Henry Cavill’s Highlander Reboot Gets A Ton of Story Updates From Director Chad Stahelski

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Henry Cavill's Highlander Reboot Gets A Ton of Story Updates From Director Chad Stahelski

Key Takeaways

  • Chad Stahelski sells Highlander reboot to Henry Cavill by highlighting a 500-year-old character arc
  • Highlander reboot plot changes 1500s timeline, adds love story, inspired by John Wick storytelling
  • Henry Cavill’s next big franchise after Superman and The Witcher, to star in Highlander reboot and Enola Holmes 3

As a long-time fan of both action and fantasy films, I couldn’t be more thrilled about the upcoming Highlander reboot starring Henry Cavill! The original film was a cult classic, and the prospect of Chad Stahelski, who has proven his prowess in action storytelling with the John Wick franchise, taking the helm is nothing short of exhilarating.

In a recent interview, Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick series, shared intriguing insights about the revamped Highlander’s plot and his pitch to star Henry Cavill. The original Highlander movie emerged in 1986 under the direction of Russell Mulcahy, featuring a cast that included Sean Connery from James Bond and Clancy Brown from Batman Returns. This film followed an intense centuries-long conflict between immortal characters, with Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander from the 16th century, as the protagonist. Unfortunately, the initial public reception to Highlander’s theatrical release was mixed, earning just $13 million globally against a production cost of $19 million.

Despite facing criticism for its “silly” dialogues and plot inconsistencies, the film ‘Highlander’ garnered praise for its breathtaking portrayal of the Scottish countryside and the surreal, urban jungles of New York. Initially considered a flop, it eventually gained massive popularity among fans who adored its unique humor, thrilling sword fights, and exceptional soundtrack. Over time, ‘Highlander’ generated five sequels and has maintained a dedicated fanbase that continues to advocate for the revival of this beloved franchise.

Henry Cavill’s Highlander Reboot Gets New Story Details

Henry Cavill's Highlander Reboot Gets A Ton of Story Updates From Director Chad Stahelski

Actor Henry Cavill, known for his versatility in big screen and small-screen projects like Geralt of Rivia in ‘The Witcher’ and Clark Kent in ‘Superman’, is set to wield his sword again in Chad Stahelski’s reboot of Highlander. It’s easy to understand why the director of the ‘John Wick’ movies would be keen on Cavill as the lead for this iconic film, but Stahelski had a few strategies when it came to persuading him to accept the role. In an interview with The Direct, Stahelski shared that his pitch to Cavill was highlighting the opportunity to portray a 500-year-old martial artist, thus offering a wide range for character development.

In essence, I highlighted that the character is immortal, having lived for more than five centuries. He’s an individual who never wanted this lifestyle. This provides a wide range of character development opportunities. Furthermore, you’ll witness a seasoned fighter who has mastered various martial arts over his 500-year lifespan.

Director Stahelski hinted at certain plot points for the Highlander reboot by revealing that they are shifting the 1500s timeline and setting it in locations beyond present-day New York and Hong Kong. He also suggested that the reboot would feature a unique love story, diverging from the typical narrative, and mentioned that he has drawn some inspiration from his John Wick films to subtly twist the storytelling.

In a new development, Henry Cavill will make his debut in a major franchise following his portrayal of Superman in Zack Snyder’s DCEU and his departure from the role of Geralt in The Witcher. However, with an actor as gifted as Cavill, it won’t be long before we see him on our screens again. Apart from starring in Highlander, he is also set to play Sherlock Holmes in Enola Holmes 3 and serve as executive producer for the Warhammer 40k movie adaptation.

At this moment, we don’t know exactly when Highlander will be released, but it is anticipated to premiere in movie theaters sometime in the year 2026.

Source: The Direct

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2024-11-25 16:25