Highlander Reboot Director Confirms Timeline Shift (And We Couldn’t Be Happier)

Highlander Reboot Director Confirms Timeline Shift (And We Couldn’t Be Happier)

As a child of the ’80s who grew up with the original Highlander series, I must admit that my initial skepticism was palpable when I heard about the reboot. The thought of seeing our beloved Connor MacLeod in anything but leather pants and a mullet was almost too much to bear. However, after hearing director Chad Stahelski’s vision for this new Highlander, I am now genuinely excited for the film.


The franchise of “Highlander” is experiencing a modern-day revival, and the team behind the new film has generated much anticipation. Renowned director Chad Stahelski, known for his work on “John Wick”, is at the helm of this reboot, with Henry Cavill portraying the main character, Highlander. Originally hailing from the 1980s, “Highlander” is a nostalgic throwback, embodying the fashion trends and other aspects of that era. While some fans prefer to keep the film in its original time, others are open to something fresh. In an interview with The Direct, Stahelski disclosed both the setting of the movie – the present day – and how he managed to persuade Cavill to take on the role.

Chad Stahelski explained, “We’re shifting the timeline from the early 1500s in the Scottish Highlands to a time beyond present-day New York and Hong Kong. We’re exploring new territories for action. This character isn’t typically portrayed often. It also has elements of a unique love story, but it deviates from conventional notions. Working on John Wick, I picked up valuable lessons about bending the narrative slightly.

Later, he discussed the idea of incorporating Cavill into the film, explaining, “My pitch to him was, imagine this, here’s a character who’s been alive for more than five centuries. He’s the last individual on earth who doesn’t want to be in this predicament. This offers a wide range for character development, and you get to portray someone who has trained for over 500 years, with expertise in various martial arts.

In contrast to the idea of reviving Highlander in the 80s, setting it in the present day is far more engaging. The chasm between today’s society and that decade of excess is starkly contrasting, offering a richer narrative context. Instead of a faithful remake, it would be intriguing to explore how Conor MacLeod navigates modern-day challenges such as social media and evolving societal norms. Highlander, a franchise long dormant, has not seen significant action since 2007’s The Source, and its fanbase has endured numerous disappointments like the alien origins of the Immortals in Highlander II: The Quickening or the return of Juan Sanchez-Villalobos Ramirez portrayed by Sean Connery. This revamp promises a more captivating cinematic experience.

Highlander will begin filming in early 2025.

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2024-11-23 08:09