'Outlander' Author Diana Gabaldon Speaks Up On Issue Of Casting Actor With Violence Record
In the light of the #MeToo movement in the entertainment industry, every actor who has violence record is being closely watched even he only plays minor roles. More so, if the show that the concerned actor appeared into is as popular as Outlander.
As soon as Outlander aired on Sunday, fans vented their concern about one of the actors that appeared in Episode 4. Some took on social media account of Outlander author Diana Gabaldon to question the casting of Will Strongheart in the previous "Common Ground" episode. They pointed out that Strongheart has a history of assaulting a woman in the past and he served 18 months time for his conviction.
Gabaldon, who served as a consultant for the TV adaptation of her novels, admitted that she did not know about the casting of Strongheart. Gabaldon explained that she is only informed about the casting of important characters so she could help in the promotions. She added that she wasn't advised about the casting of any Native American actors except for Tantoo Cardinal.
"Naturally I don't think it's good that this happened. On the other hand, I don't think it's reasonable to ask the production people to investigate the backgrounds of every actor they hire for a minor part," Gabaldon said.
Strongheart played the role of English-speaking Native American named Tawodi in Season 4 Episode 4. In the said episode, the character tells Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) "that is not our way" when speaking of the ex-tribal member who sexually assaulted a woman. He also expressed gratitude to Jamie for killing a former tribal member whom he said "laid with his woman against her wishes."
Stronghold's history of violence was brought up when he appeared in the Canadian film Indian Horse earlier this year. According to CBC News, Strongheart was charged with two counts of assault causing bodily harm in 2010.
In an email he wrote to the new outlet earlier this year, he explained that the assault incidents happened when he was battling drug and alcohol abuse. Strongheart also claimed that he had been sober since 2010. He also apologized to the people who got affected by his action.
Meanwhile, Outlander fans have also watched in Episode 4 one of the most-awaited moment of Season 4: the Jamie Fraser fight with a bear. In the episode, the bear was revealed to be a man who got ostracized by the Cherokee tribe for sexual assault. He assumed the bear persona to steal food and terrorize Fraser's Ridge.
Jamie killed him and brought his body back to his tribe. This gave Jamie the name "bear killer." Meanwhile, Outlander Season 4 will return on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Starz.
