After years of rumors and development, director Chad Stahelski’s highly anticipated Highlander reboot starring Henry Cavill has received a promising release update. The project, a reimagining of the beloved fantasy saga, is now moving forward with a set shooting schedule and a release window set for 2027 or 2028. For fans of the original film, this news is a major milestone, signaling that Highlander will return to the big screen in a fresh form – with one of Hollywood’s most charismatic leads at the forefront.
Stahelski, known for his work on the John Wick series, announced in May 2025 that if things progress as planned, the cameras will begin rolling in September this year. The new take on Highlander promises to combine the best of the franchise’s lore with expanded storytelling and action influences from Stahelski’s previous work. As fans eagerly await new sightings and trailer drops leading up to release, excitement around the project is steadily building.
Confirmed Shooting Schedule and Anticipated Release Date
The wait for the new Highlander film has been long, but fans finally have a solid timeline to look forward to. Director Chad Stahelski confirmed that, barring any last-minute changes, the movie’s production is set to begin this September. This marks a significant step forward for a project that’s lingered in pre-production for years since it was first announced in 2021.
The anticipated window for when moviegoers can see Henry Cavill wielding the sword is currently between 2027 and 2028. Stahelski stated that if schedules hold, the Highlander reboot will reach audiences “well before the end of the decade.” This release plan gives the creative team several years to deliver a film that meets – or exceeds – expectations, blending legendary lore with modern action.
Fans have been anxious for movement on the project following a string of delays related to both creative direction and Stahelski’s commitments to expanding the John Wick universe. The official timeline now injects new optimism and cements the reboot as a major upcoming tentpole for Lionsgate.
With the Highlander franchise’s cult status, establishing a clear shooting and release plan is crucial for building hype and confidence in the reboot’s vision. Now that dates are set, fans can finally track the production milestone as it unfolds, setting the stage for teasers, trailers, and behind-the-scenes looks in the coming years.
Chad Stahelski’s Vision for the Highlander Reboot
Director Chad Stahelski’s approach to the Highlander reboot is fundamentally about respecting the original while evolving the franchise for today’s global audience. Stahelski, whose action sensibilities reshaped the John Wick series, told Collider that the chance to work on Highlander is an opportunity to apply everything he’s learned – and to unlock new layers in the centuries-old saga.
Stahelski emphasized that there will be stylistic nods to the original film, but he’s “not going through a fish tank” as in the iconic transitions. Instead, audiences can expect creative flourishes that pay homage to the classic while embracing new cinematic techniques. For Stahelski, the core of the story – immortality and its burdens – offers “opportunity for action” and for a character study stretching over half a millennium.
He is a self-described “Zatōichi superfan,” which means viewers can expect sophisticated, physically engaged swordplay influenced by global martial arts traditions. This infusion of physicality and emotion aims to set the remake apart from both the original Highlander and other contemporary action films.
At the heart of Stahelski’s vision is a balance between honoring the mythology of Highlander and expanding it. He wants a film that not only revisits the eras and settings fans love but takes the story to new corners of the world – and the human experience. That ambition is shaping every element, from the action scenes to the emotional arc of its main character.
Henry Cavill as the New Highlander
Casting Henry Cavill as the next Highlander is one of the reboot’s biggest draws. Known for his roles in “Man of Steel” and “The Witcher,” Cavill brings both action star charisma and dramatic depth. Stahelski has made it clear that Cavill’s unique ability to channel vulnerability, strength, and centuries of experience made him the first choice for the role.
Stahelski explained that what sold him on Cavill was his capacity to embody a character “that’s been alive for over 500 years” – someone who never wanted immortality, but is forced to endure and adapt through history. Cavill is tasked with portraying a breadth of emotion and skill far beyond the typical action hero arc.
Fans are anticipating Cavill’s take on the iconic role, comparing it to his previous performances that balanced action chops with a soulful, everyman quality. The reboot requires Cavill to traverse a range of eras and cultures, reflecting a seasoned, almost weary perspective that makes Highlander unique.
This edition will amplify both Cavill’s strengths as a physical performer and his ability to play layered, emotionally complex characters. His casting is viewed as a statement of intent: the reboot is not just about swords and spectacle, but the inner life of an immortal forced to confront love, loss, and conflict for centuries.
It’s a demanding role, and Cavill’s stature in Hollywood signals that the Highlander reboot is aiming to compete with the very best in modern fantasy and action cinema.
How the Reboot Expands the Highlander Mythology
The new Highlander film is not a direct retread of the original but a broadening of the universe’s themes and narrative scope. Stahelski has revealed that the plot will pull elements from the early 1500s but bring stories forward to present-day cities like New York and Hong Kong. By shifting the saga into new eras and geographies, the reboot hopes to make the mythos resonate with modern audiences around the globe.
The original Highlander focused primarily on the Scottish Highlands and New York, but the reboot’s expanded setting means a greater variety of locations and historical influences. As Stahelski explained, “we’re bringing it forward… and seeing how it goes.” The global perspective reflects the immortal’s 500-year journey, incorporating different cultures, traditions, and conflicts into the narrative fabric.
This wider canvas means new types of immortal challenges, alliances, and rivalries. The film will weave these elements into the broader Highlander lore, creating both a familiar and fresh experience for existing fans and newcomers alike. While core canon remains – the gathering, the prize, and “there can be only one” – new subplots and global stakes add complexity and intrigue.
Stahelski has also hinted at a more expansive approach to character relationships and the series’ subtle love stories. Rather than reproducing the classic romantic angle, the reboot will offer a love story “but not how you think.” This promises deeper emotional material and unexpected story beats layered into the legendary action framework.
Updates on Production and Casting
With cameras scheduled to start rolling in September, the Highlander reboot has shifted into active pre-production. Stahelski and producer Josh Oreck confirmed that preparatory work is already underway, which includes set design, casting for supporting roles, and technical planning for the film’s ambitious action choreography.
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Henry Cavill’s attachment as the lead gives the project star power, but the rest of the cast has not yet been officially announced. Fans are speculating who might take on the other key roles, especially the central antagonist, traditionally the Kurgan, and other immortals from the lore. Expect these announcements in the coming months, as deals are finalized and production gears up.
Lionsgate, the studio behind the reboot, aims to balance practical effects and cutting-edge technology to evoke both historical authenticity and modern spectacle. Stahelski’s commitment to hands-on action scenes means the production will feature elaborate set pieces and intricate fight sequences shot on location and in specially designed studios.
All eyes are on whether veteran cast members from the original may make cameo appearances, a common trend in contemporary reboots. While there is no official word, the ongoing homage to Highlander’s legacy makes guest appearances a popular fan hope.
The production timeline is ambitious, but with Stahelski’s track record and Cavill’s commitment, the Highlander reboot is positioned to make steady progress toward its 2027-2028 premiere.
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Comparing the Original Highlander to the Upcoming Reboot
The original Highlander, released in 1986 and starring Christopher Lambert, remains a cult favorite thanks to its blend of fantasy, sword fighting, and the unforgettable Queen soundtrack. The story’s mix of ancient Scottish legend and gritty contemporary New York, combined with a strong emotional arc, made it a standout in the fantasy genre.
Stahelski’s reboot respects that legacy but aims for a more expansive approach. While the core idea – immortals locked in battle, “there can be only one” – remains, the tone and scale are evolving. The reboot promises bigger action, global locations, and deeper character arcs that reflect hundreds of years of experience.
Fans of the original remember the stylized transitions, unique character interplay, and the mix of romance and tragedy. The new film nods to these pillars, but updates the style and substance for the modern era, with a narrative that travels from the 1500s to the present, and possibly even further ahead in time.
Stahelski’s directional style is more physical and visceral, informed by his experience with the John Wick franchise. Audiences can expect more intense and creative fight choreography, along with more grounded, emotionally resonant storytelling.
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The Highlander reboot isn’t a simple remake – it’s a reinvention aimed at honoring what made the classic so enduring while pushing the mythology and spectacle in exciting new directions.
Potential Settings and Time Periods in the Film
The new Highlander movie expands the story’s geographical and historical canvas. Stahelski has specified a jump from the early 16th-century Scottish Highlands all the way to modern-day New York and Hong Kong. This progression follows the immortal’s journey through centuries of conflict and change, with major action sequences set against both classic and cutting-edge urban backdrops.
This timeline lets the film showcase famous periods in history – from medieval Scottish castles to neon-lit skyscrapers. As a result, viewers will get a sense of how the protagonist adapts, evolves, and carries emotional weight across ages, drawing on centuries of martial arts, swordplay, and war.
The variety of settings makes the reboot different from the original, which stuck to a handful of locations. Now, new cities, battles, and cultures will play key roles in shaping the immortal’s story, especially as he encounters others like him from around the world.
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The urban settings also reflect a more modern, kinetic style of action. The busy streets and skylines of New York and Hong Kong add fresh opportunities for integrating new technology and global conspiracies into the Highlander mythos, while still nodding to the character’s roots in ancient Scotland.
Action and Cinematic Style Influences
Chad Stahelski’s unique background as a stuntman and the director of the John Wick franchise guarantees a new level of intensity for Highlander’s action sequences. Stahelski’s choreography expertise means audiences can expect some of the most inventive and realistic sword fights yet seen in a fantasy saga.
The director has said he’s influenced by Japanese samurai cinema, particularly Zatōichi, which means the duels will draw from multiple martial arts and traditional sword arts. These influences ensure that fights in the Highlander reboot aren’t just about spectacle, but about character, pacing, and emotional stakes.
Fans of Stahelski’s work know to expect a mix of practical effects and cutting-edge visuals. Gone are the “fish tank” transitions of the original; in their place will be cinematic techniques that highlight the skill, ferocity, and fatigue of warriors who have spent centuries perfecting their craft.
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Expect battle choreography that tells a story: every movement and show of skill is part of the immortal’s journey, emphasizing not just who wins, but what it costs. The reboot will make every confrontation matter, both in terms of plot and audience immersion.
The Immortality Theme: Physical and Emotional Storytelling
At its core, Highlander is about the cost and tragedy of living forever. Stahelski’s vision focuses squarely on how immortality shapes both the physical and emotional world of the protagonist, turning every fight and relationship into a reflection of centuries lived and lessons learned.
The reboot promises a fresh look at how an immortal character grows, adapts, and suffers across eras. Stahelski has noted that Cavill’s Highlander is someone who “never wanted to be in this situation,” providing a deeply human entry point for audiences.
The emotional storytelling is expected to go beyond mere nostalgia. It will touch on themes of loneliness, memory, and personal loss – how an immortal must constantly say goodbye, persevere, and find new purpose. Relationships, whether friendships, rivalries, or romances, will be marked by the scars of long history rather than fleeting drama.
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Physical action will carry realism and exhaustion. Every battle will show the experience of someone who has fought thousands of duels and wars, while the emotional stakes are heightened by the burden of endless life. This is not just about surviving; it’s about carrying the weight of centuries in every action and word.
Why the Highlander Franchise Endures
The enduring appeal of the Highlander franchise lies in its blend of myth, action, and personal drama. The original story’s structure – immortal warriors destined to clash throughout history – offers endless opportunities for reinvention and fresh storytelling.
Fans return to Highlander for its unique mixture of sweeping romance, historical adventure, and swordplay, all set to unforgettable music by Queen. The protagonist’s journey through time, wrestling with fate and loneliness, resonates no matter the era or medium.
The promise of “there can be only one” continues to fascinate, providing clear stakes driven by both action and emotion. Highlander’s format lets each generation reinterpret its core themes, refresh its visual style, and explore new moral questions about power, love, and immortality.
By bringing new stars, modern action sensibilities, and global settings, Stahelski and Cavill are preparing Highlander to captivate a whole new audience while staying true to the heart of what made it an icon.
