Chad Stahelski's Highlander Reboot is Coming to the Present Day
Exciting news for fans of the cult classic franchise Highlander – the series is getting a reboot with a modern twist. Director Chad Stahelski, known for his work on the John Wick series, is at the helm of the project, with Henry Cavill set to play the iconic title character.
From the Highlands to the Present Day
In a recent interview with The Direct, Stahelski revealed that the new film will take place in the present day, shifting the setting from the early 1500s in the Highlands to modern-day New York and Hong Kong. This bold move promises to bring a fresh perspective to the series, offering plenty of opportunities for action-packed sequences.
A Fresh Take on a Beloved Character
Stahelski's vision for the film is not just about updating the setting but also about exploring the complexities of the character. The director explained how he won Cavill over to the project:
"My selling point was, to [Cavill], look, 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 there. And you get to experience someone that's trained over 500 years and sort of played [with many types of] martial arts."
Why a Present-Day Setting is a Game-Changer
While some fans may be hesitant about deviating from the original timeline, setting the film in the present day offers a wealth of opportunities for storytelling and character development. The vast cultural and technological changes between the 1980s and today will allow for a fascinating exploration of how Conor MacLeod navigates the modern world, including the impact of social media on his immortal life.
A Franchise Reborn
The Highlander franchise has been dormant for years, with the last film, Highlander: The Source, released in 2007. The series has been mostly forgotten by fans and pop culture, but this reboot promises to bring it back to life. With a talented director and actor at the helm, this could be the shot in the arm the franchise needs to regain its former glory.
Filming to Begin in 2025
The Highlander reboot is set to start filming in early 2025, with fans eagerly anticipating the results of Stahelski's vision and Cavill's portrayal of the iconic character.
