A Dream Weekend with the Outlander Cast at Supanova Sydney

As Outlander fans, we’ve often imagined what it would be like to stand face-to-face with the actors behind our favourite characters - each emotion, storyline, and moment etched in our memories. At Supanova Comic Con in Sydney, we finally got the chance to live that dream.

Thanks to Kilted & Distilled: An Outlandish Adventure in Oz, we were treated to a weekend of unforgettable encounters, charming cast interactions, and Outlander-themed magic that exceeded every expectation.

Priority Access and Exclusive Moments

As Fraser’s Ridge pass holders, we enjoyed priority access all weekend - collecting professional photos, autographs, and premium seats to Q&A panels with the stars. The panels were full of laughter, insider anecdotes, and meaningful audience questions that gave us rare glimpses into life on and off set.

Meeting Jamie Fraser, Lord John Grey & William Ransom

It was genuinely special meeting Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser) and David Berry (Lord John Grey) - with a surprise bonus appearance from Charles Vandervaart (William Ransom), who joined after Richard Rankin was no longer able to attend. The energy in the room each time they took the stage was electric.

David and Charles had terrific chemistry on stage - warm, witty, and full of mutual admiration. Their interactions with fans were thoughtful and heartfelt, reflecting just how much this community means to them.

Both actors also shared their excitement for the upcoming final season of Outlander, set to air later this year or early next. Without giving too much away, they revealed that they’re thrilled with how their character arcs conclude - and while they may be biased, each claimed their character’s ending was their favourite of all the cast members. A huge call - but one that has fans even more eager for the final episodes.

One standout moment was when I was selected to ask David Berry a question during his panel. I said (paraphrased):

"When we first met Lord John Grey, we wanted to hate him. But over time, we grew to like him - and eventually love him. He’s such a complex, emotional character. I’m actually getting emotional just saying this. We were really barracking for him. What did Lord John teach you, either as an actor or as a person?"

David’s response was moving. He spoke about how it was often frustrating reading what Lord John had to endure - wanting to respond with anger - but the character was always written to respond with grace, love, and kindness. That lesson, he said, stayed with him well beyond the show.

The Magic of Sam Heughan

Sam’s Q&A panel was a highlight. The crowd - 98% women by our estimation - was totally captivated as he effortlessly slipped in and out of character. At one point, he invited audience members on stage to audition for Claire in a hilarious impromptu skit. Sam knows how to carry a room.

Meeting Sam was equally unforgettable. What stood out most was his authenticity - he was kind, fully present, and made our brief conversations feel like more than just another photo op. He even gave us a travel tip for our Scotland trip next year: Galloway is now firmly on our list.

When we asked Sam a similar question about how he felt regarding the show’s final season and his character’s journey, he kept things close to the chest - but did say it would be emotional. A short but powerful answer that says plenty to longtime fans.

A Toast to a “Dram” Good Time

The Kilted & Distilled experience delivered on its promise: a once-in-a-lifetime Outlander adventure packed with memories, emotion, and a generous dose of whisky-fueled charm. While we didn’t opt for the Lallybroch pass (which included a whisky tasting of Sam’s award-winning Sassenach blend - with Sam himself pouring, no less, at $2,201 per ticket), we felt we still had an incredibly memorable experience.

If you’re an Outlander fan, this is the kind of weekend worth travelling for. Between the cast access, heartfelt interactions, and sheer fun of it all, it was truly a memorable and outlandish experience.

Finally, there’s an ongoing joke in our house about whether Gill will ever wash the shirt Sam touched!

NB: There's still time to meet the Outlander crew in Perth, June 2025.