Sam Heughan Shares Advice for 'Outlander' Spinoff Cast on Challenging Sex Scenes

A New Chapter in the Outlander Universe

The hit series "Outlander" has always been a beloved show for its rich storytelling, historical setting, and passionate characters. Now, fans are getting a new addition to the franchise with the debut of "Outlander: Blood of My Blood," a spinoff that premieres on Starz on Friday, August 8 at 8 p.m. ET. This new series offers a fresh perspective by focusing on the origins of some of the most iconic characters from the original show.

The Origins of Love Stories

"Outlander: Blood of My Blood" serves as a prequel, diving into the dual love stories of Jamie Fraser's parents, Brian Fraser (played by Jamie Roy) and Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater), as well as Claire’s parents, Julia (Hermione Corfield) and Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine). This allows viewers to explore the roots of the relationships that have shaped the main narrative of the original series.

While Sam Heughan, who portrays Jamie Fraser in the original series, is not part of this new show, the actors playing his parents have had the opportunity to connect with him. Roy and Slater have met the actor who plays their on-screen “son” at various events promoting the show, which has created a sense of continuity between the two series.

Advice from an Icon

Jamie Roy shared that one of the first pieces of advice he received from Heughan was to enjoy every moment. He said, “One of the main things [Heughan] said to me right at the start was just to enjoy every single moment as much as you can.” This sentiment resonated with Roy, who took the advice to heart.

He also mentioned that Heughan has been checking in on him throughout the process. “He literally was texting me [at the premiere], checking in on me. Saying, ‘How are you doing? Are you coping okay?’” Roy expressed that these messages meant a lot to him, emphasizing the support he felt from Heughan.

Embodying the Spirit of Characters

Harriet Slater shared her approach to portraying Jamie’s mother, Ellen MacKenzie. She stated that she didn’t try to imitate Heughan’s mannerisms but instead focused on absorbing the spirit of the characters. “I think I just absorbed the spirit of Jamie Fraser and also of [his daughter, Brianna] and also of [his sister, Jenny] as well,” she explained.

Roy joked about the similarities between his performance and Heughan’s, noting that it wasn’t intentional. “I wish I could take credit. I worked hard, but that wasn’t the stuff that I was focusing on.” He added that any similarities were likely due to the casting team's ability to find actors who embody certain aspects of other characters.

Navigating Intimate Scenes

"Outlander" is known for its steamy scenes, and the new series continues this tradition. Harriet Slater admitted that she hadn’t done anything of this level before and found it daunting. However, she praised the support from the production team, especially the intimacy coordinator, who ensures that everyone feels safe and confident during such scenes.

Slater explained that there is always a closed set for sex scenes, with as few people as possible present. “We rehearse a lot beforehand. So that we know exactly what is going to be asked of us on the day, it’s choreographed.”

A Healthier Lifestyle

Jamie Roy humorously noted that doing sex scenes keeps him healthy. “Because I’m like, ‘Well, I gotta look good!’ So, I don’t drink as much booze as I would have, and I eat healthier. So it’s a win, I guess.” His lighthearted take highlights the unique challenges and benefits of working on such a physically demanding project.