In a realm where immortal warriors clash through the ages, claiming ultimate supremacy, the question burns: Can a remake breathe new life into an iconic legend without losing its soul? The upcoming Highlander film, a fresh take on the beloved 1980s cult classic, is proving that assembling a powerhouse ensemble is far from a solitary endeavor.
But here's where it gets exciting—and potentially divisive: Amazon MGM's United Artists production has just expanded its roster with the addition of talented newcomers Siobhán Cullen, Jun Jong-seo, Nassim Lyes, and Kevin McKidd. This growing lineup, helmed by director Chad Stahelski, already boasts heavyweights like Henry Cavill in the lead role, alongside Russell Crowe, Marisa Abela, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Jeremy Irons, Djimon Hounsou, Max Zhang, and Drew McIntyre. It's shaping up to be a theatrical spectacle that promises high-stakes action and fantasy elements.
Originally slated to kick off filming in the fall, the project hit a snag when Cavill suffered an injury during pre-production, pushing the start date to early 2026. But this delay hasn't dimmed the buzz—quite the opposite, as more stars sign on to enrich the story. For those unfamiliar, Highlander revolves around Connor MacLeod, a 16th-century Scottish Immortal (played by Cavill), who learns he's destined to battle fellow immortals across centuries. Guided by the wise swordsman Ramirez (Russell Crowe), MacLeod fights to be the last one standing, echoing the famous line from the 1986 original: 'There can be only one.' It's a tale of destiny, combat, and eternal life that has captivated fans for decades, blending historical drama with supernatural intrigue.
Delving deeper, the narrative weaves in various characters that add layers to the conflict. Dave Bautista takes on the formidable villain, The Kurgen, while Karen Gillan portrays MacLeod's human wife from Scotland, grounding the story in emotional stakes. Djimon Hounsou embodies an African immortal warrior, bringing a global perspective to the endless skirmishes, and Marisa Abela steps in as MacLeod's contemporary love interest in the modern day. Jeremy Irons plays a key antagonist as the head of The Watchers, a clandestine group that monitors immortals and views them as a danger to ordinary humanity. This setup creates a rich tapestry of alliances and betrayals, making the immortal world feel vast and interconnected.
Now, the spotlight turns to the latest recruits. Siobhán Cullen, an Irish actress known for her roles in Netflix's dark comedy Bodkin set in Ireland and the Hulu series Obituary (currently in its second season), will portray a police psychiatrist who uncovers the secret of immortals and allies with MacLeod to aid him. Jun Jong-seo, the acclaimed Korean performer who starred in Lee Chang-dong's Burning—South Korea's first Oscar shortlisted film—and made her Hollywood breakthrough in Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, joins as a member of the Watcher sect, adding an enigmatic presence to the story. Nassim Lyes, a French actor and former national kickboxing champion, recently shone in the Netflix hit Under Paris (the platform's second most-watched non-English film ever, released in 2024) and debuted in English-language projects like The Spy alongside Sacha Baron Cohen; he'll play an immortal hunter chasing MacLeod. Finally, Kevin McKidd, the Scottish actor famous for his 370-plus episodes as Dr. Owen Hunt on ABC's Grey's Anatomy and his appearance in last year's drama It Ends with Us, rounds out the group, though his specific role remains under wraps for now.
The script for this remake comes from Michael Finch, with producers Scott Stuber, Nick Nesbitt, Neal H. Moritz, Stahelski's 87Eleven Entertainment, Josh Davis of Davis Panzer Productions, and Louise Rosner driving the project forward. And this is the part most people miss: With such a diverse international cast—from Ireland, Korea, France, and Scotland—does this signal a bold reimagining that honors the original's spirit, or could it risk diluting the core mythology? Some fans argue that injecting fresh faces and global elements revitalizes the franchise, while others worry it might overshadow the raw, sword-wielding essence that made the first film legendary. Is this remake destined for greatness, or are we inviting controversy by tinkering with a timeless tale?
What do you think? Will this eclectic mix of actors elevate Highlander to new heights, or do you fear it strays too far from the source material? Do remakes have a right to evolve with the times, or should they stick rigidly to the blueprint? Share your opinions in the comments—let's debate the future of immortality on screen!
