Prolific stunt multi-hyphenate and filmmmaker Chad Stahelski has had his name thrown in the mix for a plethora of titles, whilst working to build what he’s helped contribute in the current four-part Keanu Reeves-led John Wick franchise for Lionsgate.
Still, he’s remained steadfast with a promise to resurrect cult classic swordplay epic, Highlander, after landing the project in 2016, and so what with all the concern might be about whether or not it’s still happening, Deadline‘s Justin Kroll is here to confirm the movie announcing Henry Cavill (Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Netflix’s The Witcher, Mission: Impossible – Fallout) as in talks for the reboot.
Russell Mulcahy directed the 1986 Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery starrer, telling of a 16th-century Scotsman forged in the heat of battle as one in a diaspora of immortals, all drawn to battle each other for The Prize. His greatest battle then sees him living in present day New York City, crossing swords with the murderous and power-hungry Kurgan, who murdered his beloved centuries earlier.
Despite flopping at the box office, the film ascended to cult reception in the years that followed along with the profusion of sequels and TV shows.
There’s no word yet on the approach Stahelski will take with Highlander according to the report; though needless to say one can hope it’ll be as R-rated as it should be considering the biggest key aspect of the sword action will be the beheadings.
Cavill himself took to social media to post a few photos with the following caption:
Very exciting news today! I’ve been a fan of Highlander since I was lad. From the movies in all of their 80s, Queen slathered glory to the TV show with an actor who looked remarkably like one of my brothers. Being not shy with swords, and having a director as talented as Chad Stahelski at the helm, this is an opportunity like no other. Deep diving into franchise storytelling with all the tools at our disposal, is going to make this an adventure I (and hopefully all of you) shall never forget. And as you can see from the swipe, I’ve lately been dipping into some of my Scottish heritage, and inadvertently getting my base line research underway! #Highlander
Neal H. Moritz and Josh Davis are producing the pic with Amanda Lewis, Patrick Wachsberger and Gregory Widen exec producing. Cavill will next appear in season two of The Witcher, as well as a sequel to Enola Holmes on Netflix.