Our favourite period drama Outlander will leave a giant Scotsman sized hole in our heart when its final eighth season airs, but we’re hoping its prequel Blood of My Blood will ease the heartache.Â
Outlander: Blood of My Blood is a prequel series to the iconic historical drama, following the respective love story of Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire’s (Caitriona Balfe) parents’ love story in 18th century Scotland and World War I England.
While nothing can compare to the legendary love story that is Jamie and Claire’s, many of the brilliant minds behind Outlander will continue boast their talents in the spin-off series.
Outlander’s showrunner Matthew B Roberts explained to The Herald in early 2023 that the prequel is “at its heart, a love story.”
“It will explore what lengths a person will go to find love in a time when love is considered a luxury, and when marriages are made strategically, often for political or financial gain,” he said.
“The title is a nod to Jamie Fraser’s marriage vow to Claire and there will be several names and faces that Outlander fans will know and recognise.”
Who is cast in Blood of My Blood?
Playing Jamie’s mother Ellen Mackenzie is Harriet Slater, and her on-screen love interest is Jamie Roy as Jamie’s father Brian Fraser. Meanwhile, playing out the origin story of Claire’s parents is Hermione Corfield as Julia Moriston and Jeremy Irvine as Henry Beauchamp.
As for the familiar faces Matthew B Roberts discussed, some fan-favourite characters from Outlander will feature in Blood of My Blood as younger versions including Rory Alexander (Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser), Sam Retford (Dougal Mackenzie), Seamus McLeanRoss (Colum Mackenzie), and Conor MacNeill (Ned Gowan).
What do we know about Jamie Fraser’s parents?
Little information has been revealed regarding Jamie’s parents, Brian and Ellen. However, when the Scottish heartthrob does speak of them, he does so tenderly. His parents fell in love quickly, with the pair getting married and falling pregnant before Ellen’s family could object.Â
Ellen, sadly passed away during childbirth while in labour with her fourth baby. Jamie was one of three children, including Jenny and the eldest William who passed at a young age due to smallpox.
Meanwhile, Jamie’s dad died of apoplexy, brought on by having to watch his son being brutally tortured. Believing his son to be dead, Brian collapsed and sadly died a few days later.
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What book is Blood of My Blood based on?
The prequel series will be based on Outlander author Diana Gabaldon’s tenth book, which Matthew revealed she is working “diligently” on.
“Jamie and Claire’s TV story may be coming to an end with Season 8, but Diana is continuing on with their literary journey in her wonderful book series and is working diligently on Book 10,” he told the publication.
Diana will also act as consulting producer on the spin-off, ensuring the core story of the prequel will be protected.
Where to watch Outlander in Australia:
Outlander is available for streaming on Binge in Australia. Given Outlander’s streaming home, it can be predicted that Blood of My Blood will also be available for viewing to Binge upon its release.
Stream Outlander on BINGE from $10/mth, with a 7-day free trial.
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