Highlander Reboot: Bringing a Timeless Classic to the Modern Era

The Highlander franchise is set to be reborn, and with the talent behind the new movie, excitement is building. Director Chad Stahelski, known for his work on John Wick, is taking the helm of the reboot, with Henry Cavill playing the iconic Highlander.

A New Era for a Timeless Classic

The original Highlander movie, released in the 1980s, is often remembered for its nostalgic value, with its iconic fashion and themes reflecting the decade. However, with the reboot, Stahelski is taking a bold step by setting the story in the present day, rather than sticking to a more faithful remake.

In an interview with The Direct, Stahelski revealed his vision for the movie, stating, "We're bringing it forward from the early 1500s in the Highlands to beyond present-day New York and Hong Kong, and seeing how it goes." This new setting offers a wealth of opportunities for action and storytelling, allowing the character of the Highlander to navigate the complexities of modern society.

Bringing Henry Cavill On Board

Stahelski's pitch to Cavill focused on the rich character arc offered by the Highlander's story. With a character who has been alive for over 500 years, Cavill will have the chance to explore a complex and nuanced performance. Stahelski explained, "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 Modern Take is the Right Approach

While some fans may be skeptical about deviating from the original story, setting the Highlander reboot in the present day is a bold and exciting move. The contrast between the Highlander's ancient world and modern society offers a wealth of opportunities for interesting storytelling and character development.

The Highlander franchise has been dormant for years, with the last film, Highlander: The Source, released in 2007. Fans of the series have seen worse changes, such as the infamous Highlander II: The Quickening, which introduced alien origins for the Immortals.

What's Next for the Highlander Reboot

Filming for the Highlander reboot is set to begin in early 2025, with Stahelski and Cavill ready to bring this iconic character to life in a new and exciting way. With its modern setting and talented cast and crew, the Highlander reboot is shaping up to be a must-see movie event.