Upcoming ‘Highlander’ Reboot to Feature Dave Bautista Facing Off Against Henry Cavill

Actor Dave Bautista has signed on to the principal cast of the upcoming Highlander remake helmed by Chad Stahelski. In this new take, Henry Cavill portrays Connor MacLeod, a character who uncovers his immortal Highlander status. Bautista assumes the role of The Kurgan, an adversary who’s spent centuries pursuing Highlanders. This exciting casting announcement was made by The Hollywood Reporter.

It has been confirmed that Russell Crowe will portray Ramirez, the Highlander who guides MacLeod.)

In the 1986 film Highlander, the leading roles were played by Christopher Lambert as MacLeod, Sean Connery as Ramirez, and Clancy Brown as The Kurgan. Although these actors were undeniably memorable, the upcoming cast seems equally captivating.

The thought of re-creating Highlander has been circulating for quite some time now. Summit Entertainment acquired the rights in 2008 with intentions to remake the movie. Throughout the years, various screenwriters, producers, and directors have been linked to this project, among them Justin Lin and Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. There were whispers that Ryan Reynolds might portray MacLeod, but ultimately he stepped away from the production.

In an interview, producer Neal H. Moritz expressed their intention to maintain the overall mythology of the Highlander series, ensuring that it remains faithful to its roots while captivating both newcomers and long-time fans alike.

Before Chad Stahelski became the director in 2016, the project underwent numerous transformations; Ryan J. Condal joined to pen the script during this period. Notably, Dave Bautista was initially chosen for the role of The Kurgan as early as 2015. However, the project continued to develop and change over time.

2023 found me eagerly anticipating the Highlander reboot, with Cavill stepping into the role of MacLeod and Stahelski continuing to guide us through this epic journey as director.

The screenplay is penned by Mike Finch, and it’s reported that the movie’s budget exceeds $100 million. The production team comprises Joshua Davis, Moritz Stahelski, and Louise Rosner. Initially slated to begin filming in early 2024, the project was later taken over by Amazon MGM Studios under the United Artists brand in 2025.

In this new adaptation, you’ll find an innovative perspective on the Highlander tale that combines pulse-pounding action with the timeless struggle between immortal adversaries. Both longtime fans of the original series and those discovering it for the first time can anticipate a treat with such a talented cast and skilled production team at the helm.

News first reported by THR.

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2025-08-07 22:45