Outlander star Caitríona Balfe is unrecognisable in her thrilling new film role, having swapped her period drama attire for a modern look with a choppy blonde bob in the boxing movie The Cut, reports the Daily Record.

At 45, the actress has shed the wigs and historical garb of Claire Fraser for a fresh contemporary style as she takes on a leading role in The Cut. 

The film comes after she was confirmed to be appearing in a historical classic and her co-star teased an emotional final scene.

Balfe excitedly shared the trailer on Instagram, writing: “Every comeback comes at a price. Watch the official trailer for #TheCutMovie – Only in theatres September 5.”

In The Cut, Balfe stars alongside Pirates of the Caribbean heartthrob Orlando Bloom and Severance actor John Turturro.

The film delves into the dark world of a former champion boxer grappling with the aftermath of a devastating defeat, as he desperately seeks to reclaim his past success.

As the boxer’s fixation grows, his grip on reality begins to slip, potentially descending into a nightmare far worse than any fight.

Balfe portrays Caitlin Harney, the concerned girlfriend watching as her partner embarks on a punishing training schedule under the relentless coach Boz, played by Turturro.

The cast also boasts talents such as Claire Dunne from The Wheel of Time, Ed Kear of Here We Go, Gary Beadle known for A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Oliver Trevena from Paradise City, and Emmerdale’s Andonis Anthony.

Fans have flooded the comments section with accolades for the film, with even Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom’s ex-partner, declaring: “The best movie!”.

Another individual exclaimed: “Gahhh Caitríona! ! ! This looks absolutely fantastic! Can’t wait to see you in it! ! .”

A third chimed in: “Looking forward too see my favorit actress and storyteller Caitriona Balfe in her new movies the cut and Tenzing [sic].”

A fourth admirer shared: “Thrilled for this and all of you! Cheering @caitrionabalfe on and the entire cast and crew!”

Another fan noted: “@caitrionabalfe with the most expressive face. Excited to see her in this.”

The Cut signifies Balfe’s latest venture beyond Outlander, following her role in the thriller The Amateur earlier this year alongside Rami Malek.

She is presently involved in a contrasting project, portraying Regency matriarch Mrs Dashwood in the forthcoming Sense and Sensibility film. The star-studded cast includes Normal People’s Daisy Edgar-Jones, Hanna’s Esmé Creed-Miles, George MacKay from The Beast, Killing Eve’s Fiona Shaw, and Harry Potter actor Frank Dillane.

Balfe will also feature in the film Tenzing, currently under production.

The eighth and concluding season of Outlander is set to grace screens in early 2026, following the completion of filming in November 2024 and subsequent post-production.

Both Balfe and Sam Heughan are now engaged in various fresh projects since wrapping up work on Outlander.

While Outlander season eight is still some time away, fans can look forward to the prequel series Outlander: Blood of My Blood, premiering this week.

The series explores the parallel love stories of Jamie (Heughan) and Claire Fraser’s parents.

Much like the parent series, there will be time travel and romance among the Scottish Highlands for fans to savour.

Outlander season 8 will premiere on Starz and MGM+ via Prime Video in early 2026

Outlander: Blood of My Blood premieres on Starz on August 8 and on Prime Video via MGM+ on August 9