Sam Heughan’s Kindness Inspires Outlander’s New Star

In a heartwarming moment against the backdrop of the entertainment industry, Sam Heughan, known for his captivating portrayal of Jamie Fraser in Outlander, has garnered significant admiration for his generosity. This praise comes from rising star Jamie Roy, who is set to take center stage in the Outlander prequel series, Blood of My Blood.

Roy, a proud Scotsman, recently shared his gratitude during an insightful chat that illuminated the camaraderie he developed with Heughan during filming. He recalled a simple coffee catch-up that blossomed from mundane professional discussions to conversations about life’s randomness.

“Any time anything’s released, artwork or posters or trailers, he’s always one of the first people to text m’Dude, it looks so cool. Congrats. Can’t wait to see it.’ And that means a lot,” Roy expressed to Variety.

Stepping into the shoes of a youthful Brian Fraser, Roy’s character is intricately connected to Heughan’s iconic role. The previous portrayal of an older Fraser by Andrew Whipp—known for Shetland and Netflix’s Bodies—sets a fascinating stage for Roy’s fresh interpretation.

Interestingly, the striking resemblance between Roy and Heughan was pivotal in Roy’s casting, a detail that didn’t escape the attention of the show’s creators. Executive producer Maril Davis and director Jamie Payne have both commented on how much they see of Heughan in Roy.

As Roy candidly noted, while many might believe his character draws inspiration from Heughan’s Jamie, it’s a “happy coincidence.” And speaking of coincidences, it turns out Roy’s real middle name is also Brian—a quirky twist that surely adds to the role!

Layering intrigue, Jamie Fraser’s character occasionally uses the alias “Jamie Roy,” connecting the dots even further. Set to unfold amid the turbulent romance of the Scottish Highlands in the 17th century, Blood of My Blood will explore Brian Fraser’s relationship with Ellen MacKenzie, portrayed by Harriet Slater, all while intertwining the poignant origins of Claire Fraser’s (played by Caitríona Balfe) parents during the First World War.

Despite the distinct eras these stories inhabit, Starz has hinted at an intriguing connection, with possible time travel elements in play. Davis remarked on the challenge of balancing screen time between two rich narratives, ensuring both stories remained unique and compelling.

“You’re not killing your actors as much as we probably killed Caitríona and Sam in the first seasons,” Davis joked, sharing the delicate challenge they faced.

But anticipation is building! Before the series premiere, Starz is hosting an exciting panel event featuring the casts of Outlander and Blood of My Blood. Dubbed The Gathering, this event on June 1 promises fans an exclusive sneak peek into the world of the new series.

Outlander season 7 is currently available for digital purchase and streams on MGM+ via Prime Video. The much-anticipated Blood of My Blood is set to premiere on Starz on August 8, followed by its release on Prime Video via MGM+ on August 9.