An 'Outlander' Lord John Spin-Off Might Be on the Way

Photo credit: Starz - Getty Images
Photo credit: Starz - Getty Images

From Harper's BAZAAR

Outlander's fifth season premiere is right around the corner, adapting the events of Diana Gabaldon's novel The Fiery Cross, which sees Jamie and Claire Fraser struggle to deal with political tensions that will to lead to the American Revolution.

Fan-favorite character Lord John Grey only appears in this particular novel through letters between him and Jamie, although the TV folks have made the wise decision to have him appear in person throughout the season. Clearly they know what their audience wants, but could they go one step further and adapt the multiple Lord John novels into a spin-off show? Actor David Berry recently told Digital Spy that he'd be up for it.

"I think the character is a great character," he said, "I really enjoy those novels. He's sort of in the realm of hypotheticals, so in a hypothetical world, yeah, I'd jump at the chance to play the character again in the right series."

Berry continued, "The source material is really strong. Diana has written a wonderful character and a wonderful series of books, and I really enjoyed playing him."

Another thing we'd all like to see is Lord John with a love interest, which has always been an issue for the character as homosexuality was punishable by death at that time. "Maybe if you gave him that love he wouldn't be as compelling to watch," Berry explained. "When you get Lord John and Jamie in a room together, there is that frisson, that unrequited love... I think Lord John's mystery and fascination for viewers, and for me, is how he carries in his heart this tragic romance for someone who he will never be able to possess."

The Australian actor continued, "Keeping that and wondering if he will ever have happiness is his life is something quite tantalizing. I think that the fun of it is to think who would Lord John find happiness with? The moment we arrive on that, like when Mulder and Scully get together, it loses its steam, you lose interest."

He mused, "I hope he does, but also for our viewers and dramatic purposes I hope he doesn't, because I might become a very boring character."

The Outlander Season 5 premiere is on Starz now.

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