Outlander prequel Blood of My Blood’s cast featured the late Brian McCardie but who was he going to play?
Fans of the hit Starz series have been eagerly awaiting the premiere of Blood of My Blood since it was first greenlit in January 2023 with the streamer drip feeding information ever since.
Acting as a prequel to the TV adaptation of author Diana Gabaldon’s book series, Blood of My Blood will tell the story of both Jamie Fraser (played by Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser’s (Caitriona Balfe) parents.
Among the stars announced for the series was Scottish actor Brian McCardie who is probably best known for playing Tommy Hunter in Line of Duty.
He had also starred opposite Sean Bean and Stephen Graham in BBC’s prison drama Time prior to his sudden death last month at the age of 59.
Read more: Outlander’s Fergus star lands thriller movie with Timothy and Rafe Spall
Who was Brian McCardie meant to play in Outlander’s Blood of My Blood?
Filming for the Outlander prequel began in March with McCardie taking on the role of Isaac Grant, leader of the Clan Grant.
Isaac is also the father of Malcolm (Jhon Lumsden) who is to be a potential suitor for Jamie’s mum Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater).
Just weeks after shooting began though, McCardie’s sister Sarah took to X, formerly Twitter, to confirm his death.
She wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many.
“Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, April 28.”
“A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.
“We love him and will miss him greatly; please remember Brian in your thoughts.”
Jamie Roy, who is set to play Jamie Fraser’s dad Brian Fraser, then took to Instagram to share his own emotional tribute.
Along with a picture of McCardie, he said: “In the handful of times I got to meet Brian through BOB, he always left me grinning.
“He was charming, kind and inherently generous soul and I’m very glad to have had the pleasure.”
“I never got the chance to tell him that he was in the movie that made me want to act in the first place [Filth].”
“If you have a spare couple of hours, do yourself a favor and give it a watch. He’s brilliant. Rest in peace, Brian X.”
This wouldn’t have been the first time that McCardie would have appeared in the Outlander world as he portrayed Sir Marcus MacRannoch in the first series.
As of yet though, Starz hasn’t indicated who is going to replace McCardie Isaac for Blood of My Blood.
Outlander is available to watch on Starz and MGM+ via Prime Video Channels.
