Henry Cavill-Led 'Highlander' Reboot Receives Exciting New Update

The Big Picture

Lionsgate is rebooting the 1980s fantasy adventure Highlander, with Henry Cavill attached as the lead, directed by John Wick helmer Chad Stahelski.

The content fragment

Details of the reboot's plot are being kept under wraps, but it has been described as reminiscent of "John Wick with swords," guaranteeing thrilling fight choreography.

Drawing inspiration from both the original film series and the television series, the reboot will incorporate elements that further explore the mythology surrounding the immortals and The Prize. A release date for the reboot has not yet been revealed.

According to Deadline, Lionsgate is officially moving forward with their reboot of the 1980s fantasy adventure Highlander. Directed by Chad Stahelski, known for his work on John Wick, the film stars Henry Cavill, although it is uncertain whether he will be playing the character Connor MacLeod or another immortal. The plot of the reboot is being kept a secret but it is based on the 1986 film directed by Russell Mulcahy and also starring Sean Connery, Roxanne Hart, and Clancy Brown. Deadline describes the new film as "John Wick with swords," which should excite fans of the original. The reboot's cast, aside from Cavill, has not yet been announced.

Stahelski previously stated to Our website that they were currently adjusting the script, mentioning, "We are in the creative process. We have a clear vision of what we want to achieve. We are just working towards reaching that point where we can confidently say, 'This is it. Let's proceed.' However, we are now closer than ever, which is a positive sign." Additionally, in August, he also shared that his adaptation of The Gathering would incorporate aspects not only from the film series but also from the television series. The television series, running for six seasons in the '90s, starred Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod, who is cousin to Christopher Lambert's Connor, expanding on the mythology of the immortals and The Prize. Our website can confirm that Stahelski's next project is indeed the reboot, indicating its potential arrival in the near future.

Image via Thorn EMI Entertainment

Where Does the Reboot Fit in ‘Highlander’ Canon?

In the original film, the protagonist is Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander who discovers his immortality after a fierce battle. Due to accusations of witchcraft, he is exiled from his family and friends. He then encounters Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez (played by Connery), who becomes his mentor in the ways of immortals. This includes the necessity of killing other immortals and taking their powers by beheading them. Throughout time, MacLeod engages in battles with The Kurgan (played by Brown), who is determined to be the last remaining immortal and claim The Prize, which is the soul of every other immortal.

The Highlander franchise has recently added a reboot, becoming the latest addition to the series. It all started with a sequel titled The Quickening, released in 1991. Although subsequent sequels did not receive the same level of acclaim as the original film, the franchise continued to expand. It has since produced five more films, with the most recent one released in 2007. Additionally, there have been three television series, including an animated one, three video games, four comics, and ten novels. This extensive range of content demonstrates that, just like the immortals in the franchise, it seems impossible to kill. (Unless, of course, you behead it.)

The release date for Stahelski's Highlander reboot has not been announced yet. Keep an eye on our website for further updates.

Highlander

An immortal Scottish swordsman must confront the last of his immortal opponents, a murderously brutal barbarian who lusts for the fabled “Prize”.

Release Date: March 7, 1986

Director: Russell Mulcahy

Cast: Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, Sean Connery, Beatie Edney, Alan North

Rating: R

Runtime: 110 minutes

Main Genre: Action

Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Writers: Gregory Widen, Peter Bellwood, Larry Ferguson

Tagline: There can be only one.