Braveheart scribe adapting Outlander

Braveheart writer and We Were Soldiers director Randall Wallace has signed on to adapt the first of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander fantasy novels.

The series – numbering six so far – follows the adventures of an 18th century Scotsman and his time-jumping wife. So the man who penned Mel Gibson’s Scots epic should be in his element.

Variety is report that Wallace won’t be directing – production company Essential Pictures is busy sending his script out to other helmers.

Starting next spring

All being well, the company wants the film shooting by next spring.

And in this age of franchise frenzy, the idea of five further novels being available should this one turn into a hit can’t be far from its mind. Next thing you know, Chris Columbus will at the door with a twinkle in his eye and a bullhorn in his fist.