A Highlander Reboot is reportedly in the works.
Actor Henry Cavill was first linked to the reboot way back in 2021, but it all went a bit quiet on the Highlander front until fairly recently, reports Total Film.
Background
The Highlander film series is a franchise that revolves around the concept of immortality and sword-fighting. The central theme of the series is the existence of Immortals, beings who cannot die unless they are beheaded. When an Immortal kills another, the victor absorbs the loser’s power, known as the “Quickening.”
Highlander Reboot
In a recent earnings call, Lionsgate’s CEO Jon Feltheimer named Highlander as one of the studio’s “fiscal ’26 tentpoles.”
The film is set to be helmed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski.
Back in August, Stahelski suggested the Highlander reboot could be the start of something big. “I think we have some very good elements now,” he said. “The trick is when you have the tagline ‘there can only be one’, you can’t just kill everybody the first time.”
The reboot will honour the original Highlander soundtrack by including iconic songs from Queen, and there is also a possibility of an unreleased Queen cover being included.
It will be due out in 2025/26.
Highlander history
The story follows their battles throughout history, ultimately leading to a final confrontation where only one Immortal can remain.
The first film in the series is “Highlander,” released in 1986, directed by Russell Mulcahy. It stars Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, an Immortal who must confront the Kurgan, another powerful Immortal, in a fight for the Prize.
The success of the first film led to a franchise that includes several sequels and spin-offs:
- Highlander II: The Quickening (1991): This sequel expands on the mythology, introducing a new dimension to the Immortals’ origins. However, it was met with mixed reviews.
- Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994): Also known as “Highlander: The Final Dimension,” this film continues the story of Connor MacLeod and his struggles against other Immortals.
- Highlander: Endgame (2000): This film attempts to merge the storylines of the original Highlander film and the TV series “Highlander: The Series.” It features both Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod and Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod, another Immortal.
- Highlander: The Source (2007): This installment explores the search for the source of the Immortals’ power. It received negative reviews and is considered one of the weaker entries in the series.
Aside from the films, there was also a TV series titled “Highlander: The Series,” which ran from 1992 to 1998. The TV series follows the adventures of Duncan MacLeod, a cousin of Connor MacLeod, and explores the world of Immortals in more detail.
The Highlander franchise has gained a dedicated fanbase over the years, and while not all the films were critically acclaimed, the concept of Immortals battling through the ages continues to capture the imagination of audiences.
Related: Henry Cavill: The perfect choice for the next James Bond
