The immortal saga is rising from the ashes.
After years of development delays, casting rumors, and eager anticipation from fans of the 1986 cult classic, the Highlander reboot has officially kicked off principal photography. On November 28, 2025, director Chad Stahelski called “action” in London, marking the start of what promises to be one of the most ambitious action-fantasy films in recent memory. Leading the charge are Henry Cavill as the eternal Connor MacLeod and Dave Bautista as the ferocious Kurgan—two titans whose intense preparation has crew members buzzing about a “resurgent power” on set, as if the ancient spirit of the Highland warriors has truly been reawakened.
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For months leading up to this milestone, Cavill and Bautista trained in near-secrecy, honing swordplay and combat techniques under Stahelski’s rigorous guidance. Insiders describe the sessions as transformative: every parry, thrust, and clash designed not just as choreography, but to evoke the raw, primal essence of immortal warriors bound by “There can be only one.” Crew whispers speak of an electric atmosphere—movements so precise and powerful they feel less like staged fights and more like rituals summoning the franchise’s legendary fury.
The original Highlander, directed by Russell Mulcahy and starring Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, Sean Connery as Ramirez, and Clancy Brown as the unforgettable Kurgan, became an instant cult phenomenon upon its 1986 release. Its blend of time-spanning epic storytelling, thunderous Queen soundtrack, and groundbreaking sword duels captured imaginations worldwide. Despite mixed sequels and a beloved TV series starring Adrian Paul, the core mythos—of immortals battling across centuries for the ultimate Prize—has endured, begging for a modern revival.
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Stahelski, the visionary behind the billion-dollar John Wick franchise, has long been attached to helm this reimagining. His signature style—fluid, brutal, and innovative action—seems tailor-made for Highlander’s quickening battles. “We’re not just remaking it; we’re expanding the mythology,” Stahelski has teased in interviews, promising global scopes from Scottish Highlands to modern metropolises like New York and Hong Kong.
Cavill, fresh from roles demanding physical prowess in The Witcher and Mission: Impossible, embodies the perfect modern MacLeod: brooding yet heroic, with a quiet intensity that hints at centuries of loss and survival. Despite a calf injury sustained during pre-production training that briefly delayed the start, Cavill pushed through recovery, earning praise from co-star Bautista for his dedication. “Henry’s one of the hardest-working actors I’ve ever seen,” Bautista told Collider. “He’s busting his ass to get back— that’s what pros do.”
Bautista, stepping into the Kurgan’s boots, brings his own formidable presence. The former WWE superstar turned blockbuster fixture (Guardians of the Galaxy, Dune) has bulked up further at Stahelski’s request, mastering a barbaric fighting style that contrasts Cavill’s elegant precision. “This is a game changer,” Bautista enthused. “The action is stylized, on par with John Wick but completely different—more primal, more historical.”
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Joining them is an impressive ensemble: Russell Crowe as the flamboyant mentor Ramirez (reimagining Connery’s iconic turn), Karen Gillan in a key role reportedly tied to MacLeod’s past love, and others like Djimon Hounsou and Jeremy Irons adding depth to the immortal world. The script by Michael Finch (John Wick: Chapter 4) honors core elements while introducing fresh twists, including broader exploration of the immortals’ society and rules.
Production, under Amazon MGM Studios after acquiring rights from Lionsgate, boasts massive scale. Sets in London recreate everything from misty Scottish battlefields to neon-lit urban showdowns, with practical sword work prioritized over CGI. Stahelski’s 87Eleven stunt team ensures authenticity—rumors swirl of extended, one-take fight sequences that could rival Wick’s hall-of-mirrors climax.
On that fateful November 28 call sheet, something palpable shifted, according to early reports. As Cavill and Bautista faced off in their first filmed clash, the crew felt the weight of legacy. Swords sparked with controlled fury, breaths synced in ancient rhythm, and the air hummed with energy. “It wasn’t acting,” one source confided. “It felt like channeling something real—the Highlander force roaring back.”
Fans have waited decades for this resurrection. The original’s Queen anthems like “Princes of the Universe” are confirmed to return in reimagined form, blending nostalgia with new thunder. With a projected 2027-2028 release, expectations are sky-high: Will this reboot capture the original’s magic while elevating the action to Wick levels?
Early buzz suggests yes. Bautista calls it “high-speed, updated Highlander,” while Cavill hints at the most demanding swordplay of his career. Stahelski promises emotional depth amid the spectacle—immortality’s loneliness, the cost of endless war.
As filming continues, leaks and behind-the-scenes glimpses tease epic scope. The set alive with clashing steel, roaring performances, and a palpable sense of history reborn.
There can be only one—but this reboot feels like it’s claiming the throne.
The legend awakens. And it’s sharper than ever.
