Outlander actor teases 'mischievous' return in season 7 after character's death

Outlander favourite Graham McTavish has delighted fans by revealing insights into his unexpected return to the time-travel drama years after Dougal MacKenzie, the character he played, met a grisly end at the hands of the show's protagonists, reports the Scottish Daily Express.

Portraying the belligerent Jacobite in a surprise cameo during the seventh season of the Starz drama, McTavish made an appearance when Richard Rankin's Roger MacKenzie unwittingly journeyed further back in time than planned, leading him to encounter several iconic characters such as Dougal, Geillis Duncan (Lotte Verbeek), and Brian Fraser (Andrew Whipp).

In an exclusive with Reach Screen Time, the seasoned actor who's also known for his role in The Witcher said about his comeback: "That was just fun."

He warmly recalled reuniting with co-star Lotte Verbeek and described their shared screen time: "It was lovely to see Lotte again and to have that moment between Dougal and Geillis Duncan when they meet for the first time."

With a hint of mischief, he recounted filming their passionate scenes: "The mischievous [moment]. These two characters who just can't wait to tear each other's clothes off. It's just so outrageous but we loved doing it."

McTavish also mused over other Outlander sequences that left a lasting impression on him: "When we were doing it, the ones that stand out are definitely the death scene of my brother Colum. That was a very powerful scene."

Highlighting the emotional depth of his final moments with Gary Lewis during the second season, he added: "In fact, that was Gary [Lewis] and myself, our last scene of season two. That was the last thing we shot."

Reflecting on another poignant instance from the series, he expressed: "Also, the death of Geordie when he's been injured when we're in the boar hunt, that was a really great scene to do. I mean, there were so many scenes.

"Scenes with Caitriona [Balfe], scenes with San [Heughan]. The whole episode of Rent, going around raising the money. It was a very, very rich experience."

McTavish reminisced fondly about filming alongside Balfe in Outlander's first season, particularly the scene set within a limestone cave where Claire stumbles upon Dougal gathering weapons for the rebellion.

"It was a long scene and we did it in one take when we did the wide [shot] and it was almost like a small theatre performance. We both really enjoyed that, we had real freedom of movement which you don't often get in TV and film," he shared.

His standout moment with Heughan involved revealing Jamie's scarred back, serving as a potent symbol of British oppression during their fundraising venture for the Jacobite uprising.

"And that was a really powerful moment," McTavish remarked, adding insight into the complex connection between Jamie and Dougal: "The relationship between Jamie and Dougal is such a complicated one. Jamie is literally a person whose life Dougal has saved and at the same time is plotting to kill him. I mean, that is a complex, conflicted character right there. It was a delight to play and I have a great affection for Dougal."

Currently engaged with various new ventures, McTavish recently celebrated the premiere of his independent feature Dirty Boy at the Raindance Festival.

The movie, directed by Doug Rao, delves deep into the psyche of an isolated schizophrenic young man who has fallen prey to a cult accusing him of a string of ritual slayings they themselves orchestrated.

McTavish, the actor behind the menacing Walter Wentworth in Dirty Boy, confessed his initial attraction to the script and pointed out his character's chilling similarities with Jeffrey Epstein.

Reflecting on the completed movie, McTavish expressed his admiration: "When I came to see it - and I really enjoyed the experience of making it, it was fantastic. But when I came to see it, I was just like, 'Wow, [Rao] has done such a great job.'".

He applauded the director's accomplishments, noting: "What he was able to achieve is remarkable."

The talented actor is now gearing up for two new film projects while also contributing to the Starz blockbuster series Spartacus: House of Ashur.

Dirty Boy will be in UK cinemas from August 22

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