Henry Cavill Set to Reprise Immortal Warrior in Highly Anticipated ‘Highlander’ Reboot

Henry Cavill, the British actor renowned for his roles in “The Witcher” and as Superman, has officially confirmed his starring role as Connor MacLeod in the upcoming “Highlander” reboot. Directed by Chad Stahelski of the “John Wick” franchise, the film promises to honor the 1986 cult classic while expanding its mythic scope.

Cavill, who has been attached to the project since 2021, will portray the iconic Scottish immortal warrior who discovers his inability to die after a fatal battlefield wound in the 16th century.

The actor has expressed immense enthusiasm, stating that the character will allow him to explore a 500-year arc of a seasoned martial artist, blending swordplay with diverse fighting styles accumulated over centuries.

Production on the Amazon MGM Studios project under the United Artists banner has faced delays but is now gaining momentum. Filming, originally slated for earlier in 2025, was postponed after Cavill sustained an injury during pre-production training.

The setback pushed the start date, but recent updates confirm principal photography will commence on November 28, 2025, with co-star Dave Bautista sharing the news.

This follows Cavill’s recovery, which he documented through physical therapy photos, showcasing his dedication to the physically demanding role.

The reboot aims for a theatrical release, potentially in 2027 or 2028, depending on post-production.

Stahelski has emphasized fidelity to the source material, revealing that the story will retain core elements from the original film and TV series while adding complementary details.

“We’re bringing it forward from the early 1500s in the Highlands to beyond present-day New York and Hong Kong,” Stahelski explained in interviews, highlighting opportunities for expansive action sequences and unexpected emotional depth.

He described it as “a bit of a love story, but not how you think,” incorporating mythic storytelling akin to “John Wick” but rooted in Highlander’s immortal lore.

The director sold Cavill on the role by pitching a character who has trained for over 500 years, offering a broad character arc from reluctance to mastery.

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This approach ensures the reboot complements rather than detracts from the original’s legacy of “There can be only one.”

The cast has ballooned into a powerhouse ensemble, reflecting the film’s ambition to build a potential franchise. Russell Crowe reunites with Cavill as a mentor figure, echoing Sean Connery’s Ramirez.

Dave Bautista portrays the brutal antagonist, the Kurgan, while Karen Gillan plays Heather MacLeod, Connor’s mortal love from the past.

Recent additions include Siobhán Cullen as a police psychiatrist who uncovers the immortals’ world and aids MacLeod, Jun Jong-seo as part of the secretive Watchers organization, Nassim Lyes as an immortal hunter, and Kevin McKidd in an undisclosed role.

Jeremy Irons joins as the leader of the Watchers, a shadowy group viewing immortals as threats, adding villainous depth drawn from the TV series.

Djimon Hounsou, Marisa Abela, Max Zhang, and WWE star Drew McIntyre—as Cavill’s brother Angus—round out the lineup, promising epic clashes across eras.

Bautista has praised Cavill extensively, calling him “one of the hardest actors I’ve ever seen work” and a true gentleman on set, underscoring the positive atmosphere amid intense preparations.

Cavill’s commitment shines through his rigorous training, even post-injury, as he teased at events: “If you think you’ve seen me do sword work before, you haven’t seen anything yet.”

The original “Highlander,” directed by Russell Mulcahy and starring Christopher Lambert, blended 16th-century Scotland with 1980s New York, featuring immortals dueling for “The Prize”—ultimate power granted to the last survivor.

Its Queen-soundtracked glory spawned sequels and a beloved TV series with Adrian Paul.

Stahelski’s version acts as a prequel to “The Gathering,” the final battle, incorporating TV elements like the Watchers for richer world-building and franchise potential.

Leaked synopsis details tease Connor living quietly in the modern world, haunted by loss, guided by allies against escalating threats for humanity’s soul.

With Stahelski’s stunt expertise elevating fights to “John Wick” levels—complete with martial arts beyond swords—the reboot positions itself as a game-changer.

Cavill, a longtime fan since childhood, views this as an “opportunity like no other,” especially with swords involved.

As development spanned over a decade, shifting from Lionsgate to Amazon MGM, the project now surges forward.

Fans eagerly await Cavill’s transformation into the ultimate immortal, blending nostalgia with fresh spectacle.

This reboot not only revives a beloved property but expands it thoughtfully, ensuring the source material’s spirit endures while adding layers that enhance the immortal saga.

With filming imminent and a star-studded cast locked in, “Highlander” is poised to deliver thunderous action and timeless drama.