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The upcoming reboot of Highlander has revealed its first footage, giving audiences an early look at what promises to be a more intense and action focused take on the classic story. The preview was shown during CinemaCon, where movie theater owners and industry insiders gathered to see what studios have planned for the big screen.
Although filming is still underway, the footage already highlights a strong visual and stylistic direction. The action sequences appear heavily influenced by the work of director Chad Stahelski, known for the John Wick series. The scenes shown include brutal sword fights, fast paced motorcycle chases, and a standout moment set in a crowded rave filled with neon lighting and chaotic combat. The tone suggests a darker and more grounded approach compared to earlier entries in the franchise.
Henry Cavill leads the reboot as Connor MacLeod, an immortal warrior born in 1518. His character is part of a hidden world where immortals battle each other across centuries. The story centers on The Gathering, a deadly event where these undying fighters must face off until only one remains alive. The footage emphasizes the weight of this existence, showing a character shaped by time, violence, and survival.
The film also brings back key elements and characters from the original movie. Christopher Lambert famously played MacLeod in the 1986 version, alongside Sean Connery, Clancy Brown, and Roxanne Hart. In this reboot, Russell Crowe steps into the role of Juan Sánchez Villalobos Ramírez, originally played by Connery. Dave Bautista takes on the role of The Kurgan, the brutal antagonist from the first film.
Additional cast members include Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Marisa Abela, Jeremy Irons, Max Zhang, and Siobhán Cullen. The script was written by Michael Finch, with earlier drafts by Ryan J Condal and Kerry Williamson.
Filming for the movie is taking place across multiple international locations, including Poland, the Scottish Highlands, and Hong Kong. These settings are expected to reflect the global and time spanning nature of the story, following immortals as they move through different eras and cultures.
The Highlander franchise has had a long and uneven history since the original film, with several sequels, an animated series, and spinoff novels. Many of these later entries received negative reviews. This new reboot marks the first time the story returns to theaters since the release of Highlander Endgame.
With a strong lead, an experienced action director, and a clear focus on intense and stylized combat, the Highlander reboot is shaping up to be a significant reintroduction of the franchise for modern audiences.
