Prepare to hold onto your tricorn hats and whisky glasses: the Outlander universe is expanding. This time, we’re journeying even further back in time to uncover the origins of Jamie Fraser’s (Sam Heughan) dramatic family saga. The forthcoming prequel, titled Blood of My Blood, explores the intriguing premise: What if we could meet Jamie and Claire’s (Caitriona Balfe) parents and witness their own questionable 18th-century decisions?

Wait, is Blood of My Blood actually related to Outlander or just another prequel cash-grab?

This new spin-off is not just Outlander in fancy dress. Blood of My Blood will delve into Jamie Fraser’s origin story, along with the unlikely love stories that brought Claire into existence.

Starz, the American network responsible for Outlander, was explicit in their announcement: the prequel will “focus on two parallel love stories set in distinct time periods”, following Jamie’s parents in the Scottish Highlands and Claire’s parents during WWI in England (that’s right, two sets of parents, offering a double dose of romance and wartime drama).

Think of it as the original Outlander: Parents’ Edition. If you’ve ever pondered where Jamie’s complex relationship with trauma and loyalty stems from, or why Claire possesses such unyielding determination, you’re about to discover the answers with slightly different wigs and even more kilts.

Who is behind Outlander: Blood of My Blood?

Concerned about new hands guiding your beloved fantasy series? Fear not. Blood of My Blood is being crafted by Outlander showrunner Matthew B. Roberts, the mastermind who’s skillfully balanced time-travel romance and Scottish rebellion for years.

Ronald D. Moore and Maril Davis, who were instrumental in launching the original series, are also returning, so you can expect that signature blend of passion, historical ambiance, and unexpected violence.

Roberts encapsulated it perfectly when the prequel was announced, stating that the show is “at its core, a love story.”

“It will explore the lengths to which people will go to find love during an era when love was considered a luxury, and marriages were often strategic, for political or financial gain,” he explained.

“The title references Jamie Fraser’s marriage vow to Claire, and fans can expect to see several familiar names and faces.”

Who is in Outlander: Blood of My Blood?

This is where it gets exciting: Blood of My Blood will feature Jamie’s parents, Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) and Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy), as well as Claire’s parents, Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield) and Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine) — whose most notable achievement, apparently, is producing a time-traveling nurse.

According to the casting lists, the show will also include younger versions of characters familiar to Outlander fans. This includes: Dougal MacKenzie (Sam Retford), Colum MacKenzie (Seamus McLean Ross), Jocasta Cameron (Sadhbh Malin), Mrs. Glenna Fitzgibbons (Sally Messham), Arch Bug (Terence Rae), Uncle Lamb (George Kemp), Rupert MacKenzie (Louis O’Rourke), Angus Mhor (Marlow Walters), Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser (Rory Alexander), and Tony Curran will portray Lord Lovat — Jamie’s charming yet slightly villainous grandfather.

So, is Outlander: Blood of My Blood based on the books?

Don’t jump to conclusions just yet. Although the Outlander series draws from Diana Gabaldon’s bestsellers, this prequel charts a slightly different course. Gabaldon has a novella about Jamie’s early days — Virgins — but the prequel series doesn’t adhere strictly to any existing books (cue gasps from avid readers). Producer Maril Davis confirmed this to Vanity Fair, stating, “We don’t have a book series for this one, so we won’t face debates like, ‘Oh, it happened this way in the book, but the show is doing it differently.’”

In essence, expect familiar names but fresh storylines. According to cast members like Curran, the scripts are intended to feel “very powerful.”

Are Jamie and Claire in Outlander: Blood of My Blood?

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of Heughan’s ginger mane, don’t hold your breath. Heughan confirmed to Esquire UK that he won’t be appearing as Jamie, given that the prequel is set well before Jamie’s teenage years (unless the show decides to indulge in some time travel antics).

“I think I may be a little too old to play young Jamie now! I could perhaps play his father or appear in a flash forward? It is time travel, after all,” he remarked.

This likely means that Claire, portrayed by Balfe, will also not be making an appearance.

When can I watch Outlander: Blood of My Blood?

Outlander: Blood of My Blood will premiere its first episode on 9 August 2025 on Stan, and let me tell you, we are eagerly counting down the days!

Lead image: Outlander: Blood of My Blood