Across Outlander’s seven seasons, Jamie and Claire crossed paths with countless adversaries but none proved as chilling or relentless as Stephen Bonnet. A pirate, smuggler, and murderer, Stephen Bonnet is a major antagonist from Diana Gabaldon's books who debuted in Starz's historical series in its fourth season.As Stephen Bonnet terrorized the Fraser family on-screen, fans were captivated by the actor who brought this chilling role to life. If the character looks vaguely familiar, it's because he was portrayed by the celebrated English actor Ed Speleers, who is best known for his performances in Downton Abbey and You.While Stephen Bonnet remained a chilling presence in Outlander, especially in Brianna's life, fans were captivated by Ed Speleers' nuanced performance, who perfectly brought Gabaldon's antagonist to the small screen, earning critical acclaim and praise from the fans.More on this in our story.Ed Speleers plays Stephen Bonnet in Outlander View this post on Instagram Instagram PostEnglish actor Ed Speleers brought Stephen Bonnet to life in Outlander. The actor appeared across thirteen episodes of Starz's historical romance series, in Seasons 4 and 5.Ed Speleers started his career on the big screen with Stefen Fangmeier's 2006 fantasy adventure film Eragon, where he played the titular character of the farm boy who becomes a dragon rider after finding a mysterious stone. The actor's other film credits include James Bobin's live-action fantasy film Alice Through the Looking Glass, Peter Flinth's historical survival film Against the Ice and Netflix's fantasy rom-com Irish Wish, in which he starred opposite Lindsay Lohan.In addition to Outlander, Ed Speleers has appeared in a string of historical dramas on the small screen, namely as James in ITV's popular British period drama Downton Abbey, Edward Seymour in Wolf Hall and Seal in the epic fantasy drama series Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands. The actor is also known for playing Rhys Montrose in Netflix's thriller series You and Jack Crusher in the sci-fi drama adventure series Star Trek: Picard.Ed Speleers' Stephen Bonnet is a major antagonist in Outlander Seasons 4-5 View this post on Instagram Instagram PostJamie and Claire first met Stephen Bonnet when they were leaving Charleston, South Carolina, on a ship. Unaware of his all-round disreputable character, they rescue him from hanging but Bonnet repays them by stealing Claire's wedding ring, which becomes fateful for Brianna after she lands in the 18th century to warn her parents about their tragic futures.Brianna crosses paths with Bonnet in Outlander Season 4 and immediately recognizes her mother's ring. After Bonnet learns Brianna is Jamie and Claire's daughter, he rapes her, unaware that she is already pregnant with Roger's child. This event leads Bonnet to believe that Brianna and Roger's firstborn son, Jem, is actually his child and he begins following the Fraser family to gain control of their fortunes. Bonnet becomes determined in his mission after he learns that Brianna's Aunt Jocasta plans to leave everything to her relatives and he could likely earn a share because of his connection with Brianna.Bonnet remains Brianna's worst nightmare and arch-enemy throughout Outlander Season 5 and eventually abducts her, planning to sell her into slavery for a good fortune. However, Jamie, Claire, Young Ian, and Roger rescue Brianna in time, and Bonnet is sentenced to death by drowning, one of his greatest fears. The couple sailed out to the lake to witness Bonnet's death but just as the water reached his neck, Bree shot him in the neck, giving Bonnet a quick and easy death.For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.