Fans of the acclaimed series Outlander were on the verge of seeing a highly sought-after spinoff come to fruition. Although the initial plans fell through, there may still be a window of opportunity. As the central Outlander series approaches its conclusion with the eighth season, discussions surrounding the future of the franchise intensify. Many have expressed interest in exploring undiscovered narratives within this beloved fantasy landscape, and it seems that Starz shares this sentiment. The upcoming spinoff, titled Outlander: Blood of My Blood, is set to debut in the summer of 2025.
This new series will take a unique approach, drawing inspiration not directly from Diana Gabaldon’s books, but rather from the untold stories of Jamie and Claire’s parents. Blood of My Blood will navigate between two timelines: the early 20th century featuring Claire’s parents, Henry Beauchamp and Julia Moriston, and the 18th century focusing on Jamie’s mother and father, Brian Fraser and Ellen MacKenzie. The intertwining tales promise to provide a captivating backdrop, although some fans may feel this isn’t the spinoff they had envisioned.
A Lord John Grey Spinoff Was So Close
A Script Was Ready
Diana Gabaldon has authored a spinoff book series that fans have long wanted to see adapted for the screen. Lord John’s narrative spans his youth and early adulthood, creating a strong foundation for a television series. Instead of moving forward with this promising concept, Starz announced Blood of My Blood. Actor David Berry, who portrays Lord John in the main series, recently disclosed how close they were to producing a spinoff centered around his character.
Prior to the release of Outlander season 7, part 2, Berry revealed through Deadline that a script for the Lord John spinoff was fully developed, with his commitment to reprising the role already established. This planning took place back in 2018, during the airing of season 4. Sadly, no further updates have emerged over the years. Berry noted that the decision ultimately rested with the network, stating that “it was decided that that wasn’t the right fit.” To compound the disappointment, Berry expressed his ongoing enthusiasm to take on the project.
Potential for More Spinoffs Depends on Future Performances
Is There Still Hope?
The existence of a ready script for a Lord John spinoff offers a glimmer of hope that the adaptation could still be revived in the future. While the timeline for such a project remains uncertain, it appears that the decision is contingent on how well the overarching Outlander franchise performs. With the eighth season and Blood of My Blood on the horizon, their success could pave the way for other spinoff opportunities.
If both productions attract significant viewership, there may be renewed interest in exploring Lord John’s adventures. The key lies in how engaged the audience remains with Jamie and Claire’s world. For now, supporters can express their desire for a Lord John spinoff by tuning in to upcoming installments, reinforcing the message that the audience craves more stories from this enchanting universe.