After Sam Heughan Shared One ‘Horrible’ Thing About Filming Outlander In A Kilt, The Prequel Stars Told Me What’s ‘Fantastic’ About Them

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Get ready to journey back to the enchanting world of 18th-century Scotland as Starz brings us “Outlander: Blood of My Blood” in their upcoming TV lineup for 2025! This captivating tale will not only delve into the past of 18th century Scotland, but also introduce a fascinating time travel element, transporting characters like Claire’s parents and Jamie’s family members to interact with each other across different eras. For those who recall the early seasons of “Outlander,” you might remember plenty of scenes filled with warriors donning kilts, and viewers of “Blood of My Blood” can anticipate more of these engaging depictions in this prequel series.

During my conversations with actors from the forthcoming show, they shared their thoughts on the benefits of the costume piece, and casually mentioned one aspect of filming the initial series in a kilt that Sam Heughan found less than appealing.

What Sam Heughan Said About Filming In A Kilt

Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser in Outlander, has mostly praised the experience of wearing a kilt for the role. However, he’s also mentioned one particular challenge associated with it during filming. In an interview with People, he shared that one downside to wearing a kilt on set could be quite uncomfortable at times. Co-star Duncan LaCroix (Murtagh in the series) has also expressed his comfort and practicality in donning the traditional Scottish attire for battle scenes.

If you don’t perform the quick shake when sitting on damp grass, you might end up accidentally touching the ground with your bare bottom! Ouch, that’s quite uncomfortable.

If he had one “unpleasant” moment from 2016 compared to numerous “wonderful advantages” while filming in a kilt, then I would argue that Outlander‘s wardrobe decisions were successful for its main actor. Moreover, Heughan even took part in a travel series titled Men in Kilts, teaming up with his former Outlander colleague Graham McTavish! This leads me to the insights I gained from speaking with the cast of Blood of My Blood before the debut of their upcoming prequel series.

What The Blood Of My Blood Cast Told Me About Kilts

I had the good fortune of having conversations with the stars from the Outlander: Blood of My Blood series at San Diego Comic-Con. Hermione Corfield disclosed an interesting incident where paparazzi almost revealed a major time travel twist in the show. Furthermore, three actors portraying 18th century Highlanders opened up about their kilt experiences, and it was fascinating to find common ground with Sam Heughan and Duncan LaCroix’s previous statements. Sam Retford, who takes on the role of young Dougal MacKenzie, revealed:

As someone who appreciates versatile apparel, let me tell you that this item is simply outstanding! Whether I’m on the move or having a quick rest, its functionality knows no bounds. It serves as a perfect hiding spot for my belongings, and when the need arises, it even functions as a cozy hideaway for myself. To top it off, it’s comfortable enough to use as a makeshift bed. Truly fantastic!

Indeed, it’s hard to find many pieces of contemporary clothing that can boast the qualities you mentioned! For instance, I consider myself fortunate when I come across a dress with pockets. Rory Alexander, who portrays the younger version of Outlander’s beloved character, continued in the same vein as Retford:

Versatile in many ways. Witness our attire, complete with kilt, plaid, and all – once a single fabric piece. It served as a blanket, pillow, and bag. Thus, it’s an outstanding garment indeed.

Despite the kilt having many useful applications, mastering it wasn’t instantly easy for the actors, as Sam Retford confessed. Even though they’re currently filming Season 2 due to its early renewal, he’s still not fully proficient in wearing the tartan. He disclosed:

It’s quite unusual to begin the day, as I’m not yet self-sufficient in putting on my kilt. Consequently, someone needs to help me by lying down on a trailer floor for this purpose each morning. I end up being wrapped tightly, similar to a burrito or a swaddled baby, before venturing out to act like an adult at work afterward, which can be quite challenging.

In my perspective as a fan, Seamus McClean Ross portraying the younger Colum MacKenzie has a unique position compared to Dougal and Murtagh in Outlander. While Gary Lewis’s portrayal of the character had a shorter initial run on the show, the series ensures that Colum’s presence can be just as enduring as theirs.

Ross hinted at the ailment that frequently prevented Columbus from standing for long periods during the original show, as he discussed the clothing selections of the young character.

As a film character, I initially sported a kilt in the early stages of our production, but intentionally opted away from it to project a more political image. The kilt, you see, carries connotations of a warrior or fighter. Given my role as a behind-the-scenes political figure, Colum, it was necessary to distance myself from such associations and focus on the strategic aspects of our storyline.

In the upcoming series, it’s likely that more characters will sport tartan, given most of the scenes appear to be set in the 18th century. However, the exact timing of the time travel plot point that sends Julia back two centuries is yet to be determined. The trailer does provide some hints though, so let’s check it out!

Title “Outlander: Blood of My Blood” debuts on Starz with consecutive episodes at 8 p.m. ET on August 8th. Although we’ll have to wait until 2026 for the final season of “Outlander”, these episodes will transport viewers into the realm of Claire and Jamie. However, this time the story takes place a generation before the original series.

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2025-07-29 15:09