Outlander star shares important advice he gave co-star on 'complex' character

Outlander star Graham McTavish divulged exclusive details on his advice to actor Sam Retford, who steps into the younger shoes of Dougal MacKenzie in the franchise's prequel, reports the Scottish Daily Express.

Speaking exclusively to Reach Screen Time, McTavish imparted sage advice to his younger co-star: "I said that first of all, he's a complex character. One minute you'll hate him, the next minute you'll love him and I said that's important to remember."

He further elaborated on Dougal's motivations, stressing the importance of understanding the character's underlining objectives: "Also, always remember that Dougal does everything for a super-objective, and my super-objective was the restoration of the Stuart monarchy. That was it. Everything else led to that."

McTavish explained that even dark actions are justified by intent: "So, I can cheat, I can kill, I can lie, I can do anything as long as it's for that cause."

Hence, he really tried to drive home to Retford how Dougal's fervent beliefs shape his characters' justifications: "So I really tried to emphasise to Sam that Dougal is somebody that really passionately believes in this one thing and justifies everything else around it. So, that was some of the advice I gave him."

Retford will portray a fresh-faced Dougal in Outlander: Blood of My Blood, but viewers will see shadows of the familiar Outlander warrior. The prequel promises a deep dive into clan MacKenzie's history, chronicling moments such as the MacKenzie brothers, Dougal (Sam Retford) and Colum (Seamus McLean Ross), grasping leadership after their father's Red Jacob MacKenzie's (Peter Mullan) demise.

Additionally, high-stakes decisions await as they plan to wed their sister, Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater), tactically to consolidate the clan's influence.

Ellen might have her own agenda, especially after bumping into Brian Fraser, played by Jamie Roy, at the Great Gathering following Jacob's untimely end.

The second season of Outlander tragically witnessed Dougal's demise as he succumbed during a scuffle with his nephew Jamie Fraser, portrayed by Sam Heughan, and Jamie's wife Claire Fraser, played by Caitriona Balfe.

Throughout his tenure on Outlander, the elder version of Dougal was recognised for his scepticism, aggression, and notable attention to women.

Hints of young Dougal exhibiting similar characteristics have been hinted, with viewers promised references to the original series.

Although McTavish's character Dougal met his end years back, the actor made an unexpected comeback for the seventh series earlier this year. He appeared in a critical scene where Dougal encounters Geillis Duncan, acted by Lotte Verbeek.

Additionally, McTavish featured in the fifth season, taking on the role of his character's illegitimate child Buck Mackenzie, who was conceived with Geillis.

The actor keeps regular contact with his colleague Heughan; they co-host Starz's travel show Men In Kilts.

Despite their busy schedules keeping them apart, McTavish revealed: "We message each other all the time."

He also shared that they're set for a reunion at the Los Angeles launch event for Outlander: Blood of My Blood, slated for July 28.

Outlander season 7 is streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video now

Outlander: Blood of My Blood premieres on Starz on August 8 and on Prime Video via MGM+ on August 9