Sam Heughan is ready for his next chapter.
The actor, 45, debuted a new hairstyle while at San Diego Comic-Con to promote season 8 of “Outlander” on Friday.
Although his character Jamie Fraser is known for his long locks, Heughan opted for a buzz cut in the off-season.
Along with his shorter hairstyle, the Scottish actor rocked blonde facial hair.
Heughan was joined on the Comic-Con stage by his co-stars Sophie Skelton (Brianna MacKenzie) and Richard Rankin (Roger MacKenzie) and the series’ executive producers Matthew B. Roberts and Maril Davis.
While on the panel, Starz dropped a teaser trailer for the eighth and final season, which won’t hit the air until 2026.
In a video shared to X by Deadline, Heughan admitted he had no idea what he was getting himself into by joining the period piece.
“I think Jamie didn’t know what he was getting into either. I think if you look back now, it’s like, ‘What if he hadn’t met Claire, that woman?’ But what a wonderful journey we’ve been on,” he said. “We were just talking about the first time we came to Comic Con. It was just eye-opening for us to see this amazing fandom; thank you so much.”
The “Couple Next Door” star took a moment to praise the fandom that has stood by the series since its inception in 2014.
“You’ve been with us this whole journey, we’ve created this amazing family. So it’s been hard, that we’re saying this might be our last Comic-Con, but who knows?” Heughan teased. “And it’s just been such an amazing journey to go on with these incredible cast and the crew and, of course, amazing writers as well. So we’re very thankful.”
Touching on Jamie’s fate in season 8, Heughan told the crowd that he is “seeing the development of the character, being more fragile, having more to lose, having lost Claire about 50 times, he knows what it is to lose her, and he will do anything to stop it. So, yeah, it’s been an amazing journey.”
Meanwhile, Caitríona Balfe, who portrays Claire Fraser, was unable to attend in person.
“I’m sorry I’m not there with you,” she told the audience in a pre-recorded message. “I really wish I could be, but unfortunately, I’m filming something at the moment, and the schedule just wouldn’t allow it. So I offer my sincerest apologies. But I know that you’re in very, very capable hands with Sam and Sophie and Richard and Marin and Matt. I’m sending you all love.”
Balfe, 45, continued, “We have shared many a good time in Hall H together. I seem to recall vaguely, some drinking, some dancing, maybe some Irish dancing. There have been so many amazing memories, but it’s not done yet.”
Addressing the fans directly, the actress said, “I am so excited for you to see the final part of this journey that we’ve all been on together for eight seasons, 12 years, which has meant so much to all of us. I know I’ll see you in the coming months before the show airs, and I’ll be looking forward to seeing you all in person. But for today, have the greatest day, and I’m so sorry again.”
The panel also debuted a look at the new “Outlander” prequel series, “Blood of My Blood,” which explores the love stories of Jamie Fraser’s parents, Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser, and Claire Beauchamp’s parents, Julia Moriston and Henry Beauchamp.
As a new era of “Outlander” takes off Heughan revealed he didn’t walk away from filming the final season empty-handed.
“I did steal some things, but I was gifted a full Jamie Fraser. So I have his boots, his kilt, his jacket, his hat and wig,” he told The Post in January.
Heughan even took one of the prosthetic scars he wore on his back from when Jamie got whipped in his youth.
“That’s been framed, and is on my wall,” he gushed.
“Blood of My Blood” premieres Aug 8 on Starz.
