Henry Cavill Wields Sword In First Highlander Reboot Images

After years of swirling rumors and anticipation, the first official images of Henry Cavill as Connor MacLeod in the long-awaited Highlander reboot have finally been unveiled, sending waves of excitement through the franchise’s devoted fanbase. On January 28, 2026, Cavill himself took to Instagram to share two atmospheric photos, marking what he called “quite the journey” to bring the immortal Scottish swordsman back to the big screen. For many, the gritty, sweat-soaked look of Cavill’s MacLeod—complete with a leather coat and brooding intensity—signals both a return to the franchise’s roots and a bold step forward.

This reboot is helmed by Chad Stahelski, the director who turned John Wick into a global action phenomenon. Stahelski’s involvement has fueled speculation that Highlander will be packed with the kind of stylish, kinetic fight scenes that made Wick a household name. According to IGN, Stahelski is determined to push the boundaries of the story’s timeline, moving from the early 1500s Scottish Highlands to “beyond present-day New York and Hong Kong.” He teased, “There’s big opportunity for action. There’s a chance to play a character that not a lot of people get to play. And it’s a bit of a love story, but not how you think. On John Wick, I learned a lot on how to bend the storytelling a little.”

Fans of the original 1986 Highlander film will recognize the iconic elements being honored—and reimagined. The cult classic starred Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, an immortal Scotsman who could only be killed by beheading. The original film’s unique blend of sword-fighting, immortality, and centuries-spanning romance made it a touchstone for fantasy cinema, despite a series of uneven sequels and a sprawling TV adaptation. Sean Connery’s portrayal of MacLeod’s mentor, Ramírez, and Clancy Brown’s menacing Kurgan remain legendary, and their legacy looms large over the reboot.

In Cavill’s Instagram post, he wrote, “Happy First Look for Highlander! This has been quite the journey for me, which I’ll tell you all about when the time is right, but it’s a special moment to be able to share this. I hope you enjoy.” The images themselves are loaded with nods to Highlander lore. One shows Cavill standing in what appears to be a temple, candles flickering in the background; the other places him in a church, sword in hand. As Polygon points out, these settings aren’t just atmospheric—they’re a direct reference to the rule that Immortals cannot fight on holy ground, a detail that has fueled dramatic tension in both the films and the TV series.

The cast assembled for this reboot is nothing short of star-studded. Russell Crowe reunites with Cavill after their collaboration in Man of Steel, this time taking on the role of Ramírez, the immortal mentor. Crowe also reconnects with Djimon Hounsou, his co-star from Gladiator. Dave Bautista, best known for his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Dune, steps in as the villainous Kurgan. WWE star Drew McIntyre, hailing from Ayrshire, Scotland, joins the cast as Connor’s brother Angus MacLeod. Additional big names include Karen Gillan, Jeremy Irons, Marisa Abela, and Max Zhang, rounding out an ensemble that promises both gravitas and action chops.

The journey to get this film off the ground has been anything but smooth. Cavill was first announced as the new Connor MacLeod back in 2021, but production was delayed after he sustained a leg injury during sword-fighting training. As Variety reports, filming finally kicked off in early 2026, with scenes being shot in both Scotland and international locations like New York and Hong Kong. Stahelski’s vision for the film includes a globe-trotting epic, a fresh take that echoes the original’s blend of past and present but expands the scope for a modern audience.

Behind the scenes, the script has passed through several hands. Michael Finch is credited as the screenwriter, with earlier drafts penned by Ryan J. Condal and Kerry Williamson. Stahelski has hinted that the reboot will incorporate elements from all corners of the Highlander universe, including the films and the six-season TV series starring Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod. “Our story engages a lot of the same characters and stuff like that,” Stahelski explained to IGN. “But we’ve also brought in elements of all the TV shows, and we’re trying to do a bit of a prequel, a setup to The Gathering, so we have room to grow the property.”

The Gathering, for the uninitiated, is the climactic event in Highlander lore where the last remaining Immortals are summoned to battle for “the Prize”—a power that grants the winner ultimate knowledge and mortality. The immortal warriors, bound by the rule that “there can be only one,” have fought through the centuries, their sword duels culminating in the explosive Quickening that transfers power from the vanquished to the victor. It’s a concept that has fueled the franchise’s enduring appeal and provided the catchphrase that fans still chant four decades later.

Cavill’s enthusiasm for the role is palpable. When the film was first announced, he shared, “I’ve been a fan of Highlander since I was a lad. From the movies in all of their 80s, Queen-slathered glory to the TV show with an actor who looked remarkably like one of my brothers. Being not shy with swords, and having a director as talented as Chad Stahelski at the helm, this is an opportunity like no other.” He’s also promised that his sword skills in this film will surpass what fans saw in The Witcher, declaring, “If you thought you’d seen me do swordwork before, you haven’t seen anything yet.”

While the first-look photos have set social media abuzz, there’s still no confirmed release date for the film. Polygon and ScreenRant both suggest that, with filming underway as of early 2026, a theatrical premiere could be on the horizon for 2027. For now, fans will have to content themselves with Cavill’s tantalizing images and the promise of a Highlander that honors its past while forging a new future.

With a powerhouse cast, a director renowned for redefining action cinema, and a lead actor whose passion for the material is undeniable, the Highlander reboot is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the decade. As the tagline goes, “there can be only one”—but for Highlander fans, this new chapter might just be the one they’ve been waiting for.