Latest news with #GrahamMcTavish
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Graham McTavish reflects on Outlander journey as series comes to an end
Reach Screen Time spoke to the Outlander star about his time on the series An Outlander star has recently shared insights into their experience with the colossal historical drama series, reports the Scottish Daily Express. Graham McTavish, known for his portrayal of Clan War Chieftain Dougal MacKenzie, opened up about the internationally acclaimed series approaching its conclusion. Speaking to Reach Screen Time, he commented: "Well, it's a sort of strange one because I've kind of been leaving Outlander for years and they keep bringing me back. It's like Al Pacino in The Godfather Part III, they keep pulling me back in." He revealed with amusement: "I think the best was when they rang me and said, 'Oh, we want you to play your own bastard son' and I was like, 'Okay.'". Open to various opportunities, he remarked: "I mean, I'm up for anything really and it was great fun to do it, and it was great fun to go back to the flashback episode stuff in season seven." McTavish noted: "Well, you never really leave Outlander that's the thing I've learnt, because there's so many people that come into it. Even very recently I met people the other day just watching season one. So it's a continual mushrooming of the fandom." The actor emphasised the enduring impact of the show, sharing: "There's literally not a day that doesn't go by when people stop me to talk about Outlander. Every day and in every possible part of the world, in the most unlikely places." Reflecting on the sustained popularity of Outlander, he stated it was "remarkable" to see the growth of its fan base, especially as the show is poised to enter its eighth and climactic season – highlighting the formidable reach of streaming platforms. McTavish first caught the attention of network Starz for their action-packed pirate series Black Sails, but he was already committed to The Hobbit film series at the time. When Starz approached him for a role in Outlander, a historical drama set in Scotland's rugged Highlands, McTavish was "absolutely" onboard to join. The next step took him to London for a chemistry read with Sam Heughan, who had already secured his spot on Outlander. Reflecting on the meeting, McTavish shared, "It just went really, really well. We got on straight away. He was very, very warm, very welcoming, very generous and we had a great time,". After securing his role, he along with fellow cast members engaged in Highland bootcamp, diving deep into Diana Gabaldon's vivid universe. McTavish has admitted: "The thing that I would emphasise is that nobody, when we were making [Outlander] especially the first season, really had any idea how it would be received." He elaborated on the pressures they faced: "We were aware of the huge fan following that the books had and we had that kind of weight of responsibility in that respect, but we didn't know whether people would like it." The actor then spoke about the challenge of gauging the show's potential success from within its production: "When you're inside something like that, it's very difficult to get a view from the outside of what is this going to be like." Concluding with appreciation for the team, he remarked: "We were very lucky with all the people we were working with. It's just been a real phenomenon. It's been wonderful." The cast and crew of Outlander have wrapped up filming for the final season, although Starz has yet to announce a release date. In the interim, Starz will broadcast its 10-episode prequel series, Outlander: Blood of My Blood. This series is set years prior to the original drama's timeline and delves into the lives of Jamie (portrayed by Heughan) and Claire Fraser's (Caitríona Balfe) parents. Unlike Outlander, which is based on existing source material, Blood of My Blood is an entirely new creation. The narrative centres around the romance between Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy) and Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) in 17th century Scotland, as well as the World War I love story between Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine) and Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield) amidst the trenches. The series will also introduce younger versions of characters such as Dougal (Sam Retford), Colum MacKenzie (Séamus McLean Ross), Ned Gowan (Conor MacNeill), Lord Lovat (Tony Curran), and Jocasta Cameron (Sadhbh Malin).
Daily Record
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander star details 'disturbing' new role away from series in psychological thriller film
Outlander fan favourite Graham McTavish has opened up his new role in his upcoming film which is premiering this week. Outlander star Graham McTavish, best known for his role as War Clan Chieftain Dougal MacKenzie in the Starz show, has shared details about his new venture. The 64-year-old Scots actor is set to play a very different character in his upcoming movie Dirty Boy. The film follows the dark story of a boy called Isaac, played by Stan Steinbichler, who is a reclusive schizophrenic raised by a cult that are now framing him for a string of ritualistic murders. Isaac must discover the truth about his real parents and clear his name before time runs out, all while trying to overcome obstacles from both the cult and his alter-ego Frankie. The Outlander star plays the evil cult leader Walter Wentworth, the patriarch of the religious group who manipulates everything behind the scenes. During an interview with Reach Screen Time, McTavish said he was "immediately drawn" to Doug Rao's script, who also directed Dirty Boy. While some brand Dirty Boy as a "horror", McTavish said it's "much more than that", likening it to a psychological thriller, the Express reports. He added: "But it's very disconcerting, very disturbing and you just keep feeling like something really bad is about to happen." McTavish has played numerous villains throughout his acting career but McTavish says Dirty Boy's Walter is among the most despicable due to his irredeemable traits, even drawing comparisons with the infamous American child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The actor said: "There are parallels you could draw with a character like Wentworth with Jeffrey Epstein and that kind of world. Epstein didn't create a cult, but that sort of giving yourself permission to do anything and feeling that there will be no consequences, and that's what people like Wentworth do." He further remarked on how individuals like Epstein would "rationalise" their actions into a "story they tell themselves", labelling this as the "root of evil". Unlike some of his past villainous roles, the actor admitted he is finding it "hard to justify anything he's doing", making the part "very difficult" to play. Reflecting on one of the most disturbing scenes in Dirty Boy, McTavish spoke about the moment when Walter gazes at himself in a mirror while awaiting cult member Hope, played by Honor Gillies, before a sex ritual. He said: "It's very creepy. He's not looking in the mirror to see if he has any blemishes, he's just staring at himself, like that phrase 'staring into the abyss." Dirty Boy was filmed back in 2023 amidst the gorgeous scenery of Lake Grundlsee in Austria. The film's star studded cast also includes Netflix's Apple Cider Vinegar and Wentworth Prison actress Susie Porter, Olivia Chenery of Penny Dreadful and Queen fame, Hetty Feather's Ava Merson-O'Brien, along with Ruaridh Aldington, Heidi Rolph-Stott, Alice Lucy, Katharina Scheuba, and Michael Kodi Farrow. The independent film is set to make its UK debut at the Raindance Film Festival this weekend, before gracing cinemas in August. McTavish is currently working on various projects, including two films, his Bourbon brand McTavish Spirits, and a role in Starz's sequel series Spartacus: House of Ashur, set to premiere this autumn.
TTG
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TTG
Avalon Waterways hits high note with Storyteller Series
Now in its fifth year, the Storyteller Series returns in 2026 with a range of star-studded sailings that bring icons of entertainment and literature aboard Avalon Waterway's Suite Ships. For travellers who dream of sailing with stars and storytelling with legends, Avalon is rolling out the red carpet for more beloved headliners including in 2026: celebrated actor, author and Avalon Waterways spokesperson Graham McTavish. 'While the world's waterways will always take centre stage with Avalon, when you combine breathtaking scenery with some of the most talented storytellers of our time, you create an experience unlike any other," said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. "With our Storyteller Series, we've redefined river cruising – offering guests front-row access to their favourite icons, unforgettable encounters and immersive adventures that turn the page on traditional travel." Rogue on the Rhône: A Legendary Voyage with Graham McTavish (8-Day River Cruise | Lyon to Arles | June 9 – June 16, 2026) – The Rhône River has played host to poets, conquerors and revolutionaries—but never Graham McTavish. Until now! Avalon guests are invited to join the Outlander star, bestselling author, and Avalon Waterways spokesperson for an epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, where history, storytelling and adventure collide. Sip, sail and swagger through the heart of Provence and Burgundy, tracing the footsteps of Roman emperors, artistic masters and wine-loving rebels. On this special, Active & Discovery cruise itinerary, guests can expect riveting tales and legendary toasts as McTavish shares behind-the-scenes stories from his life on screen and the page. Prices start from £3864 per person based on double occupancy. Since its launch, Avalon Waterways' Storyteller Series has welcomed an impressive roster of world-renowned artists, authors, and icons – including Diana Gabaldon, Candace Bushnell, Gillian Flynn, Jen Hatmaker, Christopher Moore, Cheryl Strayed and more.
