Outlander Just Gave Us Its Best Casting Ever (and No, It's Not Sam or Caitriona)
This actor is an unexpected pick but totally deserves every bit of praise.
Perhaps, one of the biggest factors that determines the success of a show is its cast. Indeed, the actors and the way they portray their characters largely shape our perception of the story. That is also why viewers often react strongly to changes in the cast - consider, for instance, the replacement of Henry Cavill with Liam Hemsworth in The Witcher. In other words, actors are an integral part of the shows they star in.
Starz's Outlander is set to conclude the first part of its seventh season in a few days. Since its debut in 2014, this period drama has captivated millions of viewers with its intriguing storytelling, featuring mystery and plot twists, passionate romantic scenes, and depictions of historical battles. As a result, its cast, led by Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, gained huge popularity with fans and became genuine stars. Interestingly, this admiration extends beyond just the leading actors.
The list of Outlander's cast members and their respective characters is quite long. However, one particular actor is universally cherished by the show's fandom. Now twenty, John Bell joined the series in its third season as Ian Fraser Murray, often referred to as Young Ian. As the show progressed, the actor matured with his character.
Many viewers have commented on how John Bell does a great job portraying Jamie's nephew's brave yet somewhat reckless nature.
'I can't help but be in awe of how well John Bell captures Young Ian's spirit. It's like he jumped off the page. The way he stares so admiringly at Sam/Jamie is exactly like I pictured Ian in the book. He nails Ian's naïve, sweet, and adventurous spirit,' a Redditor wrote.
Indeed, the actor seems a natural fit for the role. Over the five seasons he has been part of the show, he has gained significant insight into Outlander and his character. Moreover, Bell has become inseparably linked with Young Ian, as the maturation of one has mirrored the other's character development.
John Bell's character is one of the most complex on the show, and his story is a true delight to follow. Hopefully, we'll see more of him in the second part of season 7, whose release, unfortunately, has been put off until 2024.
Source: Reddit.