The Highlander reboot, starring Henry Cavill and directed by Chad Stahelski, is finally slashing its way toward production. The long-gestating reimagining of the 1986 cult classic has been a passion project for Stahelski, the mastermind behind John Wick’s balletic action. In an exclusive interview with Collider at the Mediterranean Film Festival in Malta, Stahelski dropped exciting updates, revealing that filming is set to begin in May 2025, with a 2026 theatrical release in sight. Here’s the latest on Cavill’s immortal warrior, Stahelski’s bold vision, and what fans can expect from this epic revival.
A New Blade for an Old Legend
The original Highlander, starring Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, and Clancy Brown, won hearts with its tale of immortal swordsmen dueling across centuries for “the Prize,” backed by Queen’s iconic soundtrack. Despite spawning sequels and a beloved 1990s TV series, the franchise hasn’t recaptured its initial spark—until now. Stahelski, who’s been attached since 2016, is reimagining Highlander as “John Wick with swords,” with Cavill cast as the lead in 2021.
Stahelski confirmed that production, originally slated for January 2025, has shifted to May due to scheduling conflicts. Cavill is tied up shooting Amazon MGM Studios’ Voltron from December 2024 to April 2025, while Stahelski is handling reshoots for the John Wick spinoff Ballerina. But the delay hasn’t dulled their momentum: pre-production kicked off in September 2024, with location scouting underway in Scotland, Italy, and Hong Kong. “We’re locked in for May,” promising a globe-spanning backdrop for the immortal saga.
Stahelski’s Vision: Immortality Meets Grit
If anyone can make Highlander’s swordplay sing, it’s Stahelski, whose John Wick films redefined action cinema. His Highlander will span over 500 years, from the 1500s Scottish Highlands to modern New York and Hong Kong. “We’re exploring the burden of immortality,” emphasizing a grounded, tragic tone over the original’s campy flair. The story will act as a prequel to “The Gathering,” the franchise’s climactic immortal showdown, setting up a potential trilogy.
Stahelski is weaving in elements from the original film, its sequels, and the TV series, creating a love letter to fans. The Queen soundtrack? It’s back, but “in a different way than you think,” he teased. The director pitched Cavill a warrior who’s lived 500 years against his will, mastering martial arts while haunted by loss. “It’s a broad character arc,” Stahelski said, noting Cavill’s excitement for the role. A love story is also in the mix, but expect something unconventional, inspired by John Wick’s emotional depth.
Henry Cavill: Born to Be Immortal
Cavill, fresh off playing Superman, Geralt of Rivia, and a Wolverine variant in Deadpool & Wolverine, is a Highlander superfan. “I was a Highlander fan. They were great fun movies… I really enjoyed the lore,” he said at CinemaCon. He’s eager to portray a “tragic warrior” rather than a flashy swordsman, leveraging his Witcher-honed sword skills. While it’s unclear if he’ll play Connor MacLeod or a new immortal, Cavill’s physicality and gravitas make him perfect for Stahelski’s vision.
“Henry was immediately riffing on the idea of immortality’s burden,” praising the actor’s passion. After leaving The Witcher and the DCEU, Cavill is poised to make Highlander his next big franchise, especially with Voltron and Warhammer 40,000 also on his slate. This could be the role that defines his post-Superman career.
Production Slashes Forward
The Highlander reboot has faced its share of battles since Summit Entertainment nabbed remake rights in 2008. Directors like Justin Lin and Juan Carlos Fresnadillo came and went before Stahelski took the reins. Delays from the SAG-AFTRA strike and Stahelski’s John Wick commitments slowed progress, but Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists recently acquired the rights from Lionsgate, boosting the project with a $100 million-plus budget. Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment stunt team is already training Cavill and the cast for intricate sword fights, with filming set to leverage Scotland’s rugged beauty and Hong Kong’s neon energy.
“Swords are tricky,” “It takes skill and dedication to make it look effortless.” The director compared the training to turning actors into elite athletes, ensuring the action feels authentic. With a 2026 release targeted, casting for roles like Ramirez (originally Connery) or the villainous Kurgan (Brown) should drop soon.
Why ‘Highlander’ Could Be a Game-Changer
For Cavill, Highlander is a chance to rebound from the lukewarm reception of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and anchor a franchise with a built-in fanbase. For Stahelski, it’s his first major swing outside John Wick, blending his action expertise with fantasy and history. Amazon MGM’s backing hints at a broader franchise, potentially including TV spinoffs, echoing the original’s legacy.
Fans are hyped for Stahelski’s fight choreography and Cavill’s swordplay, though some worry about matching the original’s Queen-fueled charm. Still, with a modern, emotional spin, this Highlander could redefine the series for a new generation.
What’s Next?
As Highlander gears up for its May 2025 start, expect more casting news and glimpses of Stahelski’s vision. Will Cavill don a kilt as Connor MacLeod? How will Queen’s music be reimagined? For now, one thing’s clear: in the immortal words of Highlander, “There can be only one”—and this reboot aims to be it.
Source: Collider
