The upcoming Highlander reboot, starring Henry Cavill as the iconic immortal warrior Connor MacLeod, is generating significant buzz in the entertainment industry. Directed by Chad Stahelski, known for his work on the John Wick franchise, this reimagining of the 1986 cult classic promises to deliver a thrilling blend of action, fantasy, and intricate world-building. One of the most exciting developments surrounding the project is the casting of two Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) stars, Karen Gillan and Dave Bautista, who will reunite on screen for the first time since their collaboration in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). This reunion, combined with the star power of Cavill and Russell Crowe, who also joins the cast, positions the Highlander reboot as one of the most anticipated films in the coming years. This article explores the details of the project, the significance of the Marvel stars’ reunion, the cast and crew, and the potential impact of this reboot on the Highlander franchise.

The Highlander Legacy: A Cult Classic Reborn

The original Highlander film, released in 1986, starred Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, a Scottish swordsman who discovers he is an immortal, destined to battle other immortals in a centuries-long conflict for “The Prize,” a mysterious power granted to the last immortal standing. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the film combined sword-fighting action, a memorable Queen soundtrack, and a unique mythology that spanned centuries. Despite mixed critical reception and modest box office performance, Highlander developed a fervent cult following, spawning multiple sequels, television series, animated shows, and other media.

However, the Highlander franchise has struggled to recapture the magic of the original film. Sequels like Highlander II: The Quickening (1991) and subsequent entries faced criticism for inconsistent storytelling and deviations from the established lore. The television series Highlander: The Series (1992–1998), starring Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod, was a high point for the franchise, building a dedicated fanbase with its rich character development and expanded mythology. Despite this, attempts to reboot the franchise cinematically have been mired in development challenges since 2008, with various directors and actors, including Ryan Reynolds and Justin Lin, attached at different points.

The current reboot, under the stewardship of Chad Stahelski and Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists banner, aims to revitalize the Highlander saga. With Henry Cavill cast as Connor MacLeod in 2021 and production slated to begin in Scotland in September 2025, the project is finally gaining momentum. The addition of Karen Gillan and Dave Bautista, both prominent figures in the MCU, adds a layer of intrigue, particularly for fans of their work as Nebula and Drax in the Guardians of the Galaxy films.

A Marvel Reunion: Karen Gillan and Dave Bautista

The casting of Karen Gillan as Heather, Connor MacLeod’s mortal wife, and Dave Bautista as The Kurgan, the reboot’s primary antagonist, marks a significant reunion for the two actors. Gillan and Bautista previously shared the screen in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy (2014–2023), where they portrayed Nebula, the adopted daughter of Thanos, and Drax the Destroyer, respectively. Their chemistry, both comedic and dramatic, was a highlight of the MCU’s cosmic subfranchise, with their performances in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 earning widespread praise for emotional depth and character growth.

This Highlander reboot is only the second time Gillan and Bautista have collaborated outside the MCU. Their previous non-Marvel project was the 2019 action-comedy Stuber, where Gillan played a supporting role as the former partner of Bautista’s character, Detective Vic Manning. While Stuber was a modest success, it did not allow the actors to fully showcase their dynamic as they did in the Guardians films. Highlander offers a fresh opportunity for the duo to explore new roles in a fantasy-action setting, with Bautista’s menacing Kurgan facing off against Cavill’s MacLeod and Gillan’s Heather providing an emotional anchor for the story.

Karen Gillan, a Scottish actress born in Inverness, brings a personal connection to the project. In an Instagram post announcing her casting, she humorously noted, “My dialect coach can sit this one out,” referencing her natural Scottish accent, which aligns perfectly with the film’s setting. Gillan’s role as Heather, described as “MacLeod’s mortal wife and the love of his life,” will likely emphasize the romantic and tragic elements of the Highlander narrative. In the original 1986 film, Heather, played by Beatie Edney, was a pivotal character whose mortality contrasted with MacLeod’s eternal life, creating a poignant love story. Gillan’s ability to convey strength and vulnerability, as seen in her performances in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), makes her an ideal choice for the role.

Dave Bautista, meanwhile, steps into the shoes of The Kurgan, a role iconically portrayed by Clancy Brown in the original film. The Kurgan is a brutal, immortal warrior who has spent centuries killing other immortals to absorb their power, setting his sights on MacLeod as his ultimate target. Bautista’s physical presence and experience playing intense characters, from Drax in the MCU to roles in Dune (2021) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017), make him a formidable choice for the villain. His casting suggests that Stahelski aims to amplify the action and menace of The Kurgan, potentially leveraging Bautista’s martial arts background and imposing stature to create memorable fight sequences.

The reunion of Gillan and Bautista is a significant draw for audiences, particularly MCU fans who enjoyed their on-screen rapport. Their final MCU collaboration, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, was a critical and commercial success, grossing $845.6 million worldwide and ranking as the second highest-grossing film in the MCU’s Phase 5. The prospect of seeing these two actors in a new context, with Gillan as a romantic lead and Bautista as a villain, adds an exciting dimension to the Highlander reboot.

A Star-Studded Cast and Crew

Beyond the Marvel reunion, the Highlander reboot boasts a talented ensemble. Henry Cavill, known for his roles as Superman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, is perfectly suited to play Connor MacLeod. Cavill’s experience wielding swords as Geralt and his ability to portray stoic yet emotionally complex characters align with Stahelski’s vision of a MacLeod who has lived for over 500 years, reluctantly thrust into a battle for survival. In a 2021 interview with Collider, Stahelski described his pitch to Cavill: “You’ve got a guy that’s been alive for over 500 years. He’s the last person in the world that wanted to be in this situation. So you get to cover quite a broad spread of a character arc… and you get to experience someone that’s trained over 500 years and sort of played [with many types of] martial arts.”

Russell Crowe, an Oscar-winning actor known for Gladiator (2000) and A Beautiful Mind (2001), joins the cast as Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, MacLeod’s mentor. The role, originally played by Sean Connery in the 1986 film, is a pivotal one, as Ramírez teaches MacLeod the ways of the immortals and prepares him for the battles ahead. Crowe’s casting also marks a reunion with Cavill, as the two previously worked together in Man of Steel (2013), where Crowe played Jor-El, Superman’s father, and Cavill portrayed Kal-El. Their dynamic in Highlander will likely echo the mentor-mentee relationship of their Man of Steel roles, but with more screen time to explore their chemistry. Crowe’s recent roles in films like Kraven the Hunter (2024) and The Pope’s Exorcist (2023) demonstrate his versatility, and his portrayal of Ramírez is expected to bring gravitas and charisma to the reboot.

Marisa Abela, known for her work in Industry (2020–present), rounds out the confirmed cast in an undisclosed leading role. While details about her character remain under wraps, her involvement adds fresh talent to the ensemble, suggesting that Stahelski is blending established stars with rising actors to create a dynamic cast.

Behind the camera, Chad Stahelski’s involvement is a major coup for the project. As the director of the John Wick series, Stahelski has redefined modern action cinema with his kinetic choreography and immersive world-building. His vision for Highlander is not a strict remake but an expansion of the original’s mythology, spanning from the 1500s in the Scottish Highlands to modern-day New York and Hong Kong. In a 2025 interview with The Direct, Stahelski teased, “There’s big opportunity for action… and it’s a bit of a love story—but not how you think.” The script, penned by Michael Finch (John Wick: Chapter 4), aims to balance the franchise’s signature swordplay with deeper emotional stakes and a more complex narrative.

The production team includes Scott Stuber, former Netflix film chief, and Nick Nesbitt, producing for United Artists, alongside Neal H. Moritz, Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment, Josh Davis of Davis Panzer Productions, and Louise Rosner. The shift from Lionsgate to Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists, announced in April 2025, reflects Stahelski’s ambitious vision, which reportedly required a larger budget and creative freedom than Lionsgate was willing to provide. United Artists has secured full franchise rights, opening the door for potential spinoffs, including a television series.

The Significance of the Marvel Reunion

The casting of Karen Gillan and Dave Bautista is a strategic move to attract a broad audience, particularly fans of the MCU. The Guardians of the Galaxy films have a massive global following, and the chemistry between Gillan and Bautista was a standout element of the trilogy. Their reunion in Highlander taps into this fanbase, offering a chance to see these actors in a new genre while leveraging their established rapport. The contrast between Gillan’s emotional role as Heather and Bautista’s antagonistic Kurgan promises a dynamic interplay, especially if their characters share significant screen time.

Moreover, the Marvel reunion aligns with the film’s broader appeal as a reunion-heavy project. In addition to Gillan and Bautista, the collaboration between Cavill and Crowe evokes their Man of Steel partnership, appealing to DCEU fans. This layered casting strategy positions Highlander as a film that bridges multiple fanbases—MCU, DCEU, and Highlander enthusiasts—while introducing the franchise to new audiences.

The timing of the reunion is also noteworthy. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marked the end of the original Guardians team, with many actors, including Bautista, indicating they were unlikely to return to the MCU. Highlander offers a fresh platform for Gillan and Bautista to showcase their talents, potentially establishing Highlander as a new franchise in their careers. For Gillan, who has expressed interest in expanding her work in Scotland and exploring new genres, Highlander is a homecoming and a chance to anchor a major blockbuster. For Bautista, the role of The Kurgan allows him to flex his villainous side, building on his recent roles in films like Dune and Knock at the Cabin (2023).

Challenges and Opportunities for the Reboot

The Highlander reboot faces significant challenges, given the franchise’s checkered history. While the original film is a beloved classic, its sequels and spinoffs have been inconsistent, often criticized for convoluted plots and uneven execution. Stahelski’s reboot must balance paying homage to the 1986 film—complete with its iconic Queen soundtrack, which Stahelski has confirmed will be used in a “different way”—while modernizing the story for contemporary audiences. The expansive timeline, spanning centuries and continents, offers opportunities for rich storytelling but risks overcomplicating the narrative.

The competitive release landscape also poses a challenge. With major fantasy films like The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum and a live-action The Legend of Zelda slated for 2027, Highlander will need to carve out a distinct niche. Stahelski’s action expertise and Cavill’s star power give the film a strong foundation, but the success of the reboot will depend on its ability to deliver compelling characters and a cohesive story.

On the opportunity side, the reboot has the potential to establish a new Highlander universe. Amazon MGM Studios’ acquisition of full franchise rights suggests plans for an interconnected saga, potentially including a television series. The inclusion of characters like Duncan MacLeod, a fan favorite from the TV series, could bridge the old and new, appealing to longtime fans while introducing fresh faces. Cavill’s involvement in other Amazon projects, such as Voltron and Warhammer 40,000, further strengthens his partnership with the studio, positioning him as a cornerstone of their genre slate.

Conclusion

The Highlander reboot, set to begin production in September 2025 and eyeing a 2027 or 2028 release, is shaping up to be a landmark project for Henry Cavill, Chad Stahelski, and Amazon MGM Studios. The reunion of Karen Gillan and Dave Bautista, fresh from their MCU success, adds a layer of excitement, promising a dynamic interplay between their characters, Heather and The Kurgan. Combined with the star power of Cavill and Crowe, whose Man of Steel reunion adds further intrigue, the film has the potential to revitalize the Highlander franchise for a new generation. As Stahelski expands the mythology across centuries and continents, fans can look forward to a thrilling blend of action, romance, and immortal conflict. With its all-star cast and visionary director, Highlander is poised to prove that, in the world of immortal warriors, there can indeed be only one.