Young Ian in Outlander often leaves viewers with a distinct sense of familiarity. Despite not being part of the series’ original ensemble, the actor's nuanced performance and commanding screen presence have made the character one of the show’s most recognizable additions. As a result, many audiences find themselves wondering where they have seen the actor before.That recognition is no coincidence as Scottish actor John Bell portrays Young Ian in Starz's adaptation of Diana Gabaldon's books. Long before joining Outlander, Bell had already established himself through a range of notable roles across film and television, especially with his portrayal of Bain, son of Bard the Bowman, in The Hobbit films.Young Ian, Jenny and Ian Murray's son, has now become a fan-favorite Highlander. His journey from Jamie's lanky nephew to a battle-tested survivor, shaped by love, loss and cultural displacement, allowed Bell to showcase a maturity beyond his years.More on this in our story.John Bell plays Young Ian in Outlander View this post on Instagram Instagram PostOutlander star John Bell is a celebrated Scottish actor, named as one of the top 12 British rising stars by the now-defunct youth casting website Screenterrier in 2011. The actor made his small-screen debut in the 2007 Doctor Who Episode 'Utopia'. Two years later, the cameo paved the way for Bell's debut in Chris Roche's short film Transit and A Shine of Rainbows, the actor's first feature-length film, where he played the character of Thomas.In the following years (2009-2011), John Bell continued to build a strong small-screen resume with characters like Anthony Weaver in BBC One's comedy series Life of Riley, the starring role of Toby Coleman in the BAFTA-winning children's series Tracy Beaker Returns and Robin Le Mesurier in the BBC's made-for-TV movie Hattie. The Outlander star went on to star as Billy Bempsy in the History Channel's mini series Hatfields & McCoys and Helius in the fantasy film Wrath of the Titans, before debuting as Bain in Peter Jackson's epic fantasy film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Bell also reprised his Bian character in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.After portraying Jamie Carr in a 2013 episode of ITV's series Midsomer Murders, Bell made his breakout debut as Young Ian in Outlander Season 3 Episode 6 "A. Malcolm".Will John Bell's Young Ian appear in the final season of Outlander? View this post on Instagram Instagram PostJohn Bell’s Young Ian may not have been part of the original cast of Starz’s fantasy romance series, but he has since become one of its most beloved characters. In addition to Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, Bell will return to the fantastical universe from Gabaldon's book series in the eighth and final season of Outlander, opposite Izzy Meikle-Small's Rachel Hunter, who married Ian in the previous season.After Ian's move with Jamie and Claire, he remained a constant support for the couple, eventually learning about his auntie's time-traveling powers after returning from the Mohawks. While Ian initially believed both Claire and Brianna were fairy folk, he understood their powers and promised to keep them a secret. While Young Ian struggled to find his footing in Outlander, he finally married Rachel after an awkward love triangle with his step-cousin, William. Both William and Young Ian had feelings for the Quaker woman but Rachel chose Ian and the couple married in the thirteenth episode of Season 7.The final season will likely feature a definitive resolution for John Bell's character as he continues his journey of deep loyalty, resilience and finding his true place with Rachel and his family. After Jamie and Claire leave the Revolutionary War behind and return to Fraser's Ridge in the final season, Ian will continue to offer them support and loyalty, essentially becoming a shield between his family and outside forces.Catch the Outlander Season 8 premiere on Starz on March 6.For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.