All the Heughligans and “Outlander” finally have their datebooks marked: Starz has announced its adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s book series will premiere 8 p.m. CT Aug. 9.
In the story, WW II combat nurse Claire Randall gets swept back to 1743 Scotland, where she meets hunky Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser. She misses her 1945 hubby, Frank Randall, but like I said, Jamie’s a hunk.
What’s a lady to do?
Adapted by Ronald D. Moore of “Battlestar Galactica” fame, the 16-episode “Outlander” series stars Caitriona Balfe as Claire and Sam Heughan as Jamie.
The network Thursday also released the key art for the series, which shows Claire stuck between the two worlds, reaching for Frank while Jamie stands behind her. “What if your future was the past?” it asks.
In Claire’s future, she and Jamie run afoul of British baddie Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall, an ancestor of Frank’s. Tobias Menzies, who played Edmure Tully in “Game of Thrones,” stars as both Randall men.
Says Starz, “The ‘Outlander’ series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history, and adventure in one epic tale. It follows Claire Randall as she navigates the hidden dangers of 18th century Scotland, an unknown world where her freedom and very life are at risk. When she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire’s heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.”
The key art image, says Starz, “represents Claire’s physical and emotional journey. At the start of the series, she is a woman who has been transported into the past, but she’s reaching back and trying to stay connected to the life and husband that are now beyond her reach.”
Starz collaborated with The Refinery and photographer Frank Ockenfels 3 on the image, which was shot on location in the Scottish highlands.
Other cast members include Lotte Verbeek as Geillis Duncan, a Scotswoman and friend of Claire’s, James Fleet as Rev. Wakefield, Graham McTavish as Dougal MacKenzie, Gary Lewis as his brother, Colum MacKenzie, Duncan Lacroix as Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser, Annette Badland as Mrs. Fitzgibbons, Laura Donnelly as Jenny Fraser, Stephen Walters as Angus Mhor, and Nell Hudson as Laoghaire MacKenzie.
According to Starz, Gabaldon’s seven-book series has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. The eighth installment, titled “Written in My Own Heart’s Blood,” will be released June 10.
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