Highlander Reboot

[Darth Marcus]

Source: Deadline

Henry Cavill Eyed To Star in Lionsgate’s ‘Highlander’ Reboot From Chad Stahelski
Justin Kroll - May 21, 2021

EXCLUSIVE: In the world of the Highlander films, there can be only one and Henry Cavill may have his eyes on the title. Sources tell Deadline the Man of Steel star is in talks for one of the lead roles in Lionsgate’s reboot of Highlander with John Wick director Chad Stahelski helming.

Neal H. Moritz, Josh Davis and David Leitch are producing the project. Amanda Lewis, Patrick Wachsberger and Gregory Widen will exec produce. Peter Davis, the original producer of the first film, was also on board to produce before his unfortunate passing this past February.

The original 1986 Highlander pic starred Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery and Clancy Brown as immortal beings, hunting down one another and collecting more power. The film — with its “There can be only one” catchphrase — spawned four sequels and three television series including the very popular USA series starring Adrian Paul.

Its unknown the plot of this latest take or if Cavill will be playing a brand new character to the universe or a character from previous projects. The reboot has been gestating for the awhile with everyone from Ryan Reynolds to Justin Lin involved at some point but sources say these latest pieces coming together put this film into position to get into production.

For Cavill, it gives him yet another franchise with a large fanbase after starring roles in major tentpoles like Man of Steel and Mission: Impossible-Fallout. He is currently filming the second season of Netflix’s The Witcher following its record breaking first season. He is also set to return as Sherlock Holmes in the sequel to Netflix’s Enola Holmes with Millie Bobby Brown returning in the title role.

He is repped by WME and The Garcia Companies.

[mwynn]

Sounds good if it happens.

[CyberpunkCentral]

There can only be one.

[Morsoth]

I'm all in if they ignore the Alien stuff and all the inconsistencies of the sequels, animated series or TV series. A fresh start is more than welcome!

[Jay H.]

Christopher Lambert is a bad actor, but at least he's fun to watch. Henry Cavill is just plain dull.

[Ill_Be_Back]

This is actually a great idea. Seems perfect with the talent involved.

[Guy87]

I think Highlander is a crap movie with a great core concept, I've beeen wanting a decent retake on it for a while.

I was hoping for someone charismatic though..

[RalphoR]

If they hire Gerard Butler as Ramirez I'd watch it. Love Cavill as Superman but not sure in this role.

[Darth Marcus]

From Henry Cavill's Instagram:

Very exciting news today! I've been a fan of Highlander since I was lad. From the movies in all of their 80s, Queen slathered glory to the TV show with an actor who looked remarkably like one of my brothers.
Being not shy with swords, and having a director as talented as Chad Stahelski at the helm, this is an opportunity like no other. Deep diving into franchise storytelling with all the tools at our disposal, is going to make this an adventure I (and hopefully all of you) shall never forget.

And as you can see from the swipe, I've lately been dipping into some of my Scottish heritage, and inadvertently getting my base line research underway!
#Highlander

[Elgie]

Dave Bautista as The Kurgan in 1… 2… 3…

[EvaDK]

Originally Posted by RalphoR

If they hire Gerard Butler as Ramirez I'd watch it. Love Cavill as Superman but not sure in this role.

Since Ramírez was originally a man of Egyptian descent, clearly embracing the more flamboyant side of Spanish culture at the time, I could imagine someone like Antonio Banderas, Javier Bardem or Giancarlo Esposito.

Who should play the Kurgan and Connors fair love, Heather?

[RalphoR]

Originally Posted by EvaDK

Since Ramírez was originally a man of Egyptian descent, clearly embracing the more flamboyant side of Spanish culture at the time, I could imagine someone like Antonio Banderas, Javier Bardem or Giancarlo Esposito.

Who should play the Kurgan and Connors fair love, Heather?

You're right, of course. I was thinking of coolness and accent As for Heather...so many good options.

[Darkstream]

Originally Posted by Elgie

Dave Bautista as The Kurgan in 1… 2… 3…

Please no.

[slumcat]

Originally Posted by RalphoR

If they hire Gerard Butler as Ramirez I'd watch it. Love Cavill as Superman but not sure in this role.

Oh man, that would be interesting, if Butler can lean into his Scottish accent.

I doubt its a straight remake though.

They'll use the same concept but might have all different characters.

[EvaDK]

Originally Posted by RalphoR

You're right, of course. I was thinking of coolness and accent As for Heather...so many good options.

To be completely honest, the actor that immediately popped into my head was Rutger Hauer; alas he died recently so that's not an option.

Probably based on his amazing performance in Blade Runner, another story with a strong subtext on life, death and the desire for 'more life', which plays straight into the Highlander motifs.

[Darkstream]

Originally Posted by slumcat

Oh man, that would be interesting, if Butler can lean into his Scottish accent.

I doubt its a straight remake though.

They'll use the same concept but might have all different characters.

Ramirez isn't supposed to be Scottish, though. Connor MacCleod is. That's what is weird about the original film. I love it, but you got a Frenchman playing a Scotsman, and a Scotsman playing a Spanish-Egyptian. lol.


My choices, just off the top of my head:

Pedro Pascal as Ramirez

Joe Manganiello as Kurgan.

[slumcat]

Originally Posted by Darkstream

Ramirez isn't supposed to be Scottish, though. Connor MacCleod is. That's what is weird about the original film. I love it, but you got a Frenchman playing a Scotsman, and a Scotsman playing a Spanish/Egyptian. lol.


My choices, just off the top of my head:

Pedro Pascal as Ramirez

Joe Manganiello as Kurgan.

That's what I meant. I doubt they will do a straight remake. They might get new characters.

Also on another note, can Cavill do a Scots accent? I guess we will find out.

[CreasyBear]

Oh man. I can get down with this. Please use Queen or Metallica or something.

[RalphoR]

Originally Posted by slumcat

Oh man, that would be interesting, if Butler can lean into his Scottish accent.

I doubt its a straight remake though.

They'll use the same concept but might have all different characters.

Originally Posted by Darkstream

Ramirez isn't supposed to be Scottish, though. Connor MacCleod is. That's what is weird about the original film. I love it, but you got a Frenchman playing a Scotsman, and a Scotsman playing a Spanish-Egyptian. lol.


My choices, just off the top of my head:

Pedro Pascal as Ramirez

Joe Manganiello as Kurgan.

That what is really interesting, I think, since they used actors playing roles of different nationalities than themselves they could go in any direction.

[spaceball-one]

One of the great things about the original is how it's shot and constructed like a 2 hour music video. So enjoyable and escapist!
Not sure how I feel about a modern, straightforward reboot, may end up like a lot of newer films, less fun and more steeped in self-serious, unimportant Lore-building.