We knew this was in development but now we know John Wick‘s Chad Stahelski will direct Highlander starring Henry Cavill as his next movie. As covered by THR, Stahelski has signed a new deal with Lionsgate that includes Highlander and overseeing the John Wick franchise across TV and film.
“Chad Stahelski is finally making his long-gestating Highlander movie. The director has been developing the project since 2016, and now has set it as his next film.”
“Highlander’s green light is part of a sweeping new deal Stahelski and Lionsgate announced Tuesday. The pact will give Stahelski oversight of two franchises: Highlander and John Wick, the latter of which has spanned four films directed by Stahelski and starring Keanu Reeves. Those films, and Stahelksi’s stunt-focused 87Eleven Entertainment, have been praised for reinventing the action genre, with the latest installment standing as the series highest grossing with $440 million globally. It was nominated for a SAG Award last week for stunt ensemble.”
“I am pleased to be able to grow my relationship with Lionsgate in this new oversight role for the John Wick universe and its further expansion,” said Stahelski. “John Wick is so close to my heart and to be able to continue shepherding it will be a blast for me. I’m so happy to also be launching another franchise with Highlander, a world that is so rich with engaging stories to be told.”
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For now it remains to be seen just how Stahelski will reimagine the story of Highlander. The director has said before he doesn’t want to remake the original. Instead he wants to take all the great things about the original and develop his own story. Definitely what we would call a reimagining rather than a reboot or remake.
Cavill’s name was mentioned as being attached to star by THR. This echoes what we already knew before the movie was greenlit. To be fair, given Cavill’s recent work with swords on The Witcher, he’s a great choice for the Highlander. I’d say Connor McLeod, but realistically the name could be altered in this version. What will remain though is the basic plot. We will still have immortals doing battle until only one remains.
Color me interested in this one. I always loved the idea of Highlander far more than the finished movie. I even mapped out my own trilogy as a teenager. Just in case I would ever get to reimagine it like Stahelski. Looking back now it was rubbish. However, the point is, I understood there was potential beyond what had been achieved.
What do you think of the news that Chad Stahelski will direct Highlander starring Henry Cavill as his next movie? Thoughts below as always.
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