*Warning – This article contains minor spoilers for Outlander season 7b.*
After much anticipation, Outlander enthusiasts have been flocking to social media to share their thoughts on the premiere of season 7’s second part.
The return of Claire Fraser (played by Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie Fraser (portrayed by Sam Heughan) to the Starz series has delighted fans, yet some can’t shake off the feeling that “something was missing”.
Fans of the historical drama are expressing doubts about the new actress stepping into the shoes of Jenny Murray, Jamie’s elder sister.
Laura Donnelly left an indelible mark as Jenny, a character that hasn’t graced the screen since the third season. This season, however, sees Jenny’s return, albeit with Kristin Atherton taking over the role, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
Despite Atherton’s clear acting chops, fans are finding it hard to come to terms with the change, describing the transition as somewhat abrupt.
They’ve taken to X, previously known as Twitter, to voice their concerns over the inevitable change in casting.
“The different actress playing Jenny in outlander season 7 is throwing me off,” one fan confessed.
Another commented: “Nothing against new Jenny but the reunion definitely didn’t hit as hard with it being a new actress.”
A third chimed in: “Anyone else having a really hard time trying to choke down Jenny’s replacement? She’s just missing the essence that is Jenny.
“Not saying the new actress is necessarily bad at acting, she’s just missing what makes Jenny… Jenny.”
“I miss old Jenny,” one fan shared, echoing the sentiment of many who favoured Donnelly’s portrayal in Outlander. “I feel [the] Jenny played by Laura Donnelly was special. When an actor brings a character to life and makes you believe, it’s hard to replace them.”
Yet, there is also praise for the new actress taking on Jenny’s role, with comments such as: “Some big shoes to fill but the new actress has done an excellent job filling them!”
Another fan’s supportively added: “I think New Jenny deserves a chance she sounded like old Jenny but give the actress a chance.” (sic)
After defining Jenny as a beloved figure in the initial seasons of the time-travel drama, Donnelly stepped back due to her busy schedule, which now includes roles in HBO’s The Nevers and theatre productions like The Ferryman and The Hills of California.
With Donnelly unavailable to return to the Starz hit show, viewers are hopeful that actress Jessica Reynolds will offer a seamless continuation of Jenny’s story in the forthcoming chapters of the saga.
The first episode of Outlander season 7b is available on Starz and to stream on Prime Video channel MGM+.You must be an Amazon Prime member before you can sign up for MGM+.