The once dormant Highlander reboot, initially envisioned in 2008, has a new lease on its life. With the famed John Wick director, Chad Stahelski, taking the reins and the versatile Henry Cavill poised to bring the character of Connor MacLeod to life, the future of this cult classic seems brighter than ever.
Lionsgate, seizing the opportunity, has announced intentions to showcase the reboot at the American Film Market, as reported by Deadline. This strategic move aims to secure financing for an action-packed and visually arresting retelling of the 1986 fantasy film. The original Highlander, which delved into the intricate life of Connor MacLeod, a Scottish highlander destined to be an immortal, vying for “The Prize”, had a rocky start at the box office. Yet, with its whimsical storyline, notable performances by Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, and the legendary Queen’s soundtrack, it carved its niche, gaining a cult status over time.
Given the current climate within the film industry, marred by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, this reboot might just be the respite the industry needs. The strike has effectively narrowed the pool of projects available at the 2023 AFM event. Hence, with less competition and a targeted budget of around $100 million, the Highlander reboot stands a good shot of securing favorable bids. Additionally, the combined allure of Stahelski and Cavill, both giants in their respective fields, might be the final nudge potential investors need.
Despite this optimistic atmosphere, the journey to this point has been fraught with changes and delays. Initially taken by Summit Entertainment, the project faced developmental stasis for nearly fifteen years. Directors like Justin Lin, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, and Cedric Nicolas-Troyan were once associated with the reboot, only for Chad Stahelski to finally take the helm in 2016. Moreover, the initial choice to play MacLeod was Ryan Reynolds. However, following Fresnadillo’s exit over creative differences, Henry Cavill stepped in, infusing new life into the project in 2021.
Cavill’s inclusion, especially, has given the film a certain legitimacy. Known for his iconic roles in Superman and Netflix’s The Witcher, he possesses the charisma and the cinematic gravitas to reintroduce Highlander to modern audiences. The transition from Superman’s cape to MacLeod’s kilt sees Cavill seek to reinvent the beloved Scottish swordsman, immortalized initially by Christopher Lambert.
His partnership with Chad Stahelski, the visionary director behind the John Wick series, further amplifies expectations. Stahelski, celebrated for his kinetic action sequences and intricate choreography, promises to deliver a sword-wielding epic, echoing the visceral thrills of his previous works. This synergy between the actor and director is complemented by a robust production team, including notable figures like Joshua Davis, Neal H. Moritz of the Fast And The Furious fame, and Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment.
While the project appears promising, the film industry’s turbulent environment injects an element of uncertainty. The significant budget and the high-profile team indeed present a formidable front. However, with the industry grappling with strikes and consequential hesitancy regarding new projects, the stability of the reboot remains a topic of speculation.
Henry Cavill, amid all this, remains undeterred. Beyond Highlander, he has showcased his versatility with diverse roles in projects like Matthew Vaughn’s comedic spy film, Argylle, and Guy Ritchie’s war epic, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. His recent stint with Ritchie also saw him sharing screen space with Jake Gyllenhaal, indicating his continued trajectory towards high-profile collaborations.
The reboot’s vision is grand, and its promise is substantial. As fans eagerly anticipate Cavill in kilt, furs, and with flowing locks, reminiscent of the original MacLeod, it’s becoming clear that this Highlander reboot won’t merely be a retelling, but a reimagining, bound to resonate with both old aficionados and a new generation of fans.
Aside from Highlander, Cavill is currently working on a Warhammer universe with Amazon.
