Outlander throwback: The casting of Sophie Skelton as Brianna Fraser

On this day in Outlander history, Sophie Skelton was announced as Brianna Randall Fraser. Here’s a look at why Sophie is so great for the role.

On Jan. 28, 2016, Sophie Skelton was officially announced as Brianna Randall Fraser for Outlander Season 2. It was a huge announcement as fans had wondered who would take on the role since the second season was confirmed.

Over the years, we’ve watched Skelton grow into the role of Brianna, showing us the multiple sides, fiery personality, and strong will that Brianna holds. And there’s still a ride to come, especially in Outlander Season 5.

For me, Sophie is perfect for Brianna. I don’t need someone who is the height of the character in the books. It’s all about the ability to portray the character with the actors already involved in the production. Height is like eye color for me; it doesn’t matter as long as the connection is there.

Sophie has that connection. She had the tense relationship with her mother, showing immediately that she was closer to her father. When she met Roger, it was clear that she hadn’t chosen to be on this vacation with her mother; she didn’t even want to be there. And at 20 years old and grieving, that wasn’t all that surprising.

Now, I hadn’t read the book first. The series was my first introduction to Brianna, and I got that sense of longing, of grieving, and of trying to find oneself immediately. Skelton being able to deliver that in her first episode was important, and it made me want to know more about this character.

Then there’s the growing relationship. In Outlander Season 3, we got to know Brianna more. We had this chance to see her develop this bond with her mother that she never had before; one of trust and of understanding. She stepped aside to let her mother head back to the past to be with Jamie, despite knowing it would leave her effectively as an orphan.

We also got to see her relationship grow with Roger. It started off as a friendship but built into something more. I’m excited to see where their relationship is going in Season 5 (I am now ahead with the books) and what’s to come as they find their new normal.

Off-camera, it’s clear that Sophie Skelton was the right choice. She gets along well with her castmates, something that is essential to believe the acting on the screen. It’s easy to tell even with the greatest actors when they don’t get along behind the scenes. Sophie is able to join in with fun and games on social media, in interviews, and more.

Sophie Skelton brings Brianna to life and I can’t imagine anyone else taking on that role.

Happy castiversary, Sophie Skelton! Here’s to a wonder Outlander Season 5.