Tom Ellis on ‘Outlander’? ‘Lucifer’ Star Shares His Audition Story With Sam Heughan
Lucifer actor Tom Ellis came close to starring opposite his good friend and Outlander star Sam Heughan in the popular Starz historical drama.
Ellis spoke with Heughan in a Q&A interview for the London magazine Square Mile, covering their longtime friendship, as well as Heughan’s background, hobbies, and his break into acting. During the interview, Ellis revealed that he auditioned for Outlander before it premiered.
“I’m going to let you into a little secret. I auditioned for Outlander, not for Jamie Fraser but for Tobias Menzies’ part, ‘Black Jack’ Randall,” Ellis confessed. “I remember reading the script thinking, ‘This is really good.'”
The news came as a surprise to Heughan, who plays the aforementioned Jamie Fraser in the series. “Firstly, dude, I’m not sure how I’d have felt having you, I don’t know, ‘assault’ me, shall we say?” Heughan told his close friend.
Heughan was referencing a traumatic scene from Outlander‘s first season in which Jamie is raped by Randall at Wentworth Prison. Ellis admitted that it would have been a “tricky” scene to film.
“That would have been quite tricky, but I know we would have had a great time,” Heughan added. “Actually, you would have been brilliant at that because Frank Randall is this charming, loveable character and then Black Jack, the other part you would have had to play, is just violent.”
Menzies played the dual role across the show’s first four seasons, portraying both the sadistic British officer Black Jack and his far-in-the-future relative, historian Frank Randall.
“It’s a great part,” Heaughan continued. “Tobias, of course, does an amazing job but that would have been so different. ”
The sixth season of the much-loved drama is expected to return in March 2022, a milestone Heughan never thought they’d reach when he first joined the series. “I remember the first day being driven in by my driver. He asked, ‘How long do you think it’s going to go for?'” he recalled. “I was like, ‘Two years max, that will be it.’ We’re into our eighth year and we’re still going.”
Outlander, Season 6, Premiere, March 6, Starz
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G
I think Stormy is very wrong. I,too, have read the books and can't believe how perfect the casting is with Caitrina and Sam. If you have not seen the show, I don't feel you're justified to pass judgment on the quality of the production and the perfection of the casting.
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R
The thing with reading a novel is, the reader is free to use their imagination in creating the look, sound and surrounding esthetic nuances and tonality in ones own mind which is a great thing. Do all of the chosen cast look as I imagined....no, and they don't have to. What they DO, is effectively and wonderfully act out the creators (Diana Gabaldon) vision. So far, some of the story lines have been adapted/fleshed out for television viewing. Such as with Murtagh's story line which was wonderful.
When we limit ourselves to only what we can imagine and don't allow others interpretations of a FICTIONAL storyline to emerge and flourish, we have not only locked our minds in a little narrow box, but we deny ourselves the joys of going on an exquisite journey. My only complaint....the seasons are too short!
On a side note: When the talk to turn the books into a series/movie first began circulating years back, I thought the late and fabulous Andy Whitfield of Spartacus fame would have made a great Jamie. But I am so thrilled to now have the opportunity of becoming a fan of Sam Heughan. Does he look as I imagined Jamie, not at all. Does he act as I believed Jaime would....oh yeah!
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G
I watched the first episode, was put off by both the casting and the sex scene between Claire and Frank. I never went back.
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G
Then you missed something great....
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B
Although I read and loved the Outlander book series, I've never watched the TV series because I felt the casting was wrong. Claire is a number of years older than Jamie and while Sam has the right coloring, he's too mature and composed. Tom is wrong in every aspect. Catriona is also a poor choice in my opinion; too buttoned up and cold. Disappointing because it could have been a must see for me.
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G
Stormy, you should give the show a try. You'll adore Caitriona and Sam as Claire and Jamie. The show is a must see and very addictive. I promise!
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