Sophie Skelton, known for her role in the hit series Outlander, has opened up about her unsettling experience while filming near the preserved human remains of Pompeii victims. The actress admitted she was deeply affected by the eerie presence of the ancient tragedy.
A Chilling Encounter with History
While shooting scenes for an upcoming project, Skelton found herself working in close proximity to the plaster casts of those who perished in the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. "It was horrifying," she confessed. "Seeing those figures frozen in time—it really brings home the reality of what happened."
The Emotional Toll of Authenticity
The authenticity of the location, while valuable for historical accuracy, took an unexpected emotional toll on the cast and crew. Skelton described how the sombre atmosphere made filming particularly intense. "You can't help but feel the weight of history," she shared.
The haunting plaster casts, created by pouring liquid plaster into the voids left by decomposed bodies in the volcanic ash, serve as poignant reminders of the disaster that claimed thousands of lives. For Skelton, this proximity to real human suffering added a profound layer to her performance.
Balancing Respect with Storytelling
The production team worked closely with archaeologists and local authorities to ensure they treated the site with appropriate reverence. "We were all very aware this was essentially a mass grave," Skelton explained. "There's a responsibility that comes with telling stories in places like this."
This experience has left a lasting impression on the actress, who now views historical storytelling with renewed perspective. "It's one thing to read about these events," she reflected, "but standing where they actually happened—that changes you."
