How to handle Jenny in Outlander if Laura Donnelly doesn’t return

Laura Donnelly has previously hinted that she may not return to Outlander. Considering Jenny has a part to play in the novels, what could the showrunners do for the character in the show?

Outlander Season 4 should see Brianna and Jenny meeting, but that’s unfortunately not going to happen. Laura Donnelly confirmed that she wouldn’t be in the fourth season due to scheduling conflicts and pregnancy, and she hinted that she may not return in the future of the series.

This will be surprising for some. After all, Jenny has a part to play in the later books. The problem is by the time the show gets to these parts, Donnelly will have likely moved on with other projects. That’s the risk run with long projects like this and trying to get guest stars back.

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So, what could the showrunners do if Laura Donnelly doesn’t return? How can they bring Jenny back without the actress?

Use another actress

One of the easiest options is to bring in another actress to play the character. There’s been a big time jump, which could allow for the show to bring in a slightly older actress to play the role without issue.

The problem with this idea is that no other character has had a new actor come into play the role. We’ve also already seen Laura Donnelly aged to play the older Jenny, so it would throw things off.

Cut out the Jenny plot points

Another option is to completely change this part of the story. Sure, book fans aren’t going to be overly happy about that, but it could be the only option the showrunners have. What’s better: new actress or no storyline at all?

There are going to be some elements that will certainly need to change. After all, Jenny plays a role in a plot point in Book 7 that leads to something for Claire in North Carolina. No spoilers for those who haven’t read the book! Without Jenny, the reasons for that storyline with Claire and another person will need to change.

Switch Jenny and Ian’s storyline around

There is the option of giving all of Jenny’s scenes to Ian Murray. Ian and Jamie are very much like brothers, growing up together and supporting each other in times of need. This would be a chance to bring Steven Cree back onto Outlander screens, so there’s still a character that fans love.

Plus, switching the two characters around wouldn’t cause too many headaches in plot points. At least, not for the foreseeable.

Of course, all these worries are in the future. To start with, having Jenny off screen is relatively easy. Outlander Season 4 is likely switching a few characters around for the Brianna scene to happen without Laura Donnelly there. We’ll have to wait to see how the showrunners will handle it in the future.

How do you think the showrunners should handle Jenny’s storyline? What should they do if Laura Donnelly can’t return? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Outlander Season 4 continues on Sundays at 8/7c on STARZ