Steven Cree
A picture of actor Steven Cree as Ian Murray on Starz TV series "Outlander." Outlander/ Facebook

As new characters join “Outlander” season 4, there may be other veterans who may have to retire to the background and eventually leave the show. Who, then? The producers know the answer to that, and fans of Diana Gabaldon’s book series have an idea, but an online comment by a concerned fan prompted a response from Steven Cree (Ian Murray).

Cree shared a behind-the-scenes picture from the production set, teasing Richard Rankin (Roger) for having his character's first name on the trailer rather than the last (see below). Responding to the tease, one fan remarked how difficult it will be for viewers, along with the cast and crew, when Cree leaves the show.

Shocked by the comment, Cree jokingly enquired whether he has been fired. The official Twitter page of the show responded by saying that they thought the plot of season 4 was “all about Ian travelling forward in time and getting a better prosthetic leg.”

Season 4 may be a watershed moment for the show. The story will begin to slowly move away from Scotland and shift to America. What will happen to the characters in Scotland? One possibility is that they will slowly fade into the background as Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) meet new people.

Concerned by the possibility of Cree having to exit the show, the fan suggested that they can petition the producers to write Ian into many future episodes. After all, the producers are doing this for Tobias Menzies (Frank/Black Jack).

Will “Outlander” season 4 be the last for Ian? While Ian is a solemn character, Cree is quite different in real life. The trademark humour of the actor has managed to win the affection not only of fans but also of fellow cast members.

Credit: Steven Cree/Twitter

Credit: Outlander/Twitter