Outlander: John Bell, Wil Johnson cast in season 3

Outlander has filled two pivotal roles for season 3.

John Bell (The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies) will play young Ian and Wil Johnson (Waking the Dead) will play her close friend and medical colleague Joe Abernathy in the new season that will kick off in 2017.

Ian Murray is described as a tall, gangly Scottish kid with a heart of gold, a stubborn streak, and a penchant for getting into trouble. He’s more like his adventurous uncle Jamie Fraser than his farmer father Ian.

Johnson’s TV credits include recurring roles on British dramas like Waterloo Road, Holby City, and Cracker. Bell has been acting professionally since winning a small part in Doctor Who at age 10 by entering a competition on BBC’s Blue Peter.

Production on season 3 of the Starz drama has already begun in Scotland.