Sam Heughan is basically the busiest man in Scotland, and honestly, keeping track of his schedule is a full-time job. You’ve probably seen the headlines. One day he’s a special forces operator, the next he’s a 1700s Highland warrior, and suddenly he’s doing Shakespeare in a small theater in Stratford-upon-Avon. With Outlander Season 8 set to premiere on March 6, 2026, everyone is asking the same thing: what is the Sam Heughan new movie we should actually be looking for?
The truth is a bit messy. Hollywood loves to announce things that never happen, and Sam’s "upcoming" list is a graveyard of projects that were supposed to film three years ago. If you’re waiting for Everest with Ewan McGregor, I’ve got bad news. That one is stuck in development hell. Same goes for the Days Gone movie adaptation, which had gamers in a frenzy back in 2022 but has since gone suspiciously quiet.
But don’t panic. There are real, tangible things happening.
The SAS: Red Notice Sequel is Actually Happening
Remember SAS: Red Notice? It was that 2021 action flick where Sam played Tom Buckingham, a guy who basically discovers he’s a functional psychopath while fighting mercenaries on a train. It wasn't Citizen Kane, but it did huge numbers on streaming.
Well, Sky Original Films officially confirmed a sequel titled SAS: Red List.
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Screenwriter Laurence Malkin has been pretty vocal about wanting to "amplify the SAS universe." He’s leaning hard into the "good psychopath" angle again. While a 2026 release date hasn't been nailed down with a calendar pin, the project is in active development. For Sam, this is a big deal. It’s his shot at a legitimate action franchise. Think of it as a grittier, more "British" version of John Wick but with more internal monologues about not feeling emotions.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Macbeth (Even Though It’s Not a Film)
I know, I know. You asked for a movie. But you can't talk about Sam Heughan's current career without mentioning his return to the stage. From October to December 2025, Sam played the title role in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Macbeth.
Why does this matter for his film career?
Usually, when an actor of his caliber goes back to the RSC, it’s a "palette cleanser." He’s shedding the Jamie Fraser skin. There are heavy rumors in the industry—though nothing confirmed on paper yet—that a filmed version of this production or a similar high-brow dramatic pivot is in the works. Actors do this right before they pivot into "Oscar-bait" territory.
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What happened to the Days Gone movie?
This is where the internet gets things wrong. In 2022, Deadline reported that Sam was "in consideration" for the role of Deacon St. John in a movie based on the PlayStation game Days Gone.
Fans of the game were... let's say "vocal." They wanted Sam Witwer, the guy who actually played Deacon in the game. Since that initial report, there has been zero movement. No director, no filming dates, and no trailers. If you see a "Sam Heughan Days Gone Trailer" on YouTube right now, it’s 100% fake AI-generated clickbait.
The Reality of Outlander Season 8 and the "Movie" Transition
The biggest hurdle for any Sam Heughan new movie is actually the show that made him famous. Outlander Season 8 is the final chapter. They’ve finished filming, but the promotional cycle is going to be massive.
- The Premiere: March 6, 2026.
- The Conflict: Sam is also producing Men in Kilts and running a spirits empire (Sassenach Spirits).
- The Pivot: He’s been very open about wanting more film roles once he’s "free" from the 10-month-a-year filming schedule of a TV lead.
Expect a massive wave of casting announcements in late 2026. Once the "droughtlander" becomes permanent, he’s going to be the most sought-after lead for mid-budget action and romance.
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Is Love Again getting a sequel?
Briefly, no. While Love Again (2023) with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Celine Dion has found a second life on Netflix, there are no plans for a sequel. It was a one-and-done rom-com. Sam has hinted he’d love to do more comedy, but he seems more focused on the SAS thriller vibe or historical dramas right now.
How to Actually Track Sam’s Real Projects
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, stop looking at IMDb. It’s often outdated. Instead, keep an eye on Variety and The Hollywood Reporter for "Greenlight" news.
- Watch for SAS: Red List production updates: If they start filming in early 2026, we’ll see it by Christmas.
- The "Bond" Rumors: Every time Sam breathes, someone says he’s the next 007. Honestly? It’s unlikely. He’s 45 now. Bond producers usually want someone in their early 30s they can lock down for 15 years.
- The Independent Circuit: Sam has shown interest in smaller, gritty Scottish films. Keep an eye on the Edinburgh International Film Festival for surprise announcements.
The next few months are a transition period. We’re moving from "Sam Heughan: The TV Star" to "Sam Heughan: The Movie Lead." It’s going to be a bumpy ride with a lot of fake news along the way, but SAS: Red List is the most solid bet for his next big cinematic outing.
If you're looking for your next Sam fix, the best move right now is to prep for the Outlander finale in March and keep an eye out for the official production start of Red List. Don't fall for the fan-made trailers on social media—they'll only break your heart.
Actionable Insight for Fans: To verify if a Sam Heughan project is real, check the production company’s official press releases. If it’s not on Deadline or Variety, it’s likely just fan-casting or a project stuck in development limbo. Focus on SAS: Red List for his upcoming action return and the Outlander series finale for his definitive performance as Jamie Fraser.