The long-awaited reboot of the cult classic Highlander is finally gearing up to start production, with Henry Cavill stepping into the immortal shoes of Connor MacLeod. Directed by John Wick mastermind Chad Stahelski, the film is set to begin shooting in Scotland in early October 2025, marking a significant milestone for a project that has been in development for nearly two decades. With its promise of breathtaking swordplay, a reimagined mythos, and Cavill’s star power, the Highlander reboot is poised to captivate both longtime fans and a new generation, while leveraging Scotland’s rugged landscapes to bring the immortal warrior’s story to life.
Stahelski, known for his kinetic action choreography in the John Wick series, has been attached to the project since 2016, with Cavill confirmed as the lead in 2021. The reboot, now under Amazon MGM Studios after departing Lionsgate, is slated for a theatrical release in 2027 or 2028, reflecting the ambitious scope of the production. Filming will kick off in Scotland, with additional locations in Italy and Hong Kong, expanding the story’s canvas from the 16th-century Highlands to modern-day New York and beyond. Stahelski has teased a narrative that blends elements of the 1986 original, starring Christopher Lambert, with the expansive lore of the Highlander TV series, setting up a prequel to “The Gathering” to allow for potential sequels.
Cavill, fresh off roles in Deadpool & Wolverine and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, is no stranger to wielding a sword, having showcased his skills in The Witcher. At CinemaCon 2024, he hinted at the intensity of his preparation, stating, “If you think you’ve seen me do sword work before, you haven’t seen anything yet.” Stahelski has emphasized the complexity of training actors for authentic sword fights, noting that unlike firearms or car chases, swords require precision to avoid injury. The director’s vision for Highlander includes not just duels but martial arts and modern action elements, transforming Cavill’s MacLeod into a 500-year-old warrior with a diverse combat repertoire. Russell Crowe joins the cast as Ramirez, the mentor role immortalized by Sean Connery, adding gravitas to the tale of immortal warriors battling for “the Prize.”
The original Highlander became a cultural touchstone despite its initial box office struggles, thanks to its Queen soundtrack and timeless premise of immortals dueling across centuries. Stahelski has confirmed the iconic music, including tracks like “Princes of the Universe,” will feature in a “different way,” ensuring a nod to the franchise’s legacy. The reboot aims to delve deeper into the emotional weight of immortality, with Cavill’s MacLeod grappling with the burden of centuries-long existence. Stahelski pitched the role to Cavill as a chance to explore a character arc spanning 500 years, from a reluctant warrior to a seasoned warrior, blending action with a love story that defies conventional expectations.
The filming process in Scotland, the ancestral home of MacLeod, is a fitting choice, with Stahelski scouting locations to capture the Highlands’ rugged beauty. The production faced delays, initially planned for January 2025, due to Cavill’s commitments to Voltron and Stahelski’s reshoots for the John Wick spinoff Ballerina. Pre-production began in September 2024, with stunt training already underway to ensure the cast can handle the demanding choreography. The film’s budget, reportedly exceeding $100 million, underscores its scale, with Amazon’s backing signaling confidence in its potential to succeed at the box office.
For Cavill, Highlander represents a chance to anchor a major franchise after stepping away from Superman and The Witcher. His fanbase, vocal on platforms like X, has rallied behind the casting, though some express cautious optimism given the franchise’s uneven sequel history. Stahelski’s track record, however, inspires confidence, with fans on Reddit praising his ability to elevate action while preserving a story’s emotional depth. As cameras prepare to roll in Scotland, the promise of Cavill’s sword-swinging MacLeod under Stahelski’s direction has reignited excitement for a franchise that insists, like its hero, on living forever.
