Fans of the 'Outlander' book series have been eager to get a peek at Starz's upcoming adapted version of the sci-fi romance series, which earlier had been announced to series under 'Battlestar Galactica' helmer Ron Moore. Over the weekend, the premium cable network accidentally announced one of their top contenders for the leading male role, but will it prove true in the coming days?

Initially, Deadline reported on a Starz tweet that announced actor Sam Heughan in the leading role of Jamie Fraser, only for the tweet to disappear hours later. Starz reportedly jumped the gun on the announcement, as a deal has yet to be finalized, but series author Diana Gabaldon herself tweeted: “I can’t confirm that contract is signed, but saw @heughan audition tapes. #jawdrop”.

‘Outlander’s first season will unfold over 16 episodes, telling the story of married World War II combat nurse Claire, who accidentally steps back in time to the year 1743 where she is “immediately thrown into an unknown world of adventure that sends her on the run and threatens her life.” Claire is forced to marry a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior named Jamie, igniting a passionate affair that tears Claire’s heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

Joining Moore are Toni Graphia, Matt Roberts, Ira Behr and Anne Kenney as fellow writers on the project, which likely begins shooting this October in Scotland. For its part, the ‘Outlander’ series of books have sold over 20 million copies, with an eighth novel in the series due out later this year.

We'll keep an ear out for Heughan to be confirmed as the lead, as well as for additional castings, but in the meantime what say you? Will Starz adapt 'Outlander' as popularly as the book series? Who would you like to see in the iconic roles?

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