STARZ’s The Gathering was released as a special celebration of Outlander Day, and it quickly became much more than just a commemorative event. It was a heartfelt tribute to the world of Outlander, bringing together the beloved cast of the original series with the new stars of the upcoming prequel Outlander: Blood of My Blood. It marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another.
The event featured emotional speeches, plenty of behind-the-scenes joy, and, most importantly, exclusive new footage from the prequel that left us buzzing. With themes of legacy, love, and the weight of family expectations, the footage confirmed that Blood of My Blood is ready to carry the Fraser saga forward with just as much passion and power.
Clan Fraser vs Clan Mackenzie
The exclusive footage opened with a pivotal moment: the funeral of Ellen MacKenzie’s father. It is there that she meets Brian Fraser for the first time. The MacKenzies and Frasers, two clans with a long-standing rivalry, have rarely interacted, and their initial meeting is filled with tension. Yet, amidst the grief and formality, a spark ignites between them — the kind that changes everything.
One of the most intense storylines teased in the footage is the growing competition between brothers Colum and Dougal MacKenzie. Both seek to prove themselves worthy leaders of their clan, and as they vie for dominance, the strain on their relationship becomes evident. It’s a battle of ambition and identity that adds depth and conflict to the early days of Clan MacKenzie.
Brian Fraser’s upbringing is marked by contrast. His father is cold and rigid, embodying the harshness of Fraser tradition, while his mother is clever and resilient — a survivor in a male-dominated world. Brian’s journey, as shown in the footage, revolves around forging his own path, balancing integrity with the expectations of his lineage.
MORE: STARZ Releases New Photos & Sneak Peeks of ‘Blood of My Blood’ And ‘The Gathering’
Waiting for More
One of the biggest surprises of the new footage was the role of a young Murtagh. Living on the fringes of Clan Fraser, Murtagh isn’t particularly respected or welcomed, but fate draws him into the conflict between the Frasers and the MacKenzies. That’s where he meets Ellen, and what begins as an unlikely connection soon blossoms into something more. Murtagh’s love for Ellen adds a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative, especially for longtime fans who know how deep that devotion runs.
Jocasta MacKenzie also takes center stage in the prequel. Trapped in the expectation of an arranged marriage, she appears resigned to her fate — until she sees her sister Ellen fall in love. That moment awakens something in Jocasta: a longing for a different life, one not bound by obligation. Her arc promises to be a powerful exploration of choice, desire, and womanhood in a time when freedom was scarce.
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Julia and Henry: A Love Born from Survival
Parallel to the story of Ellen and Brian is the growing connection between Julia and Henry. Their bond begins in an unusual but deeply personal way: through letters. Julia stumbles upon Henry’s words, and soon they begin exchanging messages. Both live practical, survival-driven lives — but through their letters, they find a shared understanding.
Eventually, they meet. And what follows is nothing short of beautiful: walks together, quiet moments, laughter, intimacy. Their relationship unfolds gently but meaningfully, showing us the foundation of a love that will one day lead to Claire and Jamie. We also learn that Julia is a talented painter — a gift that might explain where Brianna inherited her artistic spark. Get ready, the past is calling, and it’s just as compelling as ever.
The most emotional moment of The Gathering came during a collective meet from both casts. Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan reflected on the legacy of the series, while Harriet Slater (Ellen) and Jamie Roy (Brian) expressed their gratitude and excitement to step into this rich universe. The sentiment that resonated throughout the event: “To the end of one journey… and the beginning of another.”
MORE: 5 Things We Want to See in ‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’
Check out The Gathering Below:
Outlander: Blood of My Blood will premiere on August 8 on STARZ.
