Outlander: First Look at Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser

Starz has released the first photo of Outlander lead Sam Heughan in character as young Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser. Said to capture elements of romance, science fiction, history, and adventure, the series tells the story of married World War II nurse Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), who finds herself mysteriously transported back to 18th century Scotland, where she is forced to marry Fraser in order to protect herself. However, she soon finds herself falling for him and questioning whether or not she even wants to return home to the life she once knew.

In addition to Balfe and Heughan, Outlander stars the likes of Laura Donnelly (Merlin) as Jamie’s sister Jenny, who has been like a surrogate mother to him; Lotte Verbeek (The Borgias) as enigmatic Geillis Duncan, practice of the black arts and wife of the procurator fiscal; Tobias Menzies (Rome) as Claire’s husband Frank Randall and Frank’s ancestor Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall; and Duncan Lacroix (Game of Thrones) as Jamie’s taciturn godfather Murtagh FitzGibbons Fraser.

Outlander is currently in production in preparation for a 16-episode first season that will premiere sometime in 2014. More information about the series, adapted from the bestselling novels from Diana Gabaldon, should be available in the coming months, including additional photos, castings, and video.

Has seeing the photo made you more excited for the debut of Outlander? Does Heughan look as much like Jamie as you expected? Which character are you most looking forward to seeing on screen?