‘Highlander’ Revamp Set to Kick Off Filming “Within the Next Year,” Chad Stahelski Teases

THE SCENE SETTER
The long-anticipated “Highlander” revamp is nearing its production phase with the acclaimed Henry Cavill slated for the lead role.
Chad Stahelski, the cinematic maestro who gave us the John Wick series, has been laboring over the “Highlander” revamp for a near-decade and is champing at the bit to get it off the ground.
Despite the original’s modest theatrical performance, Stahelski is revved up about breathing new life into his fresh take on the story.

The protracted journey of the “Highlander” revamp from concept to creation seems to be approaching a major milestone, with the project’s helmsman indicating that the production wheels are poised to start turning. Set to fill the shoes of the original’s protagonist, Connor McLeod, initially brought to life by Christopher Lambert in the 1986 debut, is none other than Henry Cavill. In an engaging exchange with FilmSweep’s Nate Richard, Chad Stahelski shed light on the reboot’s timeline, hinting at an imminent start to shooting:

We’re not circling a specific date yet, but if I were a betting man, I’d wager it’ll be sometime within the next 365 days. [Chuckles] In the not-too-distant future. As quickly as I can make it happen. It’s like juggling with two beloved projects at once: “Ghost of Tsushima” and “Highlander,” those are my babies. There are a few other projects warming up in the bullpen like “Rainbow Six” among others, but those are still simmering in the scriptwriting phase. “Highlander” has been my passion project for a whopping eight years. It’s high on my list. All the pieces seem to be falling into place, and assuming we can glide past this strike, with our timetables syncing up, it’s looking very promising indeed.

Russell Mulcahy’s initial “Highlander” outing may not have set the box office alight, but the fascination with this narrative of undying warriors hasn’t waned within the film-making sphere. There was a time when Dave Bautista was roped into the project, but as the reboot hit a series of snags over time, Bautista moved on to other ventures. Stahelski, even prior to his engagements with the latter John Wick chapters, has been the driving force behind this title, with Cavill climbing aboard a few years back.

The inaugural “Highlander” film saw Connor McLeod don the wrestler’s mantle, engaging in a post-match sword duel against Iman Fasil (portrayed by Peter Diamond). However, we soon learn that McLeod’s tale stretches back centuries, having lived lifetimes over, perpetually on the move and seemingly immune to death’s final touch. His narrative takes a twist when he encounters Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez (Sean Connery), who brings with him a foreboding message — in the end, only one immortal may stand, and their kind must maintain equilibrium.

At the Helm of the New ‘Highlander’
Image courtesy of Thorn EMI Entertainment

At the director’s chair, Chad Stahelski, the visionary behind John Wick, is gearing up to catapult “Highlander” into a new epoch. The production’s delay, partly due to the pandemic’s ripple effects through Hollywood, is finally seeing a break in the clouds with this promising forecast. Lionsgate, the film’s distributor, has yet to carve out a release date for the “Highlander” revamp, but all signs point to forward momentum. Stay tuned for our comprehensive dialogue with Chad Stahelski for more insights.

Stay alert for the upcoming “Highlander” reboot, destined to make a splash on the silver screen. Our complete interview with Chad Stahelski is on the horizon.

A GLANCE AT ‘HIGHLANDER’

“Highlander”

A timeless Scottish warrior grapples with the final contender for the mythical “Prize,” a savage foe with a thirst for triumph.

Released On
March 7, 1986
The Visionary
Russell Mulcahy
Starring
Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, Sean Connery, Beatie Edney, Alan North
Classification
R
Duration
110 minutes
Primary Category
Action
Subgenres
Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Penmen
Gregory Widen, Peter Bellwood, Larry Ferguson
Catchphrase
In the end, there can be only one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Highlander reboot

More about Highlander reboot

• Highlander Reboot Progress
• Chad Stahelski’s Anticipation for Highlander
• Henry Cavill as Connor McLeod
• Highlander’s Cult Status
• Interview with Chad Stahelski on Highlander
• Original 1986 Highlander Film
• Upcoming Action Movies