Richard Rankin Lands Major Post-'Outlander' Leading Role

Rankin will be moving from the 18th century to the 21st century.

With only one more season of Outlander to film—Season 8—the stars of the STARZ series are beginning to line up post-Outlander jobs and Richard Rankin, who plays Roger Wakefield MacKenzie, has lined up a doozy!

Rankin will be moving from the 18^th century to the 21^st century in the Viaplay reboot of Rebus, based on the bestselling novels by Sir Ian Rankin—no relation, it's reported by The Scotsman.

“I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of Rebus. I’m a big fan of the series and Sir Ian Rankin. I feel very lucky to be given the honour of bringing such an iconic Scottish character back to TV screens and will give all I have to do it justice.” says Rankin, referring to to previous production of Rebus, which starred John Hannah, Ken Stott, Brian Cox, Ron Donachie, and Charles Lawson.

Related: Exclusive! Outlander Star Richard Rankin Reveals How Roger Earns Jamie Fraser's Respect in Season 6

Author Rankin, who has written 24 Rebus novels, adds, “Rebus has been a big part of my life for a long time now and to work with Gregory Burke to create a new story that sees him navigate life as a younger man in a contemporary (and ever-changing) Scotland has been a truly fascinating process. I’m very much looking forward to watching Richard bring the character to life—he’s the perfect fit for the role, and not just because we coincidentally share the same surname!”

The reboot is described as follows: “40-year-old Inspector John Rebus is at a psychological crossroads following an altercation with an infamous Edinburgh gangster. At odds with a job increasingly driven by technocrats, involved in a toxic affair he knows he needs to end, and all but supplanted in his daughter’s life by his ex-wife’s wealthy new husband, Rebus begins to wonder if he still has a role to play—either as a family man or a police officer. In a world of divisive politics and national discord, does the law still have meaning, or is everyone reverting to an older set of rules? And if so, why shouldn’t Rebus do so too?”

Related: Get a First Look Behind the Scenes of Season 7 of Outlander

Rankin will start filming the new adaptation of Rebus next month. It will stream on Viaplay in 2024. Further castings will be announced soon.

Season 7 of Outlander, based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon, returns to STARZ this summer.

Next, What the Season 7 Outlander Opening Title Sequence Reveals About the Upcoming Story