The Highlander movies kicked off in 1986 with a cult classic that blended sword fights, Queen’s rock anthems, and centuries-spanning drama. It introduced us to a hidden world of immortals locked in eternal combat, living by the chilling motto: “There can be only one.”

The original film starred Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander who discovers he’s part of this secret race of warriors. Lambert brought a quiet intensity to the role, making Connor both haunted and heroic.

Personally, I was more a fan of the Highlander series that spun off from the movies for 6 seasons from 1992 to 1998. The series starred Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod, a descendent of Connor’s, and I loved the way it wove historical events into the fictional world of the immortals.

A New Immortal on the Horizon

Now, Henry Cavill is stepping into those boots—and swinging that sword—as Connor MacLeod in the upcoming reboot movie, directed by Chad Stahelski, the mastermind behind the John Wick series. As I have never seen any of the John Wick movies, I cannot say if this choice is a good one or not, though their popularity would seem to say it could work.

Stahelski envisions this project as “John Wick with swords,” promising intense action sequences that span centuries and continents. Stahelski’s vision includes a nuanced portrayal of immortality. He emphasizes the depth of Cavill’s character, an immortal who has lived for over 500 years, mastering various martial arts and experiencing the complexities of endless life. This approach suggests a blend of action and introspection, potentially offering more than just sword fights.

The film aims to transport audiences from the early 1500s in the Scottish Highlands to modern-day New York and Hong Kong, offering a fresh take on the immortal saga with a script by Mike Finch. Finch, who collaborated with Stahelski on John Wick: Chapter 4, rewrote a story treatment from Ryan J. Condal, creator of the TV series Colony.

Delays and Anticipation

The path to production hasn’t been without its hurdles. Initially slated to begin filming in January 2025, the schedule has been pushed back to May 2025. This delay is attributed to Cavill’s commitment to another project, Voltron, set to film from December 2024 to April 2025. While delays can be frustrating, they often allow for a more polished final product and apparently the script has undergone several rewrites. Cavill, himself a fan of the films, is said to have contributed several ideas to the project.

Honoring the Legacy

One of the most iconic elements of the original Highlander film was its soundtrack, featuring unforgettable tracks by Queen. Fans will be pleased to know that Stahelski intends to incorporate Queen’s music into the reboot, though probably not as the main theme but in a fresh and unexpected manner. This nod to the original is a reassuring sign that the filmmakers respect the franchise’s roots.

Can the Highland Reboot Succeed?

Reboots are always a gamble, especially when they tread on the cherished memories of dedicated fans and personally, I am rather tired of all the reboots. The Highlander movies and series set a high standard, and any attempt to revive it must honor its legacy while bringing something new to the table. With Cavill’s proven action chops and Stahelski’s directorial prowess, there’s potential for greatness. Yet, as with all things, the proof will be in the viewing. Here’s hoping this new take on Highlander does justice to the immortal tales we’ve come to love.