The iconic Highlander franchise is set to return to theaters worldwide with Henry Cavill starring as Connor MacLeod, the immortal Scottish swordsman. The reboot, rich in sci-fi and fantasy elements, is entering production in Scotland, with filming scheduled to start in late September 2025. This fresh take on the story aims for a theatrical release in late 2026, promising a new chapter in the saga of immortality and sword combat.
Highlander Reboot Set for Late 2026 Release After Years of Development
The production of Henry Cavill’s Highlander reboot marks the culmination of a project that has been in development for over a decade. Initially optioned by Summit Entertainment in 2008, the film went through numerous changes in writers, directors, and cast members, including involvement from Ryan Reynolds and Chad Stahelski, known for the John Wick series. The franchise‘s rights changed hands several times, most recently landing with MGM Amazon Studios. With Henry Cavill joining the cast in 2021, the film finally began its principal photography in 2025, aiming for a release window in the fall or holiday season of 2026, depending on final post-production schedules and potential delays.
Director Chad Stahelski, who has been deeply involved for years, acknowledged the challenge of condensing the franchise’s extensive mythology into a feature-length film.
I’ve worked on Highlander for years now, for Henry Cavill. Being retroactive is hard,
Stahelski told Deadline.
If I were to do a remake of ‘Highlander’ right now, you’d expect a lot of mythology in those first two hours; you couldn’t explore stuff without it.
Star-Studded Cast Joins Henry Cavill in Reviving the Highlander Legacy
Henry Cavill takes on the lead role of Connor MacLeod, an immortal Scotsman who has lived since the 1500s. The cast includes Russell Crowe as Ramirez, MacLeod’s mentor and fellow immortal, reprising a role originally played by Sean Connery. Marisa Abela enters the franchise playing a new character, a woman with a romantic and swordfighting connection to Connor from centuries ago. Additionally, Dave Bautista has been cast as The Kurgan, the adversary who challenges MacLeod’s immortality, a role that Clancy Brown originated in the earlier films.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Henry Cavill shared,
It’s a project that I’m extremely excited about,
he told the Hollywood Reporter.
This character is going to be a lot of fun to play, and I’m loving working with Chad Stahelski. He is a very talented man.
A Modern Reinterpretation of the Highlander Storyline
Although specific plot details are closely guarded, this reboot will revolve around Connor MacLeod’s centuries-long existence as an immortal, a gift he regards as a curse. The narrative is expected to weave between past and present, with Connor living under an assumed identity as an antique dealer. Central to the story remains the ancient contest between immortals—the Game—where combatants face sword duels to the death, with decapitation as the only fatal method. The impending confrontation between MacLeod and his nemesis, The Kurgan, will likely drive the film’s tension.
Director Chad Stahelski hinted at a significant evolution in the setting, moving the story from the Scottish Highlands of the 1500s to contemporary cities like New York and Hong Kong.
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 explained to Collider.
There’s big opportunity for action … and it’s a bit of a love story — but not how you think.
The reboot will also honor the iconic Queen soundtrack from the original film, incorporating it in a distinct and fresh manner.
Chad Stahelski’s Vision and Michael Finch’s Script Shape the New Highlander
Helming the project, Chad Stahelski brings his expertise from directing the John Wick series, with Michael Finch penning the screenplay. Stahelski praised Cavill’s ability to embody both the physical and emotional depth required for an immortal character who spans centuries.
Henry obviously has the physicality, but that doesn’t mean a whole lot if you can’t also carry the empathy of a character that’s lived 500 years, and I needed somebody who could do both,
he told the Hollywood Reporter.
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 recounted the ease with which he identified Cavill as the right choice:
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 said.
He had this combination I was fascinated by.
The director also noted Cavill’s passion for the project, which he believes will translate uniquely on screen.
The other thing you could see was his genuineness — he really loves the property and loves what he believes he can do with it, and when an actor has that level of passion, you’re going to get something unique. And finally … after 10 minutes you’re just like: ‘He’s cool, I want to hang out with this guy,’
Stahelski concluded.
Producers and Studios Behind the Highlander Reboot
The film is being produced by Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt representing MGM Amazon Studios’ United Artists, alongside Neal H. Moritz and Chad Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment. Joshua Davis of Davis Panzer Productions is also involved, helping to bring the project to fruition. MGM Amazon Studios, which now fully owns the Highlander franchise, will handle distribution for the film and any potential sequels. Before MGM’s acquisition, Lionsgate was involved in earlier development stages.
Plans extend beyond the movie itself, with hopes to launch a television series tied to this rendition of Highlander. This series would likely be exclusive to Prime Video and depend heavily on the movie’s success to move forward. Currently, neither Henry Cavill nor other principal cast members are attached as producers to the film.
Connections to the Highlander TV Universe and Franchise Expansion
While the relationship between this reboot and previous Highlander films and television series is not fully defined, the filmmakers are striving to bridge the new movie with elements of the broader Highlander universe. Chad Stahelski stated on the Happy Sad Confused Podcast,
Our story engages a lot of the same characters, but we’ve also brought in elements of all the TV shows,
adding,
We’re trying to do a bit of a prequel — a setup to The Gathering — so we have room to grow the property.
The Highlander television universe began with Highlander: The Series starring Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod, a relative of Connor’s who is also immortal. This series ran for six seasons and inspired spin-offs including Highlander: The Raven, Highlander: Endgame—which reunited Paul and Christopher Lambert’s Connor MacLeod—and the TV movie Highlander: The Source. These shows and films have built an interconnected mythology, and fans can expect some crossover influences in Cavill’s reboot.
Exploring the Highlander Franchise Across Various Platforms
The Highlander franchise spans multiple films and TV series, accessible through a range of streaming services. The original Highlander movie is currently available on platforms such as Tubi, Pluto TV, Peacock, The Roku Channel, and Fandango at Home. Highlander II: The Quickening, including the director’s preferred Renegade Cut, streams on Tubi, Pluto TV, and Prime Video. Highlander III: The Final Dimension, also known as Highlander: The Sorcerer in the UK, is available on Pluto.
Highlander: The Series can be streamed in full on Tubi, Pluto TV, Peacock, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home, while Highlander: The Raven is accessible on Pluto and Xumo Play. Highlander: Endgame and Highlander: The Source are also available on multiple services including Pluto and Prime Video. For fans interested in animation, Highlander: The Animated Series is offered on Tubi, Pluto TV, and Plex, providing a futuristic take on the Highlander story. Despite the famous tagline, it is clear there are many Highlanders across the franchise.
