The reboot of the 1980s cult classic Highlander is set to feature Henry Cavill in the lead role of Connor MacLeod, originally portrayed by Christopher Lambert. Joining Cavill are Dave Bautista, who will play the antagonist Kurgan, and Russell Crowe, who has also been cast in a significant role, though details about his character remain undisclosed. This new version is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios‘ United Artists banner, with filming expected to begin in late September or October 2025.
Director and Production Team Behind the Reboot
Chad Stahelski, renowned for directing the John Wick series, will direct the Highlander reboot. He will also serve as a producer through his company, 87Eleven Entertainment. The project is being produced alongside Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt from United Artists. Michael Finch is responsible for writing the screenplay, aiming to bring a fresh vision to the iconic story.
Expected Timeline for Filming and Release
The filming is scheduled to start in the fall of 2025, with a release window between 2027 and 2028. In an interview with Collider in May 2025, Stahelski commented,
If everything works out in the next 24 hours, we’ll be shooting sometime in September. And in 2027 or 2028, you’ll be watching Highlander.
This confirms the production’s planned timeline and the anticipation surrounding the new adaptation.
Details About the Plot and Legacy of Highlander
Specific plot details for the Highlander reboot have yet to be revealed. The original 1986 film introduced Connor MacLeod as an immortal warrior who fought his first battle in the Scottish Highlands in 1536 and later faced new challenges in 1980s New York City. As described in the original synopsis,
He fought his first battle on the Scottish Highlands in 1536. He will fight his greatest battle on the streets of New York City in 1986. His name is Connor MacLeod. He is immortal.
How the reboot will reinterpret this story remains a key point of interest for fans and new viewers alike.
Significance and Anticipation for the Highlander Reboot
This new Highlander project brings together notable talent both in front of and behind the camera, including Henry Cavill and Chad Stahelski, whose previous work has garnered a dedicated following. The involvement of acclaimed actors like Dave Bautista and Russell Crowe adds further excitement. With the reboot aiming to revive a beloved franchise, it is expected to attract both longtime fans and newcomers, potentially setting a new standard for the story of immortals battling through time.
