Outlander season 7, part 1 introduced a new actor, Diarmaid Murtagh, as Buck MacKenzie. Graham McTavish, who previously portrayed the character, did not reprise the role due to the need for a younger actor. Outlander's casting director, Suzanne Smith, praised McTavish and explained that the decision was simply due to age requirements. She also discussed Murtagh's casting and praised his ruggedness and likability. Smith is now working on other projects, including Outlander's final season and a prequel called Blood of My Blood.