The action genre has been waiting for its next defining franchise, and Henry Cavill may have just handed fans the perfect successor to John Wick. In a move that feels almost predestined, the star—fresh off sharing the first official look at himself as the immortal Connor MacLeod—has ignited excitement around the long-awaited Highlander reboot. Directed by Chad Stahelski, the visionary behind the John Wick series, this project promises to deliver the same level of kinetic, immersive, stunt-driven spectacle that made Keanu Reeves’ Baba Yaga an icon. With production now underway in Scotland after delays, and first images revealing Cavill in character looking battle-worn and commanding, the question isn’t whether Highlander can fill the void—it’s whether it might surpass what came before.
Over a decade ago, John Wick (2014) arrived like a thunderclap. What began as a simple revenge tale—a grieving hitman pulled back into the underworld after his dog is killed and car stolen—exploded into a cultural phenomenon. Stahelski, a former stunt coordinator who doubled for Reeves in The Matrix, elevated the material with “gun fu”: balletic gunplay blended with martial arts, neon-drenched nightclubs, and a shadowy criminal underworld governed by strict codes and gold coins. The film grossed over $86 million on a modest budget, spawning three sequels that each outdid the last at the box office. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) deepened the lore with Continental hotels and High Table politics. Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) escalated the scale with globe-trotting chases and alliances. Chapter 4 (2023) delivered an epic, emotional close, pushing Reeves’ character to apparent death in a Parisian duel at Sacré-Cœur.
The franchise’s influence is undeniable. It revived Reeves’ career post-Matrix, popularized intricate fight choreography in mainstream cinema, and inspired spin-offs like the Ana de Armas-led Ballerina (2025), though that film underperformed relative to expectations. John Wick 5 was announced, but Stahelski has emphasized the need for time to craft a worthy story after Chapter 4‘s conclusive ending. The Baba Yaga’s saga may continue, but the immediate future of high-octane, world-building action hangs in limbo.
Enter Highlander. First announced in 2021 with Stahelski attached to direct and Cavill in the lead, the reboot has been a passion project for both. Based on the 1986 cult classic starring Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod—an immortal Scottish warrior born in the 16th century who battles other immortals across centuries in a fight for “the Prize”—the original film blended historical drama, fantasy, and swordplay with Queen’s iconic soundtrack (“Who Wants to Live Forever?”). Its tagline, “There can be only one,” became legendary.
Stahelski’s version promises reinvention. The story shifts the timeline to “beyond present-day,” transporting MacLeod to modern New York and Hong Kong. Cavill plays a 500-year-old (or more) warrior who has mastered countless fighting styles over centuries. This setup allows for globe-trotting adventures, intricate sword battles, and a rich mythology ripe for expansion. Stahelski has teased a love story element (though unconventional), emphasizing action opportunities and bending narrative like he did in John Wick.
The first images Cavill shared on Instagram—posted around late January 2026—show him as MacLeod wielding a sword in gritty, atmospheric settings. One photo places him in what appears to be Hong Kong, coat billowing in a cyber-noir vibe reminiscent of Blade Runner. Another has him in New York, battle-worn and intense. The lighting, composition, and overall aesthetic scream Stahelski: moody shadows, practical effects, and a sense of lived-in danger. Fans immediately drew parallels to John Wick‘s signature look—dark suits, precise framing, and an undercurrent of lethal elegance.
Cavill captioned the post: “Happy First Look for Highlander! This has been quite the journey for me, which I’ll tell you all about when the time is right, but it’s a special moment to be able to share this. I hope you enjoy. #Highlander.” That “journey” reference nods to real-world challenges: Cavill suffered a leg injury during sword-training rehearsals in 2025, delaying principal photography from late 2025 to January 28, 2026, in Scotland. Cinematographer Dan Laustsen (The Shape of Water, John Wick: Chapter 4) brings visual mastery.
The cast elevates expectations: Russell Crowe joins (reuniting with Cavill from Man of Steel), alongside Dave Bautista, Marisa Abela, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Jeremy Irons, Max Zhang, and wrestler Drew McIntyre. Budget reportedly exceeds $100 million (shifted to Amazon after Lionsgate concerns over cost and appeal), signaling confidence in a major franchise launch.
Why does this feel like the “perfect” John Wick replacement? Stahelski’s DNA is everywhere. Just as he revolutionized gunfights, he could redefine sword combat—choreographing duels with the same precision, fluidity, and creativity. Imagine a Red Circle-style sequence but with blades clashing in a rain-soaked Hong Kong alley or a crowded New York subway. The immortal premise offers endless sequel potential: new challengers, historical flashbacks, evolving alliances. Like John Wick‘s Continental and High Table, Highlander‘s lore—immortals hiding among humans, the Gathering, the Quickening—provides a foundation for world-building.
Cavill, long seeking a signature role post-Superman (where many felt the DCEU underutilized him) and The Witcher (exited after Season 3), stands poised to claim it. His physicality—proven in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, The Witcher, and training regimens—fits an immortal swordsman perfectly. If Highlander succeeds, Cavill could become the face of a new action era, much like Reeves did in 2014.
The stakes are high. Action fans crave the next big thing amid superhero fatigue and franchise burnout. John Wick proved simple premises with stellar execution can dominate. Highlander has the pedigree: a beloved IP, visionary director, A-list star, and modern twist. Early buzz is electric—social media erupts with fan art, comparisons, and speculation about fight scenes.
As production rolls in Scotland and beyond, anticipation builds. Will sword fu become the new gun fu? Can Highlander launch a saga as enduring as John Wick? Henry Cavill’s first look suggests yes—and the journey promises to be legendary.
There can be only one… but this reboot might just give us a new immortal franchise worth following forever.
