Outlander was back at Comic-Con today, and there were a number of big announcements, from new writers to Blu-ray release dates.
On the panel for Outlander were author Diana Gabaldon, executive producer Maril Davis, executive producer Ron Moore, Sam Heughan (Jamie), and Caitriona Balfe (Claire). The cast just flew in from filming and will go back to Scotland right after Comic-Con wraps. Moore told us earlier today that they will be filming until February with only brief breaks in the fall and at Christmas time.
Blu-ray release date
The Outlander season 1, volume 2 Blu-ray will release on September 29, 2015. Among the features is a gag reel seen below that they shared with the Comic-Con audience.
Other Blu-ray footage includes a new Jamie POV scene, deleted scenes featuring Tobias Menzies, and more.
Pivotal episodes
Ron Moore stated that the episode depicting the switch back to Scotland from France as well as the final episode of the season will be the most pivotal ones.
Season 2 footage
A montage of season 2 footage included flashbacks of Frank and Claire as well as toddler Roger Wakefield. New characters such as Fergus making an courtly bow, Madame Hildegard looking austere, and St. Germain looking threatening were seen. Also to the delight of fans, a PG-13 version of a hot love scene was viewed.
Diana Gabaldon, TV writer
Author Diana Gabadon, who has previously stated that she would not write an episode, announced that she is in fact writing an episode (but at this time we don’t know which exactly). No cameos this season for the author — at least not so far.
Cheers
The panel actually had the cast cracking open a bottle of whiskey. Jokes abounded before the alcohol was flowing with Catriona teasing Sam about “needing variety hon” when Sam suggested that Catriona was flirty with the new French actors.
Sam the tease
The panel played a drinking game in which the cast had to say silly lines with a straight face. Sam clearly won by stating the infamous “grinding corn” line to Diana Gabaldon. After that, they recited lines from Fifty Shades of Grey and Game of Thrones.
On the new cast
Catriona Balfe joked that the French cast and dealing with so many good-looking and talented people was a tough job but she was up to the task. In particular, Frances de la Tour as Mother Hildegard was given high praise by all.
Injuries
The gag reels showed multiple spills. Apparently Sam Heughan has a knack for injuring Caitriona Balfe. In particular he keeps hitting her accidentally with his sword. Heughan himself has not really ever been injured.
Challenges
Ron Moore stated that the weather is always tough. The Americans are all bundled up freezing and the Scots have fewer issues. French is difficult more so for Sam. Catriona speaks it fairly well.
Costumes
They are spectacular. Caitriona Balfe says she has to do a lot of sideways walking in them. Sam Heughan stated that they had to custom redo several bathrooms so the people in costume could get in the doors.
Pirate Sam
In a moment that will probably live forever on YouTube forever, Sam dressed up as Colin O’Donahue from Once Upon a Time to meet a bet. Caitriona Balfe completed his look with guyliner and a fake mustache.
Outlander will be back on Starz in 2016.