Outlander fans have divided opinion on how suitable the leading stars of the hit Starz show are in comparison to Diana Gabaldon’s book franchise. It has opened the floor to debate on how the characters have transferred on-screen.
Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe are famed for their roles of Claire and Jamie Fraser. The historical romance series has amassed a global fanbase, after bringing to life Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander books.
However one fan has taken to discussion platform Reddit to question the suitability of Irish actress Balfe, as the role of Claire. It comes as the world war II nurse was described in the books as ‘curvy’ and having completely different coloured eyes, and height.
Sam Heughan has appeared to impress many though, with the Scottish actor being hailed as ‘ideal’ for the portrayal of Highland warrior Jamie Fraser.
“For Jamie, I feel like there aren’t many differences, as I feel like Sam was born to play Jamie, with the subtle difference that he is 3cm shorter than his character. But in Claire we do see more differences between the one in the book and the one in the series?,” one fan penned.
Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan play the leading roles of Claire and Jamie Fraser in the hit Starz show.
They continued, “That doesn’t mean Cait doesn’t play a great role, I adore her. But when I read, it’s a different Claire. Although I have no references. Do you know any famous women that you use as a reference when you imagine Claire because you feel that she is much closer to the one in the books? Or are you just imagining Cait?”
Fans soon took to the forum to weigh in with their opinion, when many fans pointed out that although Balfe’s acting is outstanding, her appearance is a far cry from how the books describe Claire Fraser.
One fan said, “I don’t see Cait, no. Specially bc Jamie talks a lot about her big a** and hips and Cait… well, she is a very skinny legend supermodel with the longest legs ever. She is almost as tall as Sam.”
Another echoed, “No I have a different image for Claire. She’s supposed to her head in the middle of Jamie’s chest when they stand or lay together. Cait is too tall to be Claire. And the eyes.”
A fan quickly responded, “Yes! How many times does Diana write eyes the color of “verra fine whiskey”?” Someone else said, I’ll get downvoted for this, but you asked. I picture Cait, but it’s disappointing that’s she’s so thin. I roll my eyes when I read the books and Jamie talks about her round a** lol.”
“I don’t picture Caitriona, I picture her as described. Book Claire looks nothing like Cait. The height, and especially the height difference with Jamie, her hair color is described as medium brown and Cait’s is close to black, and of course the eyes and lack of curviness (particularly the plump arse) are totally different,” added another.
One person suggested, “I always picture Jessica Raine, the actress who played Jenny Lee on Call the Midwife.”
Meanwhile, some fans disagreed as they praised Catriona Balfe’s portrayal. Many fans had ended up reading Gabaldon’s books after watching the show, and could only imagine Cait as Claire.
One person wrote, “I love the way she’s described in the books as quite curvy (because I can relate, lol, and it makes sense for Jamie’s character to be attracted to a curvy woman esp in that time period) but I loved Cait’s performance so much that I just picture her.”
Someone else quipped, “I picture Caitriona as Claire, as I saw the show before I read the books. I don’t mind her height as it’s nice to see romantic character representation for tall women. As with the books and in rl, the tiny women generally get the tall guys.”
“I see Cait because the show led me to the books, but my book Claire is so much more than show Claire,” added another.
Another fan noted, “I have my own versions of all the characters in my mind when I read. Nothing against the actors. Most of them are fantastic. But the book characters are different people to me.”