Caitriona Balfe Says Her Requests to Direct an Episode of 'Outlander' Are 'Falling a Little on Deaf Ears'

Caitriona Balfe is getting candid about her time on Outlander.

In a new interview with Vanity Fair, the 42-year-old actress shared that one of her goals is to direct an episode of the hit series, which is slated to begin its sixth season in March.

Unfortunately, Caitriona said her request is “falling a little on deaf ears.”

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The star said she was planning to direct an episode for the upcoming season, but the pandemic, her pregnancy as well as her role as the lead actress created some challenges. She was regretful that it didn’t happen, as she says it “would’ve been the perfect chance for me [to direct] in a very safe space.”

“I’m so close with all of our camera crew, and they were always having conversations about what lens they’re using and what frame it is and they’re really always super helpful in giving me as much information as I want,” Caitriona explained. “It’s a shame, but out of my hands.”

She went on to say she was also let down by the lack of response to a request she and her co-star Sam Heughan made about increasing the gender and racial diversity on set. Caitriona explained that while she and Sam had brought up their concerns two years ago, little changes have been implemented.

The need for more diversity was raised again when she worked on her new movie Belfast, where there were more female crew members.

“I think on one hand there’s sort of this idea, ‘Well, Scotland’s a very predominantly white place and it’s an industry that traditionally is much more male-skewed, so it’s tough to find these people,’” she reflected. “I’m not sure that’s necessarily true. I think there’s ways of finding people to bring in.”

Pregnancy also gave Caitriona a better understanding of why men dominate the film industry: “I look at our camera crew, all amazing guys, all of them have become fathers in the eight years we’ve been filming, but not one of them has had to give up their position.”

The actress also revealed the extent some Outlander fans go to romantically link her with Sam Heughan…