to be more involved behind the scenes, and now Heughan has experience producing two seasons.
“We’ve been on the show for a while now,” Heughan said. “There’s always been a great dialogue between ourselves and the writers and the execs and every department as well. Now we are involved in the production meetings, so we do go sit on the days off and just go through the whole schedule with everyone just to be a part of it, just to be a part of the process of prepping, and we can give our opinion on something.”
Heughan has gotten into the nitty-gritty of Outlander production. He’s gotten hands-on regarding aspects of production they don’t usually bother discussing with actors.
“It could be something really boring as where are the nearest toilets on location to the logistics of what scene would be better shot on a certain day because you shoot multiple scenes on a day,” Heughan said. “What needs more time? It’s important because all the other departments are represented at a production meeting but actually, the actors aren’t.”
The ‘Outlander’ prequel news surprised Sam Heughan
As an EP, Heughan knew there was more Outlander in the works. However, he admitted he was surprised the Outlander prequel was so far along. Now he’s wondering if he can find a way on, even though it takes place before Jamie Fraser.
“I knew it was in the wings, I knew that was happening, I didn’t realize it was so far advanced,” Heughan said. “I saw Diana this weekend, and she was writing furiously. And I know they’re really excited. I’m excited for them, and I’m slightly jealous as well. I wonder if I can get in there.”
Sam Heughan also has season 7 to produce
After a long Droughtlander, Outlander finally returned with season 6. It’s a shorter season, although the episodes themselves are longer. Now that they’ve produced a season under coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols, they’re ready to make season 7.
“So we have the rest of this press tour, and then we go back to work,” Heughan said. “We’re obviously shooting in Scotland. I don’t really know anything more about it. Can’t say anything more.”
