Why is the Outlander panel at NYCC 2021 mostly virtual?

For the most part, the NYCC 2021 Outlander panel is going to be virtual. Why is that the case? Aren’t there ways to get actors into the country?

Outlander is going to be at NYCC once again, but this one is going to look very different to normal. Sam Heughan and Diana Gabaldon will be there in person, but the rest of the Outlander cast will attend virtually.

The pandemic is certainly blamed for this. If you look at the borders and the flight restrictions between the U.S. and UK, you’ll get a sense of why the panel had to be virtual.

Was there a way for the Outlander cast to attend NYCC 2021?

Aren’t there allowances, though? While there are some (and they would count for a panel at NYCC because it’s pure promotion) it doesn’t mean the cast would have wanted to attend in person. They may not have wanted to come into the U.S. and may not be leaving too far from their own homes right now.

Also, Caitriona Balfe will still be on maternity leave. While she could have chosen to head back to work for this, that doesn’t necessarily mean she wants to. The virtual panel means she only has to take a few hours out rather than days. And she won’t want to put her young baby at further risk of the coronavirus.

The panel is still going to be fun. There’s a chance to learn more about some characters we don’t often get to hear about. Cesar Domboy, Lauren Lyle, and John Bell will attend the panel, and they’ve not been to NYCC in the past. We’ll get teases of what’s to come for Fergus, Marsali, and Young Ian.

Outlander‘s panel at NYCC 2021 takes place on Saturday, Oct. 9. Stay tuned for the updates and news from the event.