Outlander season 6 kicked off filming and cast members have been sharing updates on what's happening behind-the-scenes. The historical drama encountered production delays in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The schedule was pushed back to accommodate the global health crisis.
Back in December 2020, series stars Sam Heughan, Caitriona Balfe, Sophie Skelton, and Richard Rankin appeared in a special video posted on the official Twitter of Starz. At the time, the cast teased what to expect in Outlander season 6 and the series will kick off production "imminently."
While they didn't provide the exact date of filming, fans expect it to start a few weeks following the announcement in the clip. The fifth installment began production in April 2019 and wrapped up in November of the same year. Then, it premiered in February 2020 on Starz.
If Outlander season 6 follows the same schedule, there is a possibility that filming will end in either late September or early October 2021. As for the potential release date, fans can expect the latest batch of episodes dropping in January 2022.
However, filming for the next installment is different compared to the preceding ones. The production may take longer this time around since the top priority is the safety of the cast and crew. Details on how everything works remain scarce, but Daily Record reported there's a testing center in the Scotland hub.
The outlet noted that everyone is required to undergo testing three times a week. If one of the cast or crew members tested positive for COVID-19, they need to isolate and filming will be halted. There are certain health guidelines and protocols that must be followed, as well.
In an interview with Parade, Heughan discussed how they're going to adapt filming Outlander season 6. He said that they need to be in "contact with each other" -- either intimate or regular scenes. The actor added that it's not just the cast members but the core team is also included.
Heughan explained that it's hard to do the job without having everyone around. In addition, a strict set of rules are being placed on set to ensure their safety while in contact with each other. He made it clear that they're being tested, they have face coverings, and they were in a safe place
Meanwhile, Outlander season 6 will continue to follow the Fraser and McKenzie family. The upcoming installment is based on Diana Gabaldon's A Breath of Snow and Ashes, with some storylines already featured in the previous season.
