5 Reasons Steven Cree is an Excellent Gallowglass Choice

Steven Cree will be Gallowglass in Season 2 of A Discovery of Witches. Here’s why this Outlander actor is a terrific casting choice.

It’s been a BIG week for A Discovery of Witches Season 2. Sky One and Bad Wolf TV were on an announcement frenzy, letting fans know who was going to play Phillipe, Gallowglass, Jack, Louisa de Clairmont, Goody Alsop, Sir Walter Raleigh and more.

They also gave us a first look at Matthew and Diana in Elizabethan England.

We can wait while you catch your breath.

While the announcements regarding the cast for ADOW Season 2 generally had us squealing about the overall talent pool and what’s coming down the road, only one actor in the group is familiar enough to us so that we feel comfortable weighing in on how he’ll do: Steven Cree.

As regular readers and listeners to our podcast know, we met over Outlander and jumped into A Discovery of Witches. Our point is we know a thing or two about Outlander and therefore we feel as if we know a bit more about Mr. Steven Cree than perhaps a few others in the ADOW fandom because we’ve seen him in action. We’ve watched him bring depth and panache to the character of Ian Murray, Jamie Fraser’s brother-in-law and his best friend.

So without further ado, here are 5 reasons why we think casting Cree as Gallowglass, the only ADOW vampire giving Matthew a run for his money as most swoon-worthy, is an excellent casting choice.

He already knows how to wear period garb.

It may seem a small thing but not everyone can rock historic clothing. And yes, Steven was dressed a la an 18th century Highlander in Outlander and he’s going to be traveling back another centuryish for ADOW, but we’re feeling comfortable. Doublets are not going to be a problem.

He’s a fan favorite on Outlander.

Steven Cree is popular on Twitter (and often hysterical, we might add; check out his periodic Heughan Talks). He’s also a regular at Outlander events. And, not insignificantly, he has cultivated an over-the-top bromance with Outlander co-star Sam Heughan, fundraised for special film projects and causes that are important to him, and he’s made some unapologetic heartfelt commentary on current topics. Our point is that this ADOW gig is not just going to be one where Steven shows up for the camera and then disappears. He’s going to help promote the show and be engaged with fans. He’ll be involved and that’s potential good news for those of us who may be thinking about, say, an extension of the series that includes various back stories. (Time’s Convert anyone?)

He’s no amateur.

Steven Cree’s acting creds are real. While he’s not a household name, he’s been in a number of films (Brave, Outlaw King) and he’s in the upcoming Terminator Dark Fate. More importantly, we’ve seen him act. Whether he’s giving Jamie or Jennie a bit of what-for or standing by Jamie’s side, Steven understands how to bring a character to life. As Ian he is often Jamie‘s critical sounding board and his moral compass. We’re sure he’ll bring the same awareness to the role of Gallowglass.

He exudes an intoxicating blend of charisma, wit and sexual appeal.

Soooooo…….Gallowglass.

He’s got heart.

A theme from the recent All Souls Con was “heart.” When we think of Gallowglass, we think of a warrior with equal amounts of brawn and heart. In seasons 3 and 4 of Outlander, Steven Cree proved that he can deliver the heart that causes so many of us to hold Gallowglass in such high esteem (ok fine, make him our fictional boyfriend). One of our favorite lines in Outlander Season 3 was uttered by Steven’s character, Ian Murray, as he explained the pain from his phantom limb and related it to the loss of Jamie’s “heart,” Claire. “My leg, it’s not there…As anyone can plainly see,” he tells Jamie, “and yet, it pains me terribly sometimes. Even wakes me up at night. Fergus, the lad, he’ll likely feel the same wi’ his hand. Feeling a pain in a part of ye that’s lost…And that’s just a hand. Claire was yer heart.”

Finally, we’ll just add this. Just as #DebsGotThis in general for bringing A Discovery of Witches to the screen, so, too, does the casting department. They haven’t steered us wrong yet. Steven Cree is just another example of their magical touch. A Discovery of Witches Season 2 can’t come soon enough!