Caitriona Balfe to star in new survival film based on book | Films | Entertainment

Outlander’s Caitriona Balfe has been announced as part of the cast for Andrew Haigh’s upcoming film, A Long Winter, alongside The Bear’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

The film will also star Heartstopper’s Kit Connor and Gladiator II’s Fred Hechinger.

Additional casting includes Jurassic World’s Manuel Garcia Rulfo and The Gilded Age’s David Furr.

Principal photography has commenced in Alberta, Canada, with the film being an adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s short story bearing the same title.

The somewhat cryptic synopsis states: “The film is set in the mountains as fall comes to an end and a family prepares for the long winter ahead.”

The book’s synopsis provides more insight: “One snowy morning, after arguing with her husband, Miquel’s mother walks out from their home high up in the Pyrenees and does not return.

“With his younger brother stationed far away on military service and his father cast out by the people of the town, Miquel and his father are left to fend for themselves.

“Together they will be forced to battle the elements, and their resentment of each other, through the long winter.”

Haigh’s previous work, All of Us Strangers, garnered six BAFTA nominations including best director and best adapted screenplay for Haigh himself.

Balfe shared her excitement about her latest role on Instagram, stating: “Beyond grateful to be a part of this beautiful project with this team. Thank you for bringing me into the family.”

Her fans rushed to the comments section to express their joy, with one user, melaniacitric, exclaiming: “The best actress in Outlander, without a doubt! Always with incredible projects and actors/directors. So happy for you! ! Congratulations.”

Another fan, Fmncb_jhrc, chimed in: “Caitriona Balfe Movie Era is on fire! The world needs to know how talented you are! Proud fan!”

The star has several films lined up, including Tenzing, a biographical drama about Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

She’s also set to appear in Sense and Sensibility, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones.

Earlier in 2025, she featured in The Amateur, an action thriller co-starring Rami Malek and Laurence Fishburne.

A Long Winter is in production