The epic journey of Claire and Jamie Fraser is nearing its conclusion with the highly anticipated eighth and final season of *Outlander*, but the cast's careers are just beginning to heat up with a slew of major new projects. As of December 2025, fans are buzzing not only about the confirmed return of the core cast for the 10-episode farewell but also about the exciting new actors joining the ranks and the full reveal of the prequel series' stars, *Outlander: Blood of My Blood*.
This comprehensive guide provides the freshest updates on who is returning, which new faces will challenge the Frasers in the American Revolution, and the major non-*Outlander* roles the main stars are tackling, from big-budget thrillers to new TV dramas, cementing their status as some of the most sought-after talents in Hollywood and Scotland.
The Fraser-MacKenzie Clan: Complete Cast Profiles & New Projects (2025-2026)
The heart of *Outlander* rests on its four main stars, who are all confirmed to return for the final season, slated to premiere in early 2026. Their individual careers have exploded since the show's debut, with each actor securing major roles that showcase their versatility outside of 18th-century Scotland. Here is a look at the core cast's biography and their latest professional endeavors.
Caitríona Balfe (Claire Fraser)
- Role: Claire Fraser, the time-traveling English combat nurse turned surgeon.
- Born: October 4, 1979, Dublin, Ireland.
- Early Career: Began as a model, walking for major fashion houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana.
- Notable Non-Outlander Work: Oscar-nominated film *Belfast* (2021), *Ford v Ferrari* (2019), and *Money Monster* (2016).
- New Projects (2025-2026): Balfe is set to star in the edge-of-your-seat spy thriller, *The Amateur*, alongside Rami Malek and Rachel Brosnahan, where she plays a character reportedly "unrecognizable" from Claire Fraser. She has also joined the cast of *A Long Winter*, the latest film from director Andrew Haigh, and is attached to a remake of *Sense and Sensibility*.
Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser)
- Role: Jamie Fraser, the Highland warrior and Laird of Fraser's Ridge.
- Born: April 30, 1980, Balmaclellan, Scotland.
- Early Career: Trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Early roles included parts in *River City* and *Doctors*.
- Notable Non-Outlander Work: *The Spy Who Dumped Me* (2018), *Bloodshot* (2020), and the documentary travel series *Men in Kilts* with Graham McTavish.
- New Projects (2025-2026): Heughan continues to expand his empire. He is featured in the 4K teaser trailer for the film *Emulsion 2025*. Additionally, his new book, *The Cocktail Diaries: A Spirited Adventure*, was released in September 2025, further establishing his brand beyond acting.
Sophie Skelton (Brianna Randall Fraser MacKenzie)
- Role: Brianna “Bree” MacKenzie, the daughter of Claire and Jamie, an engineer and time-traveler.
- Born: March 7, 1994, Woodford, England.
- Early Career: Started in theatre and appeared in British TV shows like *Waterloo Road* and *Casualty*.
- Notable Non-Outlander Work: The action film *211* (2018) alongside Nicolas Cage, *The War I Knew*, and the fantasy series *Ren*.
- New Projects (2025-2026): Skelton is starring in the upcoming film *ROW*, the trailer for which was released in 2025. She is also expected to attend the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con panel for *Outlander*.
Richard Rankin (Roger Wakefield MacKenzie)
- Role: Roger MacKenzie, a history professor and time-traveler married to Brianna.
- Born: January 4, 1983, Glasgow, Scotland.
- Early Career: Known for the Scottish sketch show *Burnistoun* and the BBC drama *The Replacement*.
- Notable Non-Outlander Work: *The Last Kingdom*, *Thirteen*, and the popular Scottish comedy *Burnistoun*.
- New Projects (2025-2026): Rankin has landed a major new series lead, starring as the titular character in the new English-language TV series *Rebus*, based on the Inspector Rebus novels by Sir Ian Rankin (no relation). This gritty crime drama premiered in 2024 and made its US debut in late 2025, marking a significant, high-profile role for the actor outside of his *Outlander* character.
New Faces & Returning Favorites for Outlander Season 8
The final season of the main series will see the return of the entire ensemble, but the story's setting during the American Revolutionary War necessitates the introduction of several new, potentially antagonistic, characters. The confirmed returning cast and new additions are crucial for the season's storyline.
Confirmed Returning Ensemble Cast
The final season will not only focus on the Frasers but will also wrap up the storylines of the beloved extended family and friends. Key returning actors include:
- Lauren Lyle as Marsali MacKimmie Fraser
- César Domboy as Fergus Claudel Fraser
- John Bell as Young Ian Murray
- David Berry as Lord John Grey
- Maria Doyle Kennedy as Jocasta Cameron (expected)
- Chris Larkin as Richard Brown (expected)
The presence of Lord John Grey, a fan favorite and Jamie's long-time friend, is a welcome confirmation, signaling a complex and emotional conclusion to their relationship amidst the war. The continued journey of Marsali and Fergus, who have faced numerous challenges in the New World, is also a key plot point for the final episodes.
Three Major New Cast Additions for the Final Chapter
Starz has officially announced three new actors joining the cast for Season 8. These characters are expected to play pivotal roles in the final conflict, likely crossing paths with Jamie and Claire in the turbulent American colonies:
- Kieran Bew as Captain Charles Cunningham: Bew, known for his roles in *Warrior* and *Da Vinci's Demons*, will portray a retired British officer. This addition suggests a heightened military presence and new challenges for the Frasers at Fraser's Ridge.
- Frances Tomelty as Elspeth Cunningham: Tomelty will play the wife of Captain Charles Cunningham, Elspeth Cunningham. Her character is likely to be a key figure in the colonial society where the Frasers reside.
- Carla Woodcock as Amaranthus Grey: Woodcock is joining the cast as Amaranthus Grey, a new character whose connection to the established "Grey" family line (Lord John Grey) is yet to be fully revealed but promises intriguing new dynamics.
Topical Authority: The Cast of the Prequel Series, Blood of My Blood
While the main series is ending, the *Outlander* universe is expanding with the prequel series, *Outlander: Blood of My Blood*. This show will focus on the love stories of Jamie's parents, Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser, and Claire's parents, Julia Moriston and Henry Beauchamp. The full cast has been announced, providing a fresh wave of talent for the franchise.
The prequel series is set to deliver the same blend of historical drama and passionate romance that made the original a global phenomenon. The casting choices for the younger generation of Frasers and MacKenzies are particularly exciting, promising a deep dive into the origins of the Fraser clan.
Outlander: Blood of My Blood Core Cast
- Harriet Slater as Ellen MacKenzie: The fiery, independent daughter of the MacKenzie war chief and future mother of Jamie Fraser.
- Jamie Roy as Brian Fraser: The charming, handsome young man who captures Ellen's heart and becomes Jamie's father.
- Hermione Corfield as Julia Moriston: Claire's mother, a key figure in the 20th-century storyline of the prequel.
- Jeremy Irvine as Henry Beauchamp: Claire’s father, whose life as a traveler and historian will be explored.
- Rory Alexander as Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser: A younger version of Jamie's godfather, promising a look at the early relationship between Murtagh and the Fraser family.
The inclusion of a young Murtagh, a fan-favorite character from the main series, is a significant entity that links the two shows, providing a strong narrative bridge. The production of both the final season and the prequel ensures the *Outlander* franchise will continue well into 2026 and beyond, with a fresh cast ready to tell the next chapter of the epic Scottish saga.
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