Outlander Star Explains Why a Spinoff Series About Fan-Favorite Character Was Rejected by the Network

One Outlander star explained why a spinoff series about a fan-favorite character was rejected by Starz, despite a plan being made for its production. The historical fantasy series features a variety of characters, including Claire (Caitríona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan). Their love story is directly related to the upcoming spinoff Outlander: Blood of My Bloodwhich will tell the story of Jamie’s parents in 18th century Scotland and Claire’s parents in England during the First World War. However, a spinoff for another character, David Berry’s Lord John Grey, was also considered, but ultimately never happened.

Talking to DeadlineBerry addressed how a spinoff of Lord John Gray’s Outlander was under constructionbased on the series by author Diana Gabaldon Mr John series. The actor explained how a series was in development during the main show’s 4th season, with text attached. However, it was not picked up by Starz, despite Berry signing on to do the series and interest from executive producers Matt B. Roberts and Maril Davis. Check out what Berry had to say below:

I didn’t talk about it. But I think that with the end of the series I feel a little more comfortable talking about it. There was a point in season 4 when we were going to film our series Lord John; had been written – well, there was a writer hired and I signed a contract to do a series. The question was whether or not it would be approved by the network, but ultimately at the time it was decided that it wasn’t the right fit or it wasn’t the right thing for them. I was prepared to do it and I’m still prepared to do it.

Matt [B. Roberts] and Maril [Davis]executive producers in Outlander, also expressed a lot of interest in doing so. So I think it really depends on finding a network for it and the audience’s interest in moving forward and doing a spin-off. But it was definitely something that was in the plans at one point. The fact that it didn’t go ahead was very disappointing at the time. But whether or not that will happen again is really in the hands of the audience, and whether or not there is still interest in seeing more of this character,

What Berry’s Statement Says About Outlander’s Lord John Gray Spinoff

The Show Almost Expanded Its Universe Before

John Gray was introduced in Season 2 of the main series, originally a sixteen-year-old English soldier played by Oscar Kennedy who Jamie saves. Berry began acting in season 3 where he becomes governor of Ardsmuir prison and befriends Jamie, their relationship is tenuous after the Lord falls in love with him. In the books, John lives a more complex adventure, which is told through three novels and six novels written by him. However, with Outlander With season 8 soon marking the end of the series, it looks like he won’t have these adventures adapted for the screen.

Berry’s statement indicates how close the franchise was to expanding into spinoffs previouslybut as the plans ultimately fell through because Starz wouldn’t accept it. Still, John has played an important role in the story ever since, having appeared at least once in every season since his debut. Although he isn’t always in the spotlight with the cast of Outlanderhe remains a familiar face and an important part of the story, a role that could have grown even more if his series had happened.

Our Take on Lord John Grey’s Outlander Spinoff Never Happened

It would have been a perfect opportunity for the franchise

From the first Mr John books were written before Outlanderthe series could have been introduced to ensure that those unfamiliar with the original wouldn’t get lost. Additionally, its events would not be required to tie into the main plot. This could have branched out the franchise in a unique way, offering standalone adventures for a familiar face. However, Starz’s decision means that won’t happen, which is even less likely now that the original series is coming to an end.

Source: Deadline