Importance Score:
35 / 100
Outlander Star Sam Heughan’s Scottish Accent Adjusted for American Viewers
Sam Heughan, the celebrated lead actor in the television drama Outlander, was reportedly asked to moderate his natural Scottish accent for the program, according to show producers. The Balmaclellan-born, Edinburgh-raised 44-year-old, known for his portrayal of Jamie Fraser in Outlander, typically speaks with a gentler Scottish brogue. However, for his role in the popular series, a more pronounced Highland inflection was deemed necessary.
Producers Reveal Accent Adjustments During Post-Production
On a recent episode of the Outlander podcast, producer Elicia Bessette discussed the requirement for Heughan and other Scottish performers to participate in substantial additional dialogue recording (ADR) after filming. This process aimed to refine their accents for international audiences.
Bessette pointed out that Caitríona Balfe, the 45-year-old Irish actress who plays Claire Fraser and employs Received Pronunciation, needed to re-record only a minimal number of lines post-production, in sharp contrast to Heughan’s extensive ADR work.
“Poor Sam – solely because we receive requests to sometimes Americanize his accent,” she explained.
Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore Acknowledges Accent Challenges
Bessette’s comments underscored that Heughan’s ADR workload significantly surpassed that of Balfe.
Executive producer Ronald D. Moore concurred, stating, “Yeah, that’s really tough,” acknowledging the actor’s accent adjustments.
Bessette elaborated on the rationale behind these changes: “Just to ensure comprehension of their dialogue.”
Moore expanded on the issue of American audience understanding: “Often, despite our familiarity with the Scottish accent, studio executives in America inquire, ‘What? What did he say?’.”
Accent Acclimation Over Time
Moore noted his personal adaptation to the accent over time, stating, “It’s strange, I now understand them perfectly, but initially, I frequently added ADR notes on screen. Now, I never do.”
Bessette added, “This also applies to Colum [MacKenzie], Dougal [MacKenzie], Angus [Mhor], Rupert [MacKenzie]. At times, we must instruct them to reduce the intensity of their Scottish accents.”
Sam Heughan Discusses His Natural Accent
Heughan previously shared with Entertainment Weekly regarding his portrayal of Jamie Fraser: “My natural accent is a softer southwest Scottish accent from Edinburgh.”
“It could almost be perceived as English. Therefore, we endeavor to incorporate a Highland lilt,” he clarified.
Cast Members Required to Modify Scottish Dialects
The distinctive Scottish accents featured in Outlander have been a significant point of discussion among the cast. Highland characters are expected to adopt a specific dialect characteristic of the 18th-century setting.
Lauren Lyle, who plays Marsali Fraser and is originally from Glasgow, conveyed her initial surprise at having to modify her native accent for the series. She revealed that she worked with a dialect coach to achieve the required pronunciation.
Lyle recounted on the Outlander podcast: “When I first joined the show, I had a session with the dialect coach. I was rather perplexed because I am distinctly Scottish.”
“The primary focus was eliminating the Glaswegian accent and clarifying that Diana [Gabaldon] intended my character’s name ‘Marsali’ to be pronounced like ‘parsley’,” she explained.
Steven Cree Enhances Accent for Season 7
Steven Cree, known for his role as Old Ian Murray, also admitted to intensifying his Scottish accent upon his return for season seven.
Speaking to the Express in 2023, Cree stated, “In some respects, it felt akin to donning a costume and wig with friends and adopting a Scottish accent. I believe we are all somewhat performing Scottish accents in the show.”
He humorously added: “It genuinely feels that way to me when I hear myself back; it sounds like I am putting on an exaggerated Scottish accent.”
Outlander Season 7 is currently available for digital purchase and streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video.
Top News in the Last Hour By Importance Score
85