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Outlander: Author Overruled Showrunners on Key Death
28 Jul
Summary
- Author Diana Gabaldon approved show changes but not Black Jack's survival.
- Showrunner wanted to keep villain Black Jack Randall alive past Season 3.
- A scene showing Black Jack alive was filmed but never aired.
Diana Gabaldon, the author behind the "Outlander" novels, granted the Starz television adaptation permission to make certain story alterations. However, one proposed change regarding the fate of a major villain, Black Jack Randall, was met with the author's firm disapproval.
Showrunner Matthew B. Roberts admitted he had hoped to retain Tobias Menzies' portrayal of the sadistic Captain Black Jack Randall beyond his character's demise in the Battle of Culloden, as depicted in the third book, "Voyager." Roberts recalled seeking Gabaldon's approval for such a significant departure from her written work.
Gabaldon's response was a clear "I really wish you wouldn't do that." Despite the crew's efforts, including filming an alternate scene where Randall seemingly survived the battlefield, it was never broadcast. The author's wishes were respected, and Black Jack Randall remained a casualty of the battle.
