Everything You Need to Know About 'Highlander' Starring Henry Cavill: Plot, Cast & More
After years of being in production hell, the movie is finally in active production.
Henry Cavill is preparing to play another sword-wielding character, this time the Immortal Warrior Connor MacLeod.
After spending 18 years in development hell, the project has finally taken shape and has an estimated release date – Chad Stahelski, creator of the John Wick franchise, is directing the reboot of the iconic Highlander series.
Stahelski describes his movie as John Wick with swords, promising spectacular fight choreography and modern visual techniques.
When Will 'Highlander' Be Released?
The exact release date for the new Highlander has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be sometime in late 2027 or 2028. Chad Stahelski confirmed that he intends to release the movie within this timeframe.
The project is conceived as a prequel to the original film, and Stahelski plans to create a trilogy.
What Will 'Highlander' Be About?
Centuries after he first died on a Scottish battlefield, Connor MacLeod lives a quiet life in the modern world, haunted by loss and an endless cycle of violence.
When The Kurgan reappears, backed by a secret organization seeking the secret to eternal life, Connor is forced to reenter the Game – an ancient struggle in which only one can survive in the end.
Guided by his mentor, Ramírez, Connor must unravel the past and rediscover his purpose.
The movie will unfold across several time periods – the story begins in early 16th-century Scotland and then moves to modern-day New York and Hong Kong.
What Was the Original 'Highlander' About?
The 1986 cult classic Highlander, starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, tells the story of Connor MacLeod. MacLeod is a 16th-century Scottish warrior who is killed in battle, resurrected, and discovers that he is immortal.
With the help of his mentor, Ramírez, MacLeod learns the art of swordsmanship and the rules of his new life. Immortals can only be killed by decapitation – the winner gains the vanquished's strength, experience, and knowledge.
They all participate in the Game, a battle for the Prize, which goes to whoever kills all the others. The original movie spawned three sequels, a TV series, books, comics, video games, and even an anime series.
Who Is in the Cast of 'Highlander'?
Henry Cavill will play the lead role of Connor MacLeod. The movie also stars Karen Gillan as Heather MacLeod, Connor's wife, Dave Bautista as the Kurgan, the most powerful Immortal and Connor's ancient enemy, and Russell Crowe as Ramírez, Connor's mentor.
Jeremy Irons plays the leader of the Watchers, who document the Immortals' activities, Marisa Abela will portray Connor's love interest, Siobhán Cullen will play a New York City forensic scientist. Djimon Hounsou plays Connor's friend and ally, an African Immortal warrior.
'Highlander' Production Process
Chad Stahelski took the helm of Highlander in 2016, and since then, plans for the reboot have changed numerous times. Juan Carlos Fresnadillo was initially set to direct, and Ryan Reynolds and Chris Hemsworth were considered for the role of Connor.
It was only with Stahelski's arrival that the project began to take shape. In 2021, Henry Cavill was cast, and in 2024, Lionsgate greenlit the movie.
Filming began in Scotland on January 28, 2026. Delays were caused by reshoots on the John Wick spinoff Ballerina, as well as by a leg injury that Cavill sustained during training.
In January 2026, Cavill confirmed that production was in full swing. The new Highlander promises to be gritty and will likely receive an R rating.
