BAFTA Winner Marisa Abela Joins 'Highlander' Reboot — And This World Might Be Bigger Than You Think

The immortal saga lives on — and it just got a sharp new addition. Marisa Abela, fresh off a BAFTA TV win for Industry and riding high after her standout turn in Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag, has officially joined the cast of Amazon MGM’s ambitious Highlander reboot. She’ll star alongside Henry Cavill, set to play the iconic Connor MacLeod, and Russell Crowe, stepping into the role of Ramirez.

Directed by Chad Stahelski (John Wick), the film isn’t simply revisiting the 1986 cult classic — it’s expanding it. According to early reports, screenwriter Michael Finch is reimagining the mythos with a broader cast of immortals drawn from across the globe. Abela’s character is described as both a formidable swordmaster and a former love of MacLeod — not a background figure, but a key player with history and edge. Might this signal a more ensemble-driven approach to the Highlander universe? One can only wonder.

Production kicks off this September, with filming set across Scotland, England, and as far afield as Hong Kong — an international canvas for what’s shaping up to be a far more layered story. With full rights to the franchise secured, United Artists is said to be exploring ways to extend the world of Highlander beyond this film alone. A wider franchise? A spin-off series? The groundwork is certainly there, even if no one’s saying it aloud just yet.

One thing’s clear: this Highlander isn’t just trading in nostalgia. It’s sharpening the blade for something more ambitious — and possibly longer-lasting. Because let’s face it: when you’re dealing with immortals, sequels are never really off the table.