Outlander is getting ready to say goodbye, and the eighth and final season is bringing new faces to Fraser’s Ridge. Among them is Captain Charles Cunningham, a character who plays a key role in the drama that unfolds in the books. With production underway in Scotland and the season expected in early 2026, fans are curious about this retired British soldier and what he means for Jamie and Claire.
Here is everything you need to know about Captain Charles Cunningham, from his book origins to who plays him and what his arrival means for the final episodes.
Who Is Captain Charles Cunningham in the ‘Outlander’ Books?
Captain Charles Cunningham comes from Diana Gabaldon’s ninth book, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone. He arrives on Fraser’s Ridge with his mother, Elspeth Cunningham, and they quickly become part of the growing community. But Charles is not your average settler looking for peace.
Charles is a retired captain from the British Army, and he still has connections to the military. On the surface, he keeps to himself and minds his own business. However, his true intentions are very different. Charles wants to raise a militia on the Ridge to fight against the Rebels in the American Revolution. This puts him directly against Jamie Fraser, who supports the fight for American independence.
Despite their political differences, Jamie does not throw them out. He believes in giving people a chance, so he allows the Cunninghams to stay. But Jamie keeps a very close eye on them. To manage the different religious groups on the Ridge—including Protestants, Catholics, and Quakers—Jamie and Charles allow the Masonic Meeting House to be used for various services. This detail is important because Charles is a Protestant who does not hide his dislike for Catholics, creating ongoing tension.
Captain Charles Cunningham’s Role in Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone
In the ninth book, Captain Charles Cunningham becomes a real threat to Jamie. He secretly plots to capture Jamie and hand him over to the Loyalists. However, the people on the Ridge are loyal to Jamie. Bobby Higgins and others watch Cunningham and his men closely.
Even Charles’s mother, Elspeth, gets involved. She warns Claire about the plot because she does not want to see anyone get hurt. She loves her son but also knows right from wrong.
The confrontation happens on a stormy night. Jamie is ready for the ambush, and a violent fight breaks out on the Ridge. During the chaos, Cunningham is shot in the back. He survives but is left paralyzed.
Claire Fraser does everything she can to save him, using her 20th-century medical knowledge. But she realizes the damage is permanent. She honestly tells Elspeth that Charles may never walk again. Grateful that Claire saved his life, Elspeth decides to take her son back to England, where she will care for him for the rest of his life. She refuses to leave his side.
With Cunningham gone, the Loyalists on the Ridge lose their leader and motivation. Jamie evicts the men involved in the plot but allows their families to stay, showing his complex sense of justice.
Who Plays Captain Charles Cunningham in ‘Outlander’ Season 8?
The role of Captain Charles Cunningham will be played by actor Kieran Bew. Casting was announced during World Outlander Day celebrations in June 2024, along with two other new cast members.
Kieran Bew is an English actor known for his work in fantasy and historical dramas. He appeared in the first season of House of the Dragon and had a major role in the martial arts series Warrior. His experience in action-heavy roles makes him a strong choice for a character involved in military plots and physical confrontations.
Bew joins Frances Tomelty (who plays his mother, Elspeth Cunningham) and Carla Woodcock (who plays Amaranthus Grey, a new member of the Grey family) as the confirmed new additions for the final season.
What to Expect From Captain Charles Cunningham in ‘Outlander’ Season 8
The Outlander TV series often makes changes from the books, but the core of Captain Charles Cunningham’s story will likely remain the same. He represents the internal divisions caused by the Revolutionary War, showing that the danger to Jamie and Claire does not only come from British soldiers far away but also from neighbors living on the Ridge.
His arrival sets up several key conflicts:
- Political Tension: Charles wants to fight for the British Crown, while Jamie supports the Rebels. Their opposing views create a powder keg on the Ridge.
- Personal Danger: Cunningham’s plot to capture Jamie is a direct threat to the Fraser family. It shows how the war forces people to choose sides, even among friends.
- Moral Complexity: Elspeth’s choice to warn Claire, even though it means betraying her son, adds emotional weight to the story. It shows that love and loyalty are complicated.
- Claire’s Role: After the shooting, Claire’s struggle to save a man who tried to destroy her family highlights her commitment to her Hippocratic Oath. It is a powerful moment for her character.
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The Final Season: Release and Returning Cast
Outlander Season 8 will consist of 10 episodes and is scheduled to premiere in early 2026. The announcement was made at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, confirming that the long wait for the finale is almost over. The prequel series, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, will air first in August 2025.
The final season will bring back all the beloved main cast members. Sam Heughan returns as Jamie Fraser, Caitríona Balfe as Claire Fraser, Sophie Skelton as Brianna MacKenzie, and Richard Rankin as Roger MacKenzie. Other returning favorites include John Bell (Young Ian), David Berry (Lord John Grey), Lauren Lyle (Marsali), and César Domboy (Fergus). Charles Vandervaart will also be back as William Ransom, Jamie’s son.
The season will draw from Gabaldon’s eighth book, Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, and the ninth book, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone. Because the tenth book is not finished, the show’s ending will be its own creation, though author Diana Gabaldon has written one episode and consulted on the finale.
Captain Charles Cunningham may only appear in one book, but his impact on the story is significant. He brings the Revolutionary War directly to Jamie’s doorstep, forcing everyone on the Ridge to face the reality of the conflict. With Kieran Bew taking on the role, fans can expect a tense and memorable addition to the final chapter of this epic love story.
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