Highlander's Immortal Remake Gains Star Power, Targets Early 2026 Filming

The highly anticipated "Highlander" remake just added more big names to its already stacked roster, confirming filming will kick off in early 2026 after a brief delay.

TL;DR

• Henry Cavill leads the "Highlander" remake as Connor MacLeod.
• Siobhán Cullen, Jun Jong-seo, Nassim Lyes, and Kevin McKidd are the latest additions to an already impressive cast including Russell Crowe, Dave Bautista, and Jeremy Irons.
• Filming, directed by "John Wick" helmer Chad Stahelski, is now slated for early 2026 after a brief production pause.

There Can Be Only One, But Many Will Play a Part in This Grand Reboot

That iconic line, "There can be only one," has echoed through pop culture since the original 1986 "Highlander" film cemented its cult status. Now, almost four decades later, a new vision for the immortal warriors is taking shape, and it's assembling an impressive army of talent. Director Chad Stahelski, the mastermind behind the kinetic "John Wick" franchise, is at the helm, promising a fresh take on the classic action-fantasy.

This remake aims to reintroduce the story of Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander who discovers he is an immortal destined to battle others of his kind across centuries, until only one remains. With Amazon MGM Studios' United Artists banner backing the project, expectations are soaring for a film that not only honors its roots but also carves out a massive new universe.

A Star-Studded Gathering of Immortal and Mortal Players

Henry Cavill, known for his formidable screen presence, is stepping into the lead role of Connor MacLeod. He'll be joined by an already announced lineup that reads like a who's who of Hollywood. Russell Crowe will play Ramirez, MacLeod's seasoned swordsman mentor and friend, a role previously made famous by Sean Connery. Dave Bautista is set to portray the primary antagonist, The Kurgan, a menacing immortal warrior whose goal is ultimate power.

Karen Gillan is cast as Heather MacLeod, Connor's mortal Scottish wife, adding a poignant human element to the immortal struggles. Jeremy Irons takes on the role of the leader of The Watchers, a secret order observing immortals who see them as a threat to humanity. Djimon Hounsou will also appear as an immortal warrior from Africa, while Marisa Abela is slated as MacLeod's modern-day romantic interest, and intriguingly, also an immortal warrior herself. Max Zhang and WWE superstar Drew McIntyre, playing Connor's brother Angus MacLeod, round out this formidable ensemble, promising a blend of acting prowess and physical intensity.

Exciting New Additions Broaden the Highlander Narrative

The cast just got even bigger and more diverse with four notable additions. Siobhán Cullen, an Irish actress recognized for her roles in Netflix's "Bodkin" and Hulu's "Obituary," joins as a police psychiatrist. Her character is pivotal, as she's the one who uncovers the existence of immortals and becomes an unexpected ally to MacLeod. This suggests a compelling blend of investigative thriller with the fantasy elements.

South Korean actress Jun Jong-seo, celebrated for her breakout performance in Lee Chang-dong's "Burning" and her Hollywood debut in "Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon," has been cast as a member of The Watcher sect. Her involvement deepens the lore around this secretive organization. Nassim Lyes, who recently garnered attention in Netflix's hit "Under Paris," is set to play an immortal pursuing MacLeod, indicating another dangerous adversary in the ancient game.

Lastly, Kevin McKidd, a familiar face from long-running roles like Dr. Owen Hunt in "Grey's Anatomy" and his historical drama work in "Rome," has also joined the cast. His specific role remains under wraps, sparking curiosity among fans about how his talents will be utilized in this sprawling fantasy epic. McKidd's previous experience in fantasy, including playing Poseidon in "Percy Jackson & The Olympians" and voice work in "Brave," makes him a fitting choice.

A Brief Pause for Recovery, Then Full-Throttle into Production

The journey to the battlefield for these immortals experienced a minor setback. Filming was originally scheduled to commence in Fall 2025 but was postponed after Henry Cavill sustained an injury during his rigorous pre-production training. Such is the commitment to physical authenticity for a film promising intense action sequences.

However, the delay is temporary. Production is now firmly slated to begin in early 2026. The ambitious scope of the film, reportedly boasting a budget of approximately 100 billion Korean Won (about $75 million USD), will see filming unfold across diverse, iconic locations including Scotland, England, Hong Kong, and New York. This global scale reflects the centuries-spanning narrative of the Highlander saga. Source: STARNEWS Korea, November 6, 2025.

Building a Universe: More Than Just a Remake

For some, the question "Does 'Highlander' really need a remake?" lingers. After all, the original is a cherished cult classic, and its legacy is strong. However, early insights from those involved suggest this isn't just a simple retread. Dave Bautista, playing The Kurgan, has teased that director Chad Stahelski is orchestrating "John Wick-level action" and that the project is heavily focused on "universe-building."

"I was so blown away by the script because, without saying too much, this is such a great reboot. We’re still paying tribute and giving a nod to the original, but making it new and fresh and exciting, and also just universe-building. It’s just so much bigger than the original… The action is on par with John Wick."

— Dave Bautista

This commitment to expanding the world, rather than merely rehashing a beloved story, is a significant differentiator. It addresses a common concern with remakes—that they often lack a fresh perspective. Stahelski's proven track record with intricate fight choreography and world-building through action suggests he's uniquely qualified to bring this vision to life.

Addressing Skepticism and Embracing New Horizons

While some purists might always prefer the original, the potential for a fresh, cohesive mythology is a powerful draw. The original "Highlander" spawned sequels and a popular TV series, but they often struggled to maintain a consistent tone or lore. This remake offers a chance to establish a robust foundation for future installments, potentially leading to spinoffs and a wider franchise, which Amazon MGM Studios is reportedly keen on exploring. Source: Cosmic Book News, November 4, 2025.

Example: Imagine a long-time fan, Sarah, who grew up with the original "Highlander" and its TV series, always wished for a more interconnected universe. News of Chad Stahelski's involvement, coupled with Dave Bautista's comments about "universe-building" and a detailed cast with clearly defined roles, changes her perspective. Instead of seeing it as a simple cash-grab, she now views it as a genuine attempt to fulfill the franchise's full potential, creating excitement for what could be a sprawling cinematic and television saga.

For Henry Cavill, this film also represents a significant opportunity. Having moved on from major roles like Superman and Geralt of Rivia in "The Witcher," a successful "Highlander" could cement his position as the leading man of a new, major action-fantasy franchise, leveraging his passion for the genre. Source: JoBlo.com, Kevin Fraser, November 5, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Highlander Remake

When is the "Highlander" remake expected to be released? While filming is set to begin in early 2026, a specific release date hasn't been announced. We can realistically expect to see it in theaters in late 2027 or 2028. Who is directing the "Highlander" remake? The film is being directed by Chad Stahelski, widely acclaimed for his work on the "John Wick" film series. What is the core premise of the "Highlander" remake? It's a remake of the 1986 action-fantasy classic about Connor MacLeod, an immortal Scottish warrior who must battle other immortals throughout history, with the ultimate goal being that "there can be only one." Where will the "Highlander" remake be available? The film is slated for a theatrical release by Amazon MGM Studios' United Artists banner. Streaming details beyond that are not yet confirmed. Practical Takeaways for Fans Looking Forward to the Highlander Remake

• Keep an eye on early 2026 for production updates as the cast assembles and principal photography begins across various international locations.
• Anticipate high-octane, creatively choreographed action sequences, a hallmark of director Chad Stahelski's previous work, especially given Dave Bautista's comparison to "John Wick."
• Expect a rich, expanded narrative that delves deeper into the "Highlander" lore and potentially sets the stage for a broader cinematic universe, moving beyond a simple remake.
• Follow Henry Cavill's social media for potential behind-the-scenes glimpses of his training and preparation, as he's known for his dedication to physical roles.

Sources:

• THR (The Hollywood Reporter), "Siobhán Cullen, Jun Jong-seo, Nassim Lyes, and Kevin McKidd Join Chad Stahelski’s ‘Highlander’ Remake," Borys Kit, November 4, 2025.
• ScreenRant, "Highlander Remake Cast Grows With Four New Additions; Production To Begin In Early 2026," November 4, 2025.
• Dark Horizons, "ITV: Siobhán Cullen, Jun Jong-seo, Nassim Lyes, and Kevin McKidd Join 'Highlander' Remake," November 5, 2025.
• Cosmic Book News, "More Actors Join Henry Cavill’s ‘Highlander’ As Cast Continues to Grow," Will Harrigan, November 4, 2025.
• Maeil Business Star Today, "Jeon Jong-seo to Meet Henry Cavill... Cast in Hollywood Film 'Highlander'," November 5, 2025.
• 98FM, "Siobhán Cullen Joins Highlander Reboot With Star-Studded Cast," November 5, 2025.
• JoBlo.com, "Highlander remake cast grows with four new additions; production to begin in early 2026," Kevin Fraser, November 5, 2025.
• FandomWire, "Jeon Jong-Seo to Meet Henry Cavill... Cast in Hollywood Film 'Highlander'," Hikithe Achumi, November 5, 2025.
• STARNEWS Korea, "Jeon Jong-seo Cast in 100-Billion-Won Blockbuster ‘Highlander’ — To Star Alongside Henry Cavill and Mark Ruffalo," Han Hae Seon, November 6, 2025.