Director Chad Stahelski, known for the John Wick series, is helming a highly anticipated reboot of Highlander, which will revisit the enduring battle of Connor MacLeod against other immortals across centuries. This version of the story, centered on the famous struggle where immortals fight to the death to absorb each other’s powers, follows the premise that “there can be only one.”
The star leading this cast is Henry Cavill, famed for his role in The Witcher, who will portray Connor MacLeod. Dave Bautista, known for Dune and his WWE background, has been cast as the antagonist, Kurgan—a deadly and destructive figure responsible for immense chaos and violence throughout his millennia of existence.
Drew McIntyre Cast as Brother to Henry Cavill’s Character
Adding formidable strength to the lineup, WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre has joined the Highlander cast as Angus MacLeod, Connor’s brother. This is a notable departure from the original film where Angus, played by James Cosmo, was depicted as Connor’s cousin. The new familial relationship signifies a fresh dynamic in the storyline for the reboot being produced by Amazon MGM.
McIntyre’s involvement reunites him with Dave Bautista, following their previous collaboration in the 2024 action film The Killer’s Game. Chad Stahelski’s 87Eleven stunt team, who worked on that film, reportedly impressed upon seeing McIntyre’s action skills, influencing his casting in Highlander.
McIntyre Reflects on On-Set Experience with Dave Bautista
Speaking about the transition from wrestling to acting during an interview with B/R, Drew McIntyre detailed the support he received from Bautista, who helped ease his nerves on set. He said,
“I certainly never thought it would come easy to me,”
Drew McIntyre said.
“It was quite the opposite. ‘Oh, man, this is going to be totally different and I don’t know what to expect.’ I guess most people would have the thought, ‘I just hope I don’t suck,’ more than anything. But as soon as I got there, Dave was there right on the set asking me if I was nervous.”
“I told him yes, and he said he was nervous, which blew my mind after all the success he’s had and all the diverse roles and big movies he’s been part of, so that helped relax me initially.”
“When I got in front of that camera and saw that red light, my whole body just relaxed, basically growing up in front of the world on camera,”
McIntyre added.
“That’s my comfort zone. As soon as that red light went on, I just relaxed instantly.”
Production Delays and Extended Release Timeline
Unfortunately, the filming schedule for Highlander has been pushed back due to Henry Cavill sustaining an injury during pre-production training. This setback means filming is now anticipated to begin early next year, delaying the movie‘s release, which was originally expected around 2027 but now looks more likely for 2028.
The screenplay was written by Michael Finch, and the ensemble cast also includes well-known actors such as Russell Crowe, Marisa Abela, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, and Max Zhang, alongside Cavill, Bautista, and McIntyre.
Significance and Future Expectations for the Highlander Reboot
The involvement of both Hollywood stars and accomplished wrestlers like Drew McIntyre and Dave Bautista highlights a blending of action credentials that could bring new energy to this classic narrative. With Chad Stahelski’s acclaimed direction and a strong stunt team backing the production, the Highlander reboot aims to attract fans of the original while offering a contemporary update grounded in intense action and dramatic tension.
Given the cultural impact of the 1986 film and Highlander’s enduring legacy, this reboot carries significant expectations. Once production resumes, audiences will be eager to see how the new portrayal of immortality and the evolving relationship between Connor and Angus MacLeod develops, potentially redefining the franchise for a new generation.
