Jeremy Irons is set to join Henry Cavill in the upcoming Highlander reboot produced by Amazon MGM, marking another collaboration between two actors known for their roles in DC films. Irons will portray the leader of a secretive group called the Watchers, who surveil immortals as potential threats to humanity.
Henry Cavill takes the lead as Connor MacLeod, a medieval Scottish Highlander who is immortal and must confront other immortals over centuries in a battle for supremacy, following the original film’s premise that there can be only one.
High-Profile Cast Joins the Reimagined Highlander Universe
Alongside Cavill and Irons, the cast includes notable actors such as Russell Crowe, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, and Marisa Abela. Crowe will play a swordsman who acts as a mentor to Connor MacLeod, while Bautista takes on the role of The Kurgen, an opposing immortal antagonist. Gillan appears as the mortal wife of Connor, Hounsou as another immortal fighter, and Abela as a romantic interest for Cavill’s character.
The original Highlander film featured Christopher Lambert as the lead immortal, with Clancy Brown playing his enemy and Sean Connery serving as a mentor figure. Its storytelling spanned several centuries and led to subsequent sequels and a TV series that aired through the 1990s.
Director Chad Stahelski’s Vision for the Franchise
Produced under Amazon MGM’s United Artists label, the reboot will be directed by Chad Stahelski, known for his work on the John Wick series. In 2019, Stahelski revealed his intention to create a sustainable universe that could expand into television or additional stories, cautioning that the project must remain true to its core.
“actually sustain a good universe, meaning a TV show or something,”
Chad Stahelski, Director
“f— it up to the point where you cannot continue this story.”
Chad Stahelski, Director
“We love it so much, we’re trying to treat it with a lot of care.”
Chad Stahelski, Director
Production Delays and Anticipated Filming Schedule
The Highlander reboot was initially slated to start production in late September but was postponed after Henry Cavill suffered an injury during pre-production. Filming is now set to begin in early 2026, with high hopes that this new iteration will capture the essence of the original while ushering in a fresh era.
What This Reboot Means for Fans and Future Storylines
This new Highlander film brings together a remarkable cast and an experienced director committed to respecting the legacy of the franchise. With Henry Cavill’s lead role as Connor MacLeod and Jeremy Irons as a key antagonist, the reboot aims to revive the epic tale of immortal warriors while expanding its world for potential sequels or series. Fans can look forward to a fresh but carefully crafted storyline that honors the themes of the original while introducing new characters and conflicts.
