Henry Cavill, the British actor famed for his roles as Superman and Geralt of Rivia, has suffered a significant injury during intense pre-production training for the much-anticipated reboot of Highlander. The incident, which occurred just days before filming was scheduled to begin, has forced producers to push back the start of production to 2026, according to multiple industry sources including Deadline, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter.
The injury, described as serious but with undisclosed specifics, came as Cavill was preparing to take on the iconic role of Connor MacLeod, the immortal Scottish warrior at the heart of the franchise. Cavill, 42, had been training rigorously for the physically demanding part. Speaking at CinemaCon earlier in the year, he expressed his passion for the project: “If you think you’ve seen me do sword work before, you haven’t seen anything yet,” as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. His commitment to embodying the legendary swordsman was evident, making the delay all the more disappointing for fans and filmmakers alike.
Director Chad Stahelski, best known for helming the adrenaline-fueled John Wick franchise, is at the helm of the new Highlander. Stahelski’s reputation for crafting intense, practical action sequences had already set expectations sky-high for the reboot. His production company, 87Eleven Entertainment, is renowned for prioritizing safety on set—a value now underscored by Cavill’s recent setback. The incident has placed the entire production on hold, with cast and crew—including high-profile co-stars Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Dave Bautista, Marisa Abela, and Max Zhang—now waiting for the green light to resume.
The cast for this iteration of Highlander is a veritable who’s who of action and dramatic talent. Russell Crowe, who previously shared the screen with Cavill in Man of Steel, is set to play Ramirez, the mentor figure. Dave Bautista, recognized for his roles in Dune and Guardians of the Galaxy, will take on the role of the main antagonist, The Kurgan. Karen Gillan, famed for her performances in Doctor Who and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is also among the ensemble, ensuring a strong lineup that has fueled fan excitement since casting announcements first emerged.
The new film is a fresh take on the 1986 cult classic that starred Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. The original Highlander followed the centuries-spanning conflict of immortal warriors, from the misty highlands of 16th-century Scotland to the gritty streets of 1980s Manhattan. Though it floundered at the box office upon initial release, the movie found a devoted following through home video, spawning sequels, a spin-off TV series, and a string of novels. Its tagline, “There can be only one,” became a pop culture catchphrase, and the franchise’s blend of fantasy, action, and existential drama has kept it alive in the minds of fans for decades.
The journey to reboot Highlander has itself been nearly as immortal as its protagonists. According to Variety, development began back in 2009 at Summit Entertainment under producer Neal H. Moritz. Chad Stahelski joined the project in 2016, bringing with him a vision for a grittier, more physically demanding update. Cavill came aboard in 2021, a casting move widely praised as a perfect fit for the role. Earlier in 2025, United Artists, now under the stewardship of Scott Stuber, acquired the project from Lionsgate, re-energizing hopes that the reboot would finally make it to screens. Producers on the film now include Stuber, Moritz, Nick Nesbitt, Josh Davis, Louise Rosner, and Stahelski himself.
Despite the production delay, the creative team remains committed to delivering a film that honors the original while bringing something new to the table. The script, penned by Michael Finch with earlier drafts from Ryan J. Condal and Kerry Williamson, promises to revisit the core themes of immortality, rivalry, and the search for meaning across the centuries. As Stahelski’s John Wick films have demonstrated, he is no stranger to blending kinetic action with deeper philosophical undertones—a combination that bodes well for the reboot.
For Cavill, this project was set to be another high-profile addition to an already packed slate. As Variety notes, he has recently wrapped the mystery sequel Enola Holmes 3 for Netflix, the ’80s nostalgia-fueled Voltron for Amazon MGM, and the action thriller In the Grey for Lionsgate. His dedication to physically demanding roles is well documented, and his injury serves as a reminder of the risks actors take to deliver authentic performances—especially in films where practical stunts and swordplay are central.
The delay, while disappointing, is not unprecedented in the world of blockbuster filmmaking. Major productions often face unforeseen setbacks, especially when the health and safety of key talent is at stake. According to Deadline, the entire production schedule has been put on ice to ensure Cavill’s full recovery, with the studio making clear that his well-being is the top priority. No new release date has been announced, but insiders suggest that fans shouldn’t expect to see Highlander in theaters before 2027 at the earliest.
For now, the cast and crew remain on standby, and anticipation continues to build. The reboot’s long gestation has only heightened expectations, and with Stahelski’s action pedigree, Cavill’s star power, and a cast of proven talents, the film is poised to make a major impact when it finally arrives. As the saying goes, there can be only one—and fans are hoping this new Highlander will be worth the wait.
While the specifics of Cavill’s injury remain undisclosed, the message from all corners of the production is clear: safety first, spectacle second. The delay may test the patience of die-hard fans, but it also ensures that when Highlander does return, it will do so with its leading man at full strength, ready to wield the sword and breathe new life into a legendary franchise.
