Outlander fans fume over 'drastic' change made to key character

Outlander fans are undecided over what appears to be a significant alteration to the character William Ransom (portrayed by Charles Vandervaart), who is the biological offspring of Jamie Fraser (played by Sam Heughan).

Leaked snapshots from the forthcoming eighth series have revealed a striking makeover for Jamie and Claire Fraser (Caitriona Balfe) as they progress into their later years.

Yet, it was a revelation about William that caught one fan off guard on Reddit , suggesting he might have undergone a change to resemble his father more closely as their bond deepens approaching the series finale.

• Outlander's last-season transformations for Jamie and Claire Fraser have left fans very unhappy

• First four episode titles for Outlander Season 7 Part 2 secretly released

"I just saw photos of the actors filming season 8. William's hair is very red now! " the fan shared on the forum.

"He was so handsome as a brunette like his mother. I am wondering if there is a reason (maybe discussed in the books? ) his hair has turned red in the show? He still looked like Jamie with the dark hair. The red is just not 'him'."

In response, some fans pointed out that William's locks have always carried a hint of auburn, echoing author Diana Gabaldon's depiction of his hair catching the sun's rays.

"I recall William shaving his beard because he didn't like the red stubble," commented a viewer. "It's always been slightly reddish and not surprising given his lineage."

"Is this the photo? " queried another, posting a picture of Charles on set sporting a reddish-brown ponytail.

"If so, his hair is kind of chestnut in the light, which actually fits his descriptions in the books and his chestnut-haired mother and red-headed father."

One fan expressed disappointment over the apparent changes, replying: "Hasn't this show learned its lesson with trying to change actors' hair colors?".

• Irish movie on Netflix won three awards and 'is an incredible true story of valor' according to viewers
• Liam Neeson movie dubbed greatest war film of all time is now on Netflix

Elaborating further, they added: "They tried to put David Berry in a blond wig but it didn't look good."

"Dyeing Sam Heughan's hair to match Jamie's shade of red so frequently turned his hair purple. Outlander has had poor luck with dyeing actors' hair color, so why are they trying it again with Charles Vandervaart? ".

However, someone countered: "It might be semi-permanent or a rinse of some sort."

"He won't be spending hours in a chair every 3 weeks, nor will he be required to keep doing it even during Droughtlanders, as Sam was required to do."

Yet another agreed: "It does look more red than chestnut. Hopefully it's the lighting."

Set photos aren't always the most accurate way to predict how scenes will appear on screen, so fans will just have to wait a bit longer to see if any truly drastic changes have occurred to their beloved Fraser clan.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .