After a long absence, Jenny Murray is back in Outlander! Fans have been waiting since Season 3 to see Jamie’s older sister again, and Episode 9 of Season 7 delivers that long-awaited reunion. But there’s a twist, Jenny isn’t played by Laura Donnelly anymore.
Instead, Kristin Atherton takes over the role, and her portrayal has already made waves. Let’s dive into why Jenny’s return is so special and how the recast fits seamlessly into the story.
Jenny Murray is the strong-willed matriarch of Lallybroch and Jamie Fraser’s older sister. She’s fiercely protective of her family and deeply tied to the Fraser clan’s history. Jenny’s presence often brings emotional depth and a sense of home to the series.
Jenny and Jamie share a close yet complicated sibling bond. While she loves Jamie dearly, their stubborn natures often lead to conflicts. Her relationship with Claire, Jamie’s wife, has evolved over time. Initially wary of Claire, Jenny eventually became one of her staunchest allies.
Jenny’s reappearance in Season 7
In Episode 9, Jamie, Claire, and Young Ian finally return to Lallybroch. Jenny’s joy at reuniting with her youngest son, Ian, is palpable, especially after he was taken to the Americas back in Season 3. It’s a touching moment that reminds viewers of the family ties that ground Outlander.
Jenny’s life has seen significant changes. Following the death of her husband, Ian Murray, she’s had to adapt to life as a widow while continuing to care for her family. Her return hints at a deeper role in the second half of Season 7.
When the storyline took Jamie and Claire to the Americas, there wasn’t much room for Jenny’s character to fit in. With the Frasers’ adventures far from Scotland, Jenny naturally faded into the background.
Laura Donnelly, who originally played Jenny, has had a flourishing career since her Outlander days. From starring in HBO’s The Nevers to performing on Broadway, her busy schedule prevented her from reprising the role in Season 7.
The recasting of Jenny Murray
Kristin Atherton as Jenny
Kristin Atherton steps into Jenny’s shoes with grace. Interestingly, she had auditioned for the role back when Laura Donnelly was cast, making her familiarity with the character even more fitting.
Atherton doesn’t mimic Donnelly’s portrayal but instead adds her perspective. By playing both younger and older versions of Jenny, she brings new depth to the character while honoring Donnelly’s legacy.
Laura Donnelly’s Legacy as Jenny
Laura Donnelly’s portrayal of Jenny was iconic. Her on-screen chemistry with Sam Heughan (Jamie) and Caitriona Balfe (Claire) made Jenny’s complex emotions feel real. She set a high standard for the character.
While fans miss Donnelly, her absence is understandable. Her career has taken off, proving her talent in a range of challenging roles outside of Outlander.
Though recasts can be tricky, most fans agree that Atherton’s performance feels natural. She’s managed to capture Jenny’s essence while adding her flair.
Recasts are never ideal, but they’re sometimes necessary to keep a story moving. Atherton’s successful integration into the cast shows that Outlander made the right choice.
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Jenny Murray’s return in Outlander Season 7 is a welcoming development for fans. Kristin Atherton has stepped into the role with confidence, preserving the character’s heart while bringing a fresh perspective. Jenny’s presence adds emotional weight to the story, reminding viewers why family is at the core of Outlander.
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