‘Outlander’ boss reveals what’s happening with Lord John spin-off
Outlander‘s executive producer has a positive-sounding update on that possible Lord John spin-off.
The sixth season of Starz’s historical fantasy romance series – based on Diana Gabaldon’s A Breath of Snow and Ashes – started filming in January following delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, fans may be seeing an expansion of the Outlander universe in our TV screens in the coming years.
There have been rumours for some time about a spin-off series based around Lord John Grey, played by David Berry.
The character features in his own novel series by Outlander creator Diana Gabaldon, and now Outlander boss Ronald D Moore has confirmed that official talks have been taking place.
Moore told The Hollywood Reporter: “Conversations are underway on both Season 7 and on a spin-off and I think we’re going to have good news on both those fronts before too long so I feel very optimistic about it.”
He added: “I agree that I would’ve been happy to see it happen sooner than this but everything happens in its time. I think both those things are probably going to happen and hopefully we’ll be able to say something about it before too long.”
Hooray!
David Berry, who plays Lord John in Outlander, has previously admitted that he’s keen for the spin-off to happen.
The 37-year-old Australian actor told journalists last year: “I think the character is a great character. I really enjoy those novels. He’s sort of in the realm of hypotheticals so in a hypothetical world, yeah, I’d jump at the chance to play the character again in the right series.”
He added: “The source material is really strong. Diana has written a wonderful character and a wonderful series of books, and I really enjoyed playing him.”
As for exploring a love interest story for Lord John, Berry has some reservations: “Maybe if you gave him that love he wouldn’t be as compelling to watch. When you get Lord John and Jamie in a room together there is that frisson, that unrequited love…
“I think Lord John’s mystery and fascination for viewers, and for me, is how he carries in his heart this tragic romance for someone who he will never be able to possess.”
He explained: “Keeping that and wondering if he will ever have happiness is his life is something quite tantalising. I think that the fun of it is to think who would Lord John find happiness with?
“The moment we arrive on that, like when Mulder and Scully get together, it loses its steam, you lose interest.”
Season 6 is expected to premiere towards the end of this year or in early 2022.
The makers of Outlander have revealed how they’re filming safely during the pandemic.
Heughan’s new travel documentary series, Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham, began airing on Starz last month.
Fans can also keep busy with the official Outlander Knitting book, featuring 20 knits inspired by the TV series.
Outlander is available to watch free with a 7-day trial of Starz on Amazon Prime Video.