Outlander Star Jamie Roy Unpacks Brian Fraser's Season 2 Evolution and Sam Heughan's Pivotal Support

The prequel series 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood' delves into the complex life of Brian Fraser, an illegitimate son of the cruel Lord Lovat, as he navigates forbidden love, familial betrayal, and personal growth. The series, which features Jamie Roy as Brian Fraser, explores the dangerous consequences of his deep affection for Ellen MacKenzie, who is promised to Malcolm Grant, and the strain it places on his friendship with his cousin, Murtagh. Brian, despite his challenging upbringing with his mother Davina and Murtagh, finds himself drawn to Ellen, a woman who, like him, seeks to choose her own path in a world dominated by men.
Jamie Roy, who ultimately landed the lead role of Brian Fraser, had a persistent journey with the 'Outlander' universe, having previously auditioned for two other roles in the original series. His initial auditions were for a one-liner and then a guest star role as Jeremiah MacKenzie. Roy described a five-stage audition process for Brian, culminating in a screen test where the production team, including creator Matt B. Roberts, fostered a supportive environment. This encouragement helped alleviate his nerves, allowing him to deliver his best performance.
A significant source of support for Jamie Roy has been Sam Heughan, who portrays Jamie Fraser, Brian and Ellen's son in the main 'Outlander' series. Heughan expressed enthusiasm for the prequel, attended premieres and Comic-Con with Roy, and regularly checked in on him, offering encouragement rather than direct advice. Roy appreciated this pillar of support, which emphasized enjoying the moment and taking time amidst the whirlwind of press and filming. While Roy consciously avoided mimicking Heughan's performance to ensure Brian's individuality, he noted some natural crossovers in their acting styles, which he attributed to their similar personalities.
Brian Fraser's character undergoes significant evolution throughout the series. Roy highlighted that Brian transforms from a boy to a man, especially by the end of Season 1, taking control of his future. Further changes are anticipated in Season 2, which was actively being filmed during the interview. Roy shared humorous anecdotes from the set, including a scene with Lord Lovat on the toilet where actor Tony Curran improvised comedic sound effects, challenging Roy and Rory Alexander (Murtagh) to maintain straight faces. This scene underscored the grotesque nature of Brian's father, which Brian actively strives to be the polar opposite of. Brian's agenda in this scene was to break Ellen's engagement, initially attempting to appease his father before realizing the destructive path Lovat intended.
The forbidden love between Brian and Ellen is a central theme, with Brian deeply aware of the dangers involved, yet compelled by his heart to fight for the one thing he truly desires. Their unique connection, built on mutual understanding and trust, empowers Ellen to make her own choice. This pursuit of love, however, jeopardizes Brian's friendship with Murtagh. Brian's decision to lie to his best friend goes against his moral fiber, creating an internal conflict and a "tug of war" between love and loyalty. Roy described the heartbreak Brian would feel knowing Murtagh discovered his kiss with Ellen, acknowledging that it severely damaged their trust and put their relationship in jeopardy, though Brian intended to tell Murtagh eventually.
An intimate moment in the chapel between Brian and Ellen also brought unexpected guests: real bugs. Roy recounted discreetly removing beetles and millipedes from Harriet Slater's hair during takes, grounding the intense scene with humor. This moment solidified their commitment, symbolized by Brian initiating a handfasting ceremony—a profound, unbreakable promise in their time. Brian's trust in Ellen is unwavering, despite her being promised to Malcolm Grant, as he plays the "long game" with the conviction that they will overcome obstacles.
Brian also develops an intriguing, almost sibling-like, dynamic with Julia, initially wary but growing to trust and protect each other, especially after Brian learns of her pregnancy. This protective instinct is consistent with his relationship with his mother, Davina, highlighting Brian's respectful nature towards women, in stark contrast to his father. Brian is portrayed as an optimist and a pragmatic individual who, after a final, failed attempt to find goodness in his father, accepts Lovat as a lost cause, leading to a drastic shift in their relationship. The series promises a rollercoaster of emotions, with fans assured that Season 2 will not disappoint, leaving them eager for more at the conclusion of the finale.
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