On Outlander last season, Jamie and Claire discovered they were to become parents. At Comic-Con today, the actors talked about how that is working out on set.
If you are not an Outlander book reader, there are some mild spoilers for Outlander season 2.
Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan) are expectant parents in season 2. On top of that, they end up unofficially adopting a French orphan named Fergus.
Executive producer Ron Moore talked about the big transition from the show’s Highland setting to the urban setting of Paris, which he referred to as “the most populous city of that time.” Just as their setting has transitioned, so too have the main characters. Season 1 was largely about a courtship, while season 2 is about becoming a parent in the time of political upheaval.
Moore enthusiastically talked about the new cast members from Bouton the dog to Fergus. The energy that these new cast members have provided has been fantastic, he said. They have shot many of the French interiors already on their sound stage in Scotland, and later this year they will move elsewhere for exterior work.
Just as Gaellic was used extensively in season 1, French is going to be used in season 2. When asked if he spoke French well, Sam Heighan (Jamie) shook his head and answered, “badly.” He followed up by saying that it was easier for him than the Gaellic. During read throughs the French actors would shake their heads at them as they mangled the language (a tutor helps them on set before they have to speak in a particular scene).
Caitriona Balfe, who plays Claire, told Hypable that the new French cast has been wonderful. “Romann Berrux (Fergus) is such a sweet, sweet kid and very funny. Apparently, he’s also very heavy which you should ask Sam about, because he struggled lifting him. It’s been great. It’s lovely to watch Jamie and Claire to assume this role as surrogate parents. You really see her fears about becoming a mother come into play. It’s beautiful when you watch her and Fergus find that bond. It’s a really cool part.”
Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie, also commented on his role as parent and surrogate parent. “Fergus brings this great dynamic to the Jamie and Claire relationship. It’s nice to see Jamie and Claire playing parents, and looking after the child.”
When asked about the physicality of Claire being pregnant and managing all the elaborate French court dresses, Balfe replied, “We definitely have a little baby bump which is very strange. I find myself just sitting down and rubbing it, and after a few days you just find yourself holding your stomach all the time, and then getting up like this.” She demonstrated putting her hand behind her back and hoisting herself up.
“I feel like it’s such an important part of her story. She thought for so long she wouldn’t be able to have children. It was something that was very heart breaking for her, and now that she has the chance, it’s a wonderful, emotional part of her role to play.”
Season 2 of Outlander will air sometime in 2016 on Starz.
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