Season 2 of the British-American historical drama TV series “Outlander” is still months away from premiering on Starz, but rumors and speculations about its plotlines and possible new cast members have been swirling on the internet, indicating how widely-followed the show really is.
The latest reports from the network indicate that Scottish actor Richard Rankin has been tapped to take on the pivotal role of Roger Wakefield.
Starz made the official announcement on the casting of Rankin on December 14. For his part, Rankin also posted on Twitter the following day that he is hugely excited to be joining the “Outlander” family on Starz, which he describes as an amazing production filled with truly wonderful people and the best fans around, details TV Line.
The Scottish actor recently appeared alongside Bradley Cooper in John Wells’ “Burnt,” and also starred in other TV series including “The Syndicate,” “The Crimson Field,” and NBC’s “American Odyssey.” Most recently, Rankin appeared in the BBC One drama “From Darkness,” and he will next be seen playing a detective in BBC’s new drama mini-series “Thirteen.”
The second season of “Outlander” shall be based on the second book of Diana Gabaldon titled “Dragonfly in Amber.”
An important role
Ranking’s character Roger Wakefield is described in the book as intelligent, kind-hearted, and charming. He is the grown up version of Reverend Wakefield’s adopted son, whom fans saw in Season 1 of “Outlander.”
After Roger’s parents died during World War II, he was raised by the Reverend with the help from his housekeeper, Mrs. Graham. He is a proud Scot through and through. Already a professor at Oxford University, Roger has a keen interest in history, and all the secrets and insights it present, details Variety.
Those who have read the best-selling novels of Gabaldon know that Roger shall play an important role in the lives of Jamie Frazer, played by Sam Heughan, and Claire, played by Caitriona Balfe, as their time-travelling story unfolds.
Release date and possible plot
While there has been no specific release date set for Season 2 of the popular TV series, latest reports say that the show will return during the spring of 2016.
As far as plotline goes, reports also have it that Season 2 of “Outlander” shall begin as Jamie and Claire arrive in France, determined to infiltrate the Jacobite rebellion led by Prince Charles Stuart, and in the process stop the battle of Culloden.
With the backing of his cousin Jared, a local wine merchant, Jamie and his wife will be thrown into the lavish world of French society, where intrigues and parties are abundant, but political gain proves far less fruitful.
The couple is also faced with plenty of challenges in attempting to alter history and it shall begin to weigh on the very fabric of their relationship.
But they are also armed with the knowledge of what lies ahead in a race to prevent a doomed Highland uprising that shall contribute to the extinction of the Scottish life as they know it.
Because Gabaldon’s second book is already out, there are already plenty of speculations and possible spoilers for the second season of the TV series which is due to premiere next year.
One of the most important spoilers written in the book is the epic duel between Jamie Frazer, played by Sam Heughan, andBlack Jack Randall, played by Tobias Menzies.
It could be recalled that Jamie has an axe to grind against Black Jack because the latter tortured him in Season 1. Their face-to-face meeting on Season 2 is an opportunity for him to give his tormentor some payback. Jamie also had to deal with a traumatic incident which he suffered in the hands of Black Jack.
Black Jack and Jamie will not just settle for a stare down when they come face-to-face because there is really going to be a confrontation. In fact, several leaked photos of the filming at Pollok Country Park in Glasgow, Scotland showed the fighting scene between the two. The encounter scene is the most anticipated in “Outlander” by fans and viewers of the popular TV series.