After the recent announcement that new Season 7 characters had been seen on-set during filming of Outlander, it seems Starz has come clean and made the announcement official.
As previously reported by Monsters and Critics, photos had been taken on the set of what appeared to be Rachel and Dr. Denzell Hunter.
For those who watch Outlander without reading the book series by Diana Gabaldon, these names did not mean much.
But, for book fans, it was exciting news to confirm that they would appear in Season 7. However, with the previous announcement of the casting of Jamie’s adult son, William Ransom, it should have come as no surprise that these characters would be appearing in the next installment.
At the time, there had been no official confirmation that the on-set images were of Rachel and Denzell. In addition to this, there were no names associated with the characters, but now that has all changed.
Starz announces Rachel and Dezell Hunter’s casting
According to Deadline, Izzy Meikle-Small will portray Rachel Hunter.
Previously, Meikle-Small has appeared in Never Let Me Go, Snow White and the Huntsman, and Ripper Street, among other TV shows and movies.
Joining her will be Joey Phillips as Dr. Denzell Hunter, who is also Rachel’s brother.
Phillips has also starred in various other TV roles including Casualty, Doctors, and Accused. In addition to this, he has also had several theater roles including Billy Elliott, Of Gods & Monsters, and A View From The Bridge.
“We’re excited to welcome Izzy and Joey to the Outlander family and can’t wait for fans to see how these two fantastic actors bring Rachel and Denzell to life,’ Outlander showrunner Matthew B. Roberts told Deadline.
Who are Rachel and Denzell Hunter?
Rachel and Denzell are siblings that also follow the Quaker faith. They first appear in book 7 of the Outlander series, titled An Echo in the Bone.
Denzell is a doctor and he is called on to tend to William Ransom (who will be portrayed by Charles Vandervaart in the TV series) when he is injured. Young Ian (John Bell) was also present when they first arrive at the Hunters’ farm.
According to the book storyline, Denzell trained in medicine in Boston and London and is eager to use his skills as a surgeon in the Revolutionary Army. This is how the siblings will eventually meet up with Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe).
In addition to this, Rachel is described as being a modest woman with flashes of a more fiery personality. It is this that draws the attention of both William and Young Ian.
Outlander has been renewed for Season 7, but the premiere date has not yet been advised.