OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Get ready for an action-packed ride as Henry Cavill’s Highlander reboot is finally moving forward, with a release date on the horizon and major plot twists coming to the iconic fantasy saga. After years of speculation and delays, the film is officially back on track, with John Wick director Chad Stahelski at the helm, and Cavill set to take on the legendary role of Connor MacLeod.
In an exciting new interview with The Direct, Stahelski shared an update that has fans buzzing. The long-awaited film, which has been in development for nearly two decades, is now set to begin filming in the spring of 2025. Stahelski, who has been attached to the project since 2016, revealed some key plot details that will give this reboot a fresh twist, while still staying true to the spirit of the original.
One of the most exciting changes is the shift in time and setting. Instead of sticking with the 1500s Scottish Highlands, this new Highlander movie will expand the story into the modern world, with significant action sequences set in present-day New York and Hong Kong. Stahelski hinted at a story full of action, mythology, and a surprising love story, but with a twist that will make it unlike anything audiences expect.
“We’re bringing it forward from the early 1500s in the highlands to the beyond present-day New York and Hong Kong, and seeing how it goes,” Stahelski said. “There’s big opportunity for action. There’s a chance to play a character that not a lot of people get to play. And it’s a bit of a love story, but not how you think.”
Fans of the original Highlander movie, which became a cult classic upon its release in 1986, will remember Christopher Lambert’s portrayal of Connor MacLeod, the immortal Scottish warrior. While Lambert’s take on the character remains iconic, Stahelski and Cavill are ready to reimagine the beloved hero for a new generation. The director also teased that the character’s arc will be one of growth and transformation, with Cavill portraying a man who has lived for over 500 years, battling immortality and the many challenges that come with it.
The role of Connor MacLeod is a unique one, and Stahelski knew that convincing Cavill to take it on wouldn’t be easy. But after pitching the character’s depth and complexity, he managed to convince Cavill to join the project. “My selling point was, to [Henry Cavill], look, you’ve got a guy that’s been alive for over 500 years. He’s the last person in the world that wanted to be in this situation,” Stahelski explained. “So you get to cover quite a broad spread of a character arc there. And you get to experience someone that’s trained over 500 years and sort of played with many types of martial arts…”
For Cavill, this role could be the key to reinvigorating his career. After stepping away from his role as Superman and his portrayal of Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, Cavill’s recent projects have received mixed reactions. But Highlander presents an exciting new opportunity for the actor to shine in a big-budget action fantasy film. With the potential for action-packed sequences and a gripping story of immortality, it’s clear that Cavill is hoping this reboot will be the ticket to his next box office hit.
The Highlander reboot has a lot riding on it, but with Cavill in the lead and Stahelski at the helm, it’s set to bring a fresh, thrilling take on the legendary tale. Fans can look forward to an epic saga filled with martial arts, action, love, and unexpected twists. The movie is slated to begin filming in spring 2025, and though we’ll have to wait a while longer for its release, the anticipation is already building.
As Cavill continues to prove his versatility in action roles, Highlander could be the film that marks his big return to the genre, and perhaps even a new era for the franchise. It’s a fresh start for an immortal legend—let’s hope it lives up to the hype!
