Action directorChad Stahelskihas offered a hugely promising update on his desiredHighlanderreboot. Speaking withCollider, the man behindJohn Wickhas revealed that they are “tweaking” the project as we speak, even stating that the new take on theHighlanderfranchise is “closer” to happening than it has “ever been.”
“We’re in the process of tweaking right now. I think we know what we want. More importantly than anything, we know what we want to make. It’s in the creatives. We know what we’re trying to make. It’s just a matter of getting it to the point where we feel, “Okay, this is it. Let’s go.” But we’re closer than we’ve ever been, so that’s good.”
Released in 1986,the originalHighlanderfollows swordsman Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert). Hailing from the Scottish Highlands and known as the Highlander, MacLeod discovers that he is one of a number of immortal warriors who can be killed only by beheading. After living somewhat peacefully for several centuries, MacLeod settles in New York City and is soon dragged back onto the battlefield when his greatest enemy returns to kill him and thus obtain “the Prize” — a special ability that is given to the last living immortal warrior.
Highlanderwas met with a critical mauling upon initial release but has since been re-examined and has since become a major cult classic. A reboot has been in development since as far back as 2008,but it sounds like Stahelski is finally edging ever closer to seeing his vision realized.
There Can Be Only One…But Will It Be Henry Cavill?
While nothing is set in stone, it has been reported thatMan of SteelandThe WitcherstarHenry Cavillis attached to star as Connor MacLeod. Stahelski confirmed that he has had conversations with Cavill about theHighlanderreboot, calling the actor “one of my big choices,” before adding, “It’s not just about muscles and brooding. I think he’s got an incredible range and I think he’d bring something very special. And his enthusiasm has been amazing in it.”
Based largely on his performance in the Netflix seriesThe Witcher, as well as his work in the likes ofEnola Holmes, and his various appearances asSuperman, Cavill certainly has the sword-swinging, heroic chops to resurrect MacLeod for a modern audience. Stahelski clearly thinks so,with the director having previously praised Cavill’s insight into the torture of being an immortal man.
“The character’s arc spans hundreds of years and he becomes many different personalities, all of which extend the timeline of his emotional growth,” Stahelski explained. “Then during our first meeting, my suspicions were confirmed: Henry was immediately riffing on the idea of the burden of immortality and you could see in his eyes that he can transform himself from being a young, vibrant soul to an old, wise soul. He had this combination I was fascinated by.”
This is just one of several positive updates regardingHighlanderfrom Chad Stahelski,with the director recently stating that the much-anticipated movie “is still happening.” When exactly it will happen remains unknown, but with Stahelski determined to make it so, we can be sure that, eventually, we will be sitting down to see theHighlanderbrought to life once again.
Chad Stahelski will once again ply his action movie in the upcomingJohn Wick: Chapter 4, which is due to debut on July 15, 2025.
