For the global Outlander fandom, Duncan Lacroix is synonymous with loyalty, grit, and the unforgettable scowl of Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser. As Jamie Fraser’s godfather and silent protector, Lacroix became the beating heart of the Highland saga.
However, after carving out his legacy in 18th-century Scotland, Lacroix traded his kilt for a duster and his broadsword for a six-shooter. In the 2018 acclaimed Western dark comedy The Sisters Brothers, Lacroix proved that his rugged authenticity translates perfectly to the lawless frontiers of the American Gold Rush.
The Film: A Subversive Western Masterpiece
Directed by Jacques Audiard, The Sisters Brothers is not your typical John Wayne shoot-’em-up. It is a sensitive, violent, and often hilarious deconstruction of brotherhood.
The story follows the infamous assassin duo, Eli (John C. Reilly) and Charlie Sisters (Joaquin Phoenix), as they pursue a gold prospector across the treacherous terrain of 1850s Oregon and California. The film is a star-studded affair, featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Riz Ahmed, yet it finds its texture in the gritty, minor characters who inhabit this dangerous world.
Duncan Lacroix as “The Baron’s Handler”
In a brief but memorable turn, Duncan Lacroix appears as a rough-and-tumble henchman working for “The Commodore” (the mysterious figure hiring the Sisters brothers).
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The Look: Lacroix is almost unrecognizable under layers of trail dust, a rugged beard, and period-accurate Western gear. He fits into the 1850s aesthetic so naturally that you’d forget he ever stepped foot on the moors of Culloden.
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The Presence: Much like Murtagh, Lacroix’s character doesn’t need pages of dialogue to make an impact. He brings a looming, physical threat to the screen—a reminder that in the Old West, a man’s silence is often his most dangerous trait.
The “Outlander” Connection: Why Fans Will Love It
Watching Lacroix in The Sisters Brothers is a fascinating exercise for Outlander viewers. While Murtagh was a man driven by a code of honor and love for his family, his character in this film inhabits a moral “gray area.”
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Versatility: It is a testament to Lacroix’s skill that he can move from the emotional weight of the Jacobite Rising to the nihilistic environment of the American frontier without losing his “edge.”
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The “Murtagh” Scowl: Yes, the legendary Lacroix glare is alive and well in the West. Whether he’s staring down a kilted redcoat or a dirty gunslinger, that piercing gaze remains his cinematic trademark.
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Cinematic Pedigree: For fans who appreciate the high production value of Outlander, this film offers similar visual brilliance, trading the green hills of Scotland for the scorched, golden vistas of the Sierra Nevada.
Quick Comparison: Murtagh vs. The Frontier Henchman
| Feature | Murtagh (Outlander) | The Handler (The Sisters Brothers) |
| Weapon of Choice | Dirk & Targe. | Revolver & Rifle. |
| Loyalty | To the Clan Fraser. | To the highest bidder. |
| Fashion | Woolen Plaid & Buckskin. | Leather, Dust, and Cowboy Hats. |
| Vibe | “The protector you want.” | “The man you avoid in a saloon.” |
The Verdict: A Gritty Cameo Worth Hunting For
The Sisters Brothers is a brilliant, soulful film that explores the cost of violence and the hope for a simpler life. While Duncan Lacroix’s role is a supporting one, his presence adds a layer of “Old World” ruggedness to the American frontier.
For the “Sassenachs” missing their favorite godfather, seeing Lacroix share a cinematic universe with titans like Joaquin Phoenix and John C. Reilly is a proud moment. It confirms what we’ve always known: Duncan Lacroix is a force of nature in any century, in any country, and in any genre.
