Starz still hasn’t officially confirmed Outlander Season 5 is happening, although we have a very strong suspicion it will. Just when will it need to be confirmed to avoid that horrible Droughtlander we experienced between Seasons 2 and 3.
Okay, full disclosure: I didn’t actually go through the long Droughtlander many of you did. I actually didn’t start watching Outlander until the summer of 2017 but instantly became hooked on the series. Who wouldn’t, right? However, I do understand what it’s like waiting forever for a favorite series since I grew up in the UK and watch a lot of American shows. Supernatural had something like a two-year break on UK TV. So I can completely empathize and I’m not looking forward to the idea of a potentially long Droughtlander.
We’re all pretty much assuming Outlander Season 5 is happening, right? Ron. D Moore has said that he has no concerns about it not happening. But the big question is when Starz will need to officially confirm it. After all, there’s no point working on a series that may not happen. Anything could happen that derails current expectations and plans.
Filming would need to start in October
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The whole reason Sony and Starz are in early talks for Outlander Season 5 is to avoid the Droughtlander. To keep the break between seasons to a minimum, the show would need to start filming around October 2018. That would match the date for filming commencing on Outlander Season 4 last year.
But the scripts would need to be ready before then. Sure, the scripts can be written as filming happens, which has happened with Season 4, but some of the scripts need to be ready and approved. So, that would need to happen by the start of September at the latest, preferably in August.
I really want to tell you, #Outlander fans something super awesome, but it's a little too early to tweet about it just yet....
— Leanne Aguilera (@leanneaguilera) April 3, 2018
So here's a great GIF to keep you happy in the meantime! pic.twitter.com/kfvcuoYQje
So, when does Outlander Season 5 need to be confirmed?
There were some suggestions that April is the deadline, but that’s not entirely true. As long as we hear by June, that should be enough time. Season 5 doesn’t have dogs to cast, which was necessary for Season 4. The two dogs playing Rollo were cast back in May last year, despite not being needed until later, to ensure there was time for the dogs to get used to the cast and crew.
While July would still be enough time to cast any smaller roles, it’s too late for scouting locations. The crew needs to get permission to film in locations, so will need time to put in permits and get sets together. While some of the sets will be the same and there’s a chance some permits are long-term, there are still smaller locations that would be needed. An announcement by late May, early June would be needed to get through all that paperwork in time to start filming in October.
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It’s a tricky business dealing with everything behind the scenes. Getting the timing right is necessary. As long as we hear by early June, there shouldn’t be a need for a long Droughtlander like last time.
Are you hoping for Outlander Season 5? Are you getting worried there will be a long Droughtlander? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Outlander Season 4 is still filming. Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for more updates about the series straight to your feed.