Charles Vandrvaart as William Ransom in "Outlander." Photo courtesy/copyright of STARZ.
STARZ is pleased to announce the casting of Canadian actor Charles Vandervaart (Lost in Space, The Craft: Legacy) in the role of William Ransom, the secret son of Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan, on the internationally acclaimed original series, Outlander. The season six finale of the fan favorite series aired May 1 on STARZ and production on season seven began in Scotland last month with Vandervaart joining returning cast members Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin and John Bell.
Raised by his stepfather, Lord John Grey (David Berry), William, the ninth Earl of Ellesmere, is a highly anticipated character from the book series. In season seven, William arrives in Wilmington full of patriotic zeal and enthusiasm to join the British Army and help put an end to the escalating tensions in the American Colonies. As fans may remember from season three, William is actually the biological son of Jamie Fraser, though he does not know the truth of his parentage. On the surface, William Ransom is a courteous aristocrat but simmering under the surface is a Highlander’s fire.
Charles Vandervaart began his career at a young age on stage with the prestigious SoulPepper Theatre Company. He very quickly moved to play the recurring role of John Brackenreid in CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries for eight seasons. Charles earned the starring role of Larry Stanley in The Stanley Dynamic (YTV), followed by the series regular role of Robbie Hobbie in five seasons of Hulu’s Holly Hobbie, which was nominated for a daytime Emmy and won a Canadian Screen Award (2020) for Best Children’s and Youth Program and Best Direction. Charles can be currently seen on Netflix’s October Faction in the recurring role of Young Fred as well as Blumhouse’s remake of The Craft. Charles also works as a voice actor, appearing as Sid the Pirate in four seasons of Paw Patrol. In 2015 and 2016, Charles received Young Entertainer Award Nominations for Best Leading Young Actor, Television Series (The Stanley Dynamic) and Best Recurring Young Actor, Television Series (Murdoch Mysteries). The Stanley Dynamic was also a finalist at the 2016 Cynopsis Kids Imagination Awards for Best New Series and won honourable mention in two categories. Charles can also be seen in the upcoming third season of Netflix’s Lost in Space. An overall avid athlete, he is most drawn to rock climbing. Any remaining time, Charles could be found reading a book.
“We are happy to welcome Charles to the Fraser family for season seven of Outlander, joining the cast with the other talented actors that bring our stories to life,” says Matthew B. Roberts, showrunner, writer and executive producer. “Scotland will again be our production home as the Frasers and MacKenzies try to make a home against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War. This season promises more adventure, time travel and emotional peril than any season before”
Executive producer Maril Davis adds, “The character of William Ransom is a wonderful role, and one fans have been eager to see. Finding someone with the talent and physicality to play Jamie’s son was a daunting task, but Charles’ charisma was evident during the audition process and we are excited to see what he will bring to William’s multi layered journey.”
The Outlander television series is inspired by Diana Gabaldon’s international best-selling books, which have sold an estimated 50 million copies worldwide, with all nine of the books gracing the New York Times best-seller list. The “Outlander” television series has become a worldwide success with audiences, spanning the genres of history, science fiction, romance and adventure in one amazing tale.
Matthew B. Roberts, Ronald D. Moore, Maril Davis, Toni Graphia, Luke Schelhaas, Andy Harries and Jim Kohlberg executive produce. Outlander is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Left Bank Pictures and Story Mining & Supply Company, in association with Sony Pictures Television.
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