Filming continues on Outlander season 5 and the series is set to on Starz arrive in 2020. Now, series star Sam Heughan teased the new challenges of his character, Jamie. Meanwhile, Caitriona Balfe, who plays Claire, talks about what to expect in season 6.
During a panel over the summer, Heughan revealed the biggest challenges of Jamie in Outlander season 5 is building a life in the New World. The actor said his character's struggle would be trying to build the country -- not only for his family and loved ones but for his tenants as well.
Heughan said it's a great responsibility for Jamie, as he becomes the honorary clan chief. That only means that when the new season arrives, the character could be facing more conflicts than in the previous installments. The story is no longer about Jamie and Claire; it will now focus on their whole family unit.
Hence, stakes are much higher for Heughan's character, with the Highlander having to lose more this time than before. The trailer of Outlander season 5 also hints Jamie could lose all his family and leave him in the past.
Another challenge for him is that he's tasked to hunt down his godfather, Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix). But, one character that's unlikely to leave Jamie is his wife Claire. She vowed to stay with him and will never leave him again following their 20-year split through the stones.
In another related report, Balfe recently did a Q&A portion with fans on social media, where she discussed different topics; including the series' future and the sixth installment. The actress revealed she'll remain as a producer in season 6, along with Heughan.
While it has been confirmed fans will be getting Outlander season 6, Balfe said she doesn't know when the filming will begin. However, she does note that they could start in May 2020, or as soon as the scripts are ready. The actress also shared she has no plans to leave the series.
Balfe made it clear that she'll stay on the show as long as viewers still want to see her and other cast members. Although there were speculations she and Heughan will not continue taking part in the series, the actress reassured that won't happen.
Meanwhile, Outlander season 5 follows the materials from The Fiery Cross and A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon. This is the first time the series has taken materials from two books as they preceding seasons only adapted a single novel.
Outlander season 5 will arrive on Sunday, Feb. 16, on Starz.
