Casting the Characters: A Daunting Task
For over two decades, Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" novels captivated readers, who imagined their own versions of the characters. The challenge of bringing these beloved characters to life on screen was immense. The show's executive producer, Maril Davis, and Emmy-winning casting director Suzanne Smith, took on the task with a sense of responsibility and excitement.
"Finding Jamie and Claire was like finding a needle in a haystack," Davis said.
"We had to meet the expectations of a vast and passionate fanbase." Smith, who approached the project with fresh eyes, added, "The acting had to be spot on, and we were lucky to be allowed to cast unknowns to bring authenticity."
The Search for Jamie: Enter Sam Heughan
When the casting call for Jamie Fraser went out, submissions flooded in from actors worldwide. Among them was Scottish actor Sam Heughan. Davis recalls the moment they saw Heughan's audition tape.
"We saw Sam, and we really liked him. He had this natural charm that was quintessentially Jamie."
Heughan's Skype interview with the producers sealed the deal. "He was so engaging and embodied Jamie’s essence perfectly," Davis said. This swift decision marked the first major casting success for the show.
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