Key Points

Sam Heughan, known for his long-standing role in 'Outlander,' will debut as Macbeth with the Royal Shakespeare Company. After 12 years away from the stage, Heughan expressed his excitement about returning to live theater, describing the experience as something he's been yearning for. The production will be directed by Daniel Raggett, and Heughan will star alongside Lia Williams as Lady Macbeth, with settings possibly ranging from contemporary conflicts to modern America. As Heughan embarks on this new journey, he also hinted at exciting future projects related to 'Outlander' that fans can look forward to.

Key Points: Sam Heughan's Macbeth Debut with Royal Shakespeare Company

  • Sam Heughan stars as Macbeth in RSC debut
  • Expresses excitement about returning to theater
  • Considers different settings including Ukraine or modern America
2 min read

Sam Heughan on playing Macbeth: It's the drug I'm looking for

Sam Heughan excitedly returns to stage as Macbeth, exploring new horizons beyond Outlander.

"It's the drug I'm looking for. - Sam Heughan via Deadline"

Washington, June 3

'Outlander' star Sam Heughan is set to take on the role of Macbeth in the Royal Shakespeare Company's upcoming production, marking his debut with the company.

Heughan expressed his excitement about returning to the stage after 12 years, and said, "It's the drug I'm looking for," as quoted by Deadline.

Heughan, who trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, has always been drawn to the play.

He recalled being in awe of Derek Jacobi's portrayal of Macbeth in Adrian Noble's RSC production and even played minor roles in a 2008 production.

"I remember just going full circle like, going back to the very first show I ever did in youth theatre. I was an extra on the main stage of the Royal Lyceum theatre in Edinburgh in a production of Macbeth," he said.

Heughan's experience playing Jamie Fraser in 'Outlander' for 11 years has dominated his life, but he is excited to explore new challenges.

"It becomes your life a hundred percent. And in some ways that's fantastic, and I've been very lucky... So this is really cool. It's a chance for me to sort of, I don't know, find out who I am again or where I was and see what the next step is," he explained, as quoted by Deadline.

The production, directed by Daniel Raggett, will feature Lia Williams as Lady Macbeth. Heughan and Williams have discussed the setting, considering various options, including the conflict in Ukraine or a contemporary American setting.

"We've been talking about lots of different ways of portraying it... It could be kind of set anywhere," Heughan said.

Heughan also hinted at potential future projects related to 'Outlander', including a possible Comic-Con celebration for the prequel series 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood', which premieres on August 8.

Season 8 of 'Outlander' is expected to air next year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya K.
As someone who studied Macbeth in school, I'm thrilled to see Sam take on this iconic role! His intensity in Outlander makes me think he'll bring something special to the Scottish play. Hope they release a recorded version for international fans 🤞
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Rahul S.
Interesting choice! I wonder if they'll incorporate any Indian elements if they're considering different settings. Macbeth's themes of ambition and fate resonate deeply with our epics like Mahabharata. Could be a fascinating cultural crossover!
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Ananya M.
While I love Sam in Outlander, I'm a bit skeptical about him as Macbeth. The role requires such depth and darkness - hope he doesn't just play it like Jamie Fraser in a kilt! But wishing him the best, he's a talented actor.
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Vikram J.
Shakespeare productions in India are always so vibrant - wish we could see an Indian adaptation with this same energy! Maybe set during Mughal times? The political intrigue would fit perfectly. Sam's version sounds interesting though!
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Sunita P.
Macbeth is my favorite Shakespeare play! The witches, the guilt, the downfall - it's all so dramatic 😍 Hope Sam does justice to the famous "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow" speech. That monologue gives me goosebumps every time!
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Karan D.
Not sure about modernizing Macbeth - the medieval setting is part of its charm. But if anyone can pull it off, it's the RSC. Just hope they don't make it too gimmicky. The play's power is in its timeless themes, not trendy settings.

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