Exclusive interview with John Bell

March 14, 2019 | Season 4 of "Outlander" shows Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie Fraser's (Sam Heughan) life after they've stranded in America. Together with their nephew Young Ian Murray (John Bell) they try to build a new life there. In our interview John Bell talks about his role, Young Ian's development and his experiences. In Germany Season 4 of Outlander will be back on RTL Passion on April 9, 2019.

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You started your acting career as a child. How did you get into acting in the first place? What have been the challenges?

I started acting when I was 7 years old, I loved my local drama classes, being on stage was where I felt I belonged. My first ever 'role' was in the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of "An Inspector Calls" at the King's Theatre in Glasgow. I opened the show, and that buzz seconds before the play began was unlike any experience I had ever had. I can safely say the bug had bitten me from then on.

But my major break came when a British children's television show "Blue Peter" ran a competition, open to all, to win a small but crucial role in the upcoming series of "Doctor Who". That success was my first taste of set-life and importantly led me to securing an agent so I could continue my career.

I remember clearly being taught a tough lesson when I was only 8 or 9. My parents brought me to London to audition for "Mary Poppins" on at the west end. Not being a strong singer, it was obvious to my Mum and Dad that I wouldn't be successful, but they felt it was important for me to realise that if I were to choose this career I wasn't guaranteed anything. Funnily enough they were right, and I didn't get far, devastated I left in tears, however when my parents asked whether I was strong enough to keep acting even though I wouldn’t always get the jobs I wanted, I shook myself off and said yes, this was still what I wanted to do. I’m so grateful for that harsh but indispensable lesson.

You were part of some amazing movies like part 2 and 3 of "The Hobbit"-trilogy. What has been the best part of the role of Bain? Could you share a memorable moment from working on the films?

These films are so 'precious' (see what I did there) to millions of fans around the world. Working on that set I felt the legacy that we were creating and I was a part of, it was truly magical. Everyday was full of so many unique and unforgettable moments that it's hard to choose a favourite moment. But filming with Luke Evans, staring down a dragon, (all be it a tennis ball with a scary face drawn on in permanent marker) with Howard Shore's score blasting through speakers, flames erupting around me whilst Peter Jackson yelled "action" is hard to beat. In between takes I couldn't help but grin wildly!

What drew you to audition for the role of Young Ian? How did the casting process go?

It was typical process for me, I received the character breakdown from my agent, tall gangly Scottish lad with a heart of gold - it sounded perfect for me! So I went to Edinburgh to audition with Simone Pereira Hind. I was given two scenes to prepare, one where Jamie comforts Ian as he explains the events of the printshop fire and another more charming look as he returns home for the first time after the events in Edinburgh unfolded. Not long after I received an offer and the rest is history.

Young Ian is a kind and interesting character, it's a joy to see him on screen. What are his best features? What do you admire about him?

He has so many wonderful qualities, which makes him such a pleasure to play. I love how much he bursts with charm but with a streak of that Fraser stubbornness. His penchant for getting into trouble always makes for great story-telling as his possibilities are endless, you never know what commotion he will cause next!

In Season 3, Young Ian ran away from home several times to live with his uncle Jamie. What about his uncle is fascinating for him? How would you describe the relationship between Jamie and Young Ian?

We laugh, I like to call Jamie his 'Funcle'’, never one to dissuade his nephew from his adventures, but where Ian's naivety can mean he idolises his Uncle's fierce past without realising the reality of war and the toll that has, Jamie is always there to bring him down to earth. He certainly has a lot more in common with his Uncle than his family man father Ian Sr.

In the end of season 3 Young Ian suffers traumatic events. How do you prepare for such dark scenes? What is the most challenging part?

It's about finding the truth, it's difficult to put yourself in that situation, at the time the emotions are raw and at the end of the day you are exhausted. In particularly traumatic moments the script is your anchor, and the producers/director your sail. Their help and guidance meant I felt safe and comfortable exploring what Ian had to suffer through. The most challenging part is leaving those emotions at work and not carrying them with you.

The graveyard scene in season 4 dealt with the impact of the rape on Young Ian's life. How did talking to Jamie help Young Ian to work through the trauma? How did you experience the scene?

For the first time to both these men, they see each other as equals. Jamie's confession to Ian meant he felt a little less alone. Someone incredibly close to him had experienced a similar situation and the strength it took Ian to explain the trauma he had experienced meant he was finally allowing himself to heal. Jamie's line "Some ghosts can only be banished by speaking their names and foul deeds aloud" is not only great advice to Ian but to anyone who has experienced something similar, speak to someone you trust so you don't have to suffer alone. Whether it was a wink or a word of encouragement, Sam was there supporting me, I'm thoroughly grateful for his generosity and support in scenes where we really open our hearts to each other.

Young Ian developed a great interest in the Native Americans this season. Where does his interest come from?

Ian very quickly falls in love with the land that is colonial America, it's the adventure he's been dreaming of his whole life. So it only makes sense to Ian that the original people of this land are an opportunity to learn the truth about this new world. He has so much respect for their way of life, their customs, their dress and of course their language. Before any of the events with Roger unfold I believe Ian was already dreaming about life as Native American.

In the season finale Young Ian makes a tough choice. What do you think about Young Ian's reasons for his choices? If you were in his place, what decision would you make?

Throughout season 4, he's constantly trying to prove to his family and to himself that he is a man worthy of that title. Ian seizes his independence in this moment, and through tears says goodbye to his old life. Jamie's final words still send shivers up my spine, "Remember". Although he is gone from Jamie and Claire's life he will never forget who he is, a Highlander. Although to be honest, it doesn't take him long to shake off his emotional good-bye and get on with the challenges ahead and boy does he flourish! It would be hard to know what I would do! And thankfully I think it's pretty unlikely I'll ever have to face that choice, I'm a Libra we're incredibly indecisive!

Comparing Young Ian from early season 3 to the end of season 4 in which way did he change? What would you wish for Young Ian's future and his character development to be?

It's been a journey and a half! He's barely recognisable from the boy of season 3 to the now formidable man by the end of season 4 and he will only grow in that regards. I'm looking forward to seeing how he continues to transform, as I said before the possibilities are endless, but I doubt this is the last we'll see of the plucky Young Ian.

If you could go back or forward in time, where would you go and why?

I loved history in school, so this is an incredibly hard choice! But I'd love to see what Britain was like before the Saxons, Vikings and Romans arrived. I'd be curious to know what the people were like who first built the standing stones that still stand today.

You attended Hobbit Con III in Bonn in 2015. Do you have special memories from this weekend?

Oh it would have to be the parties. Dancing with the fans and sharing our joint love of the Lord of the Rings universe on the dance floor was super cool, it was the best of times. I love Germany!

Thank you so much for making time for us, John!

My absolute pleasure!

Ceren K. - myFanbase

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