Parijat Ghosh 
Henry Cavill stars in the upcoming Highlander reboot, a new take on the cult 1986 fantasy film about immortal warriors who fight across centuries. Amazon MGM Studios, and United Artists are developing the project as a major franchise reboot, not just a nostalgia remake. The original film built a cult following, and this version aims to expand the mythology with modern action and large-scale storytelling.
What Is Highlander About
Highlander follows Connor MacLeod, a Scottish warrior who discovers he cannot die. He learns other immortals exist, and they battle each other through history. Immortals can only die by decapitation, and the victor absorbs their power.
The last immortal standing earns The Prize, a powerful reward tied to destiny and humanity’s future. The reboot plans to explore MacLeod’s life across different eras, moving from medieval Scotland to modern global cities. Director Chad Stahelski has mentioned settings like New York and Hong Kong, suggesting a global story with historical flashbacks and modern action.
A Star-Packed Cast
Henry Cavill plays Connor MacLeod, taking over the role made famous by Christopher Lambert. Cavill shared a first look from the film in January 2026, confirming production momentum after years of delays.
Russell Crowe plays MacLeod’s mentor, a role similar to Sean Connery’s character in the original. Dave Bautista plays the villain Kurgan, a brutal immortal warrior. Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Marisa Abela, and Max Zhang also join the cast in major supporting roles, giving the reboot serious blockbuster energy.
John Wick Director Brings Sword Combat
Chad Stahelski directs the reboot. He built the John Wick franchise and specializes in stylized, choreographed action. He said MacLeod trained in multiple martial arts over centuries, which allows the film to mix sword fighting with modern combat styles.
Michael Finch wrote the script, with earlier drafts by Ryan J Condal and Kerry Williamson. The long development process reflects the studio’s effort to modernize the franchise while keeping its core mythology.
Highlander Production Status and Release Plans
The Highlander reboot stayed in development for years due to rights issues and scheduling conflicts. Cavill joined the project in 2021, but training injuries and production delays slowed progress. Filming began in late 2025 or early 2026. Industry projections suggest a theatrical release around 2027 or 2028, depending on post production and visual effects timelines.
The original Highlander spawned sequels and a popular TV series, but it never became a mainstream mega franchise. This reboot aims to change that with a cinematic universe approach, big-budget action, and global storytelling. Cavill’s star power, Stahelski’s action style, and Amazon’s backing position Highlander as a potential long running fantasy action franchise. And yes, there can still be only one.
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