Henry Cavill has finally stepped onto the set of the long-awaited Highlander reboot, and the first glimpses are igniting a firestorm of excitement among fans. As of February 2, 2026, principal photography is underway in Scotland and the UK, marking the culmination of a turbulent journey that began in 2021 when Cavill was announced as the lead. Directed by Chad Stahelski—the visionary behind the John Wick franchise—this reimagining of the 1986 cult classic promises high-octane swordplay, immortal intrigue, and a modern edge. But behind the dramatic first-look photos Cavill shared on Instagram, there’s a trail of hints, delays, injuries, and production drama that adds layers of intrigue to what could be one of the most ambitious action epics in years.
Cavill’s Instagram post on January 28, 2026, sent shockwaves through social media. Two carefully curated images showed the actor in character as Connor MacLeod (or a reimagined version of the immortal Highlander). In one, he stands in a candle-lit church or temple, sword sheathed at his side, clad in a long black trench coat with a fur collar that evokes a blend of Blade Runner noir and classic 80s action grit. The second photo captures him wielding the blade in what appears to be a dramatic urban or temple setting—possibly hinting at globe-trotting sequences across time periods or modern cities like Hong Kong and New York. 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.”
The post exploded with over 1.7 million likes in the first 48 hours, a testament to Cavill’s enduring fanbase and the pent-up anticipation for this project. Yet the teasing phrase—“which I’ll tell you all about when the time is right”—dropped a subtle hint: there’s more to this story than meets the eye. Insiders whisper that Cavill’s “journey” includes not just creative passion but real-world hurdles that nearly derailed the film entirely.
A Long Road to the Set: Delays, Injuries, and Studio Shifts
The Highlander reboot has been in development hell for over a decade, with multiple directors, scripts, and studios cycling through. Lionsgate initially held the rights, but financial disputes and budget concerns led to a shift to Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists in 2025. Chad Stahelski, fresh off the John Wick saga’s success, signed on to direct, bringing his signature stylish action choreography—think balletic gun-fu reimagined with claymores and katanas. Michael Finch (Predators, The November Man) penned the latest draft, promising a faithful yet updated take on the immortal warriors who battle across centuries until only one remains.
Production was originally eyed for late 2024, then pushed to January 2025, and later to September 2025. The biggest setback came in September 2025 when reports surfaced that Cavill had sustained a serious injury during pre-production training. Details were scarce—some sources described it as a leg or knee issue from intense sword-fighting rehearsals—but it was severe enough to halt progress and shift filming to early 2026. Cavill later shared glimpses of his physical therapy on social media, fueling speculation about the extent of the setback. One behind-the-scenes hint: the injury occurred while perfecting the intricate fight sequences Stahelski is known for, blending practical stunts with wire work and precise blade work.
Cinematographer Dan Laustsen (The Shape of Water, John Wick: Chapter 4) brings a moody, atmospheric lens to the project, while composer Tyler Bates (Guardians of the Galaxy, John Wick) is reportedly crafting a score that honors the original’s Queen-infused energy without relying on Freddie Mercury’s classics. The cast is stacked: Russell Crowe as Ramirez (the mentor role originated by Sean Connery), Jeremy Irons as the leader of the secretive Watchers organization, Dave Bautista in a yet-undefined powerhouse role, Karen Gillan, Marisa Abela, Djimon Hounsou, and even WWE star Drew McIntyre as Angus MacLeod, Connor’s brother. Max Zhang rounds out the ensemble.
Filming kicked off on January 28, 2026, primarily in Scotland—nodding to the Highlander’s mythic roots—with additional shoots in London (including near the Tower Bridge) and possibly international locations to capture the immortal’s timeless wanderings.
On-Set Buzz: Hints of Epic Scope and Hidden Details
Whispers from the set paint a picture of controlled chaos and high ambition. Sources close to production describe early scenes shot in candle-lit historic sites—perhaps ancient temples or churches—where Cavill’s character confronts his immortality in moments of quiet reflection before erupting into visceral combat. One leaked detail: the trench coat and sword combo isn’t just aesthetic; it hints at a modern-day framing device, with flashbacks to 16th-century Scotland and other eras. The coat’s fur collar and rugged, sweat-slicked appearance suggest a grittier, more grounded take than the original’s campy flair.
Stahelski’s influence is evident in the choreography. Training regimens for the cast reportedly included months of sword mastery, with Bautista and McIntyre bringing their physicality to brutal duels. Cavill, ever the perfectionist, has been spotted pushing through long days despite lingering effects from his injury—hinting at his dedication. One insider teased that a pivotal “There can be only one” duel is being filmed with innovative camera techniques, including long takes reminiscent of John Wick‘s club sequences but adapted for blade combat.
Behind the scenes, there’s talk of tension around the budget. Amazon MGM’s involvement came after Lionsgate balked at the scale—practical locations, extensive VFX for immortal “Quickening” effects, and a star-studded cast don’t come cheap. Yet the studio’s faith in Stahelski’s track record and Cavill’s draw has kept the project alive. Rumors swirl that Cavill has input on character depth, pushing for a more emotional arc exploring loneliness across centuries, beyond mere action spectacle.
Additional hints emerge from set photos shared by crew (unofficially) and Cavill’s own posts. In one, he appears in a dimly lit space that could be a Scottish ruin or a modern crypt—symbolizing the blend of ancient myth and contemporary grit. Another shows him mid-stride with the sword drawn, coat billowing, evoking a sense of eternal pursuit. Fans have dissected these for clues: the blade’s design (a refined katana-like weapon?), the coat’s subtle armor elements, even background props hinting at Watcher surveillance.
The Immortal Appeal: Why This Reboot Matters
The original Highlander (1986) was a box-office underperformer but became a cult favorite for its blend of fantasy, romance, and Queen-powered soundtrack. Christopher Lambert’s Connor MacLeod became iconic, but the film’s campy tone and uneven pacing left room for reinvention. Stahelski’s version aims to honor the lore—”In the end, there can be only one”—while updating it for today’s audiences: more grounded fights, deeper mythology around the immortals’ curse, and high-stakes battles that feel visceral and cinematic.
Cavill, post-The Witcher and Superman, brings star power and physical commitment. His disappointment over leaving The Witcher and the canceled Superman sequel has made this project personal—a chance to lead a franchise with sword in hand. The “journey” he alluded to likely includes navigating studio changes, injury recovery, and the pressure of rebooting a beloved property.
As filming progresses across Scotland’s misty highlands and London’s historic streets, the set buzz grows. Crew members hint at massive set pieces: a climactic duel amid ruins, Quickening storms with practical lightning effects, and emotional beats that humanize the immortals’ eternal war. Release is eyed for late 2027, giving time for post-production polish on what could be a visual feast.
For now, Cavill’s first-look images serve as a tantalizing promise: the immortal has returned, sword ready, coat flowing. The hints dropped—about the journey, the injury, the hidden details—suggest this Highlander won’t just reboot a franchise; it might redefine it. Fans can only wait, but the storm is building. There can be only one… and Henry Cavill is stepping up to claim the prize.
