Outlander fans still mourn the loss of one of Diana Gabaldon’s most beloved characters, Jenny Fraser, from the TV adaptation of the time-travelling epic. While she didn’t die, Jenny has been unable to return due to actress Laura Donnelly’s conflicting work commitments, which is only set to increase when she becomes the lead in Joss Whedon’s new HBO show The Nevers. One fan has now speculated another character will fill in for Jenny’s upcoming return in the series instead – Laoghaire MacKenzie Fraser.
Book fans know Jenny is set to reappear in North Carolina in book seven (which could be portrayed in season six of the show as a number of elements are being combined from the page to the screen).
But with Donnelly’s schedule looking problematic and fans determined for producers to keep American author Gabaldon’s story as intact as possible, things are likely to have to change.
Reflecting on the latest episode of season five, Between Two Fires, fans shared their thoughts on what they liked and didn’t like, what they hoped wouldn’t come to pass.
JonSnowPeachEmoji, a user on fansite Reddit, began by referring to one of the most controversial plot lines in the book.
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“Honestly, I hope they cut out the Malva part,” they said. “I would be glad to see the brother/sister/pregnancy/jamie cheating scandal go. Marsali filling in the role was a genius move on the writers part, in my opinion.
“That Claire/Marsali scene was everything, I am so looking forward to seeing more of them.”
But another fan jumped on the comment and suggested this could pave way for a rather dramatic change in the plot.
“It could also become interesting in another way for next season,” they noted.
“Where did you see that rumour? That would be a horrible decision!” another chimed in.
The fan then expanded on their earlier cryptic post, clarifying: “Some German TV news mags brought an interview with Nell Hudson last summer were they talked about her reappearing potentially.
“Keep in mind it’s a rumour. However, Jenny returning is still not that likely, considering that her actress is said to have moved on/being too busy with stage acting.”
Another joked: “It better just stay a rumour is all I’m saying. 😉 Jenny coming wouldn’t even be until the end of season seven so who knows where the story would be by then.
“I would love it if they could get Jenny back though, her character is awesome.”
“Jenny doesn’t come back until Book seven, there is plenty of time,” one fan added. “Laura Donnelly hasn’t ruled out playing Jenny again. She has moved on from The Ferryman and is now a lead in a Joss Whedon show. But that doesn’t rule out playing Jenny again if there are more seasons of the show commissioned.
“Only Season six is commissioned at the moment.”
Outlander season five airs Sundays on STARZ and Mondays on Amazon Prime Video.