‘Outlander’ Gets Two-Fold Prequel Series and Book Announcement Ahead of Season 6
The Outlander universe is expanding. Starz is currently working on a prequel story with showrunner Matthew B. Roberts. Plus, Outlander author Diana Gabaldon has plans for a prequel book. Here’s everything we know about the Outlander prequels so far.
‘Outlander’ prequel series coming to Starz
Speculation about a prequel to the drama began in the summer of 2021. Now, Deadline has confirmed the spinoff. Roberts will write and executive produce the new episodes, working with executive producers Ronald D. Moore and Maril Davis as well as Sony Pictures Television. Moore, Roberts, Davis, Toni Graphia, Andy Harries, and Jim Kohlberg executive produce the Starz series.
‘Outlander’ author Diana Gabaldon is working on a prequel book
On Feb. 3, 2022, Outlander author Gabaldon revealed she is working on a prequel book for the franchise. As she shared on Facebook, the prequel story will follow Ellen MacKenzie.
but I think it’s possibly the first line of the book:
“Ellen MacKenzie, eldest of the children of Jacob Ruadh MacKenzie, chief of Clan MacKenzie—well, the late chief, if only by moments, but she’d think about that later—grabbed Ailidh Watt from behind and dragged her out of sight, clapping a hand over her slobbering mouth to stifle her cries.”
She continued: “Yes, there’s more written than that, but I’m not posting much of this book for some time; I’ve barely begun working on it.”At publication, it’s unclear if the Starz prequel series will follow the story Gabaldon has planned for her book.
Starz already confirmed season 7 of the historical fantasy
Starz renewed Outlander for Season 7 in March 2021. “The hit series Outlander embodies everything about our initiative, including a powerful female lead character and an amazing team of storytellers,” Starz head of originals Christina Davis said in a statement via The Hollywood Reporter. “We look forward to following the adventures of Claire and Jamie in America during the Revolution as well as more time travel during this next season.”
Caitriona Balfe, who plays the lead and is one of the producers, thinks season 7 would be a good conclusion. But it looks like Starz plans to continue generating Outlander content for fans with news of the prequel series.
‘Outlander’ Season 6 will pick up after the traumatic conclusion to season 5
Outlander Season 5 saw Claire returning to Fraser’s Ridge after escaping a violent encounter with Lionel Brown (Ned Dennehy). She and Jamie (Sam Heughan) faced the threat of a looming Revolutionary War trying to decide what was best for their family. Per the Outlander Season 6 logline, the duo will continue fighting to protect those they love “as they navigate the trials and tribulations of life in colonial America.”
The logline continues: “Establishing a home in the New World is by no means an easy task, particularly in the wild backcountry of North Carolina … during a period of dramatic political upheaval. The Frasers strive to maintain peace and flourish within a society which … is unwittingly marching towards Revolution. Against this backdrop, which heralds the birth of the new American nation, Claire and Jamie have built a home together at Fraser’s Ridge.”
Outlander Season 6 premieres on Mar. 6. Stay tuned to Showbiz Cheat Sheet for updates on the prequel series.
