Henry Cavill Wields Sword In Highlander Reboot Reveal

On January 28, 2026, fans of epic fantasy and sword-swinging immortals got a treat: Henry Cavill, the British actor known for his roles in "The Witcher" and "Man of Steel," unveiled the first official look at himself as Connor MacLeod in the hotly anticipated "Highlander" reboot. The announcement, made via Cavill’s Instagram account, marked the start of filming in Scotland and set the internet abuzz with speculation and excitement. The new film is directed by Chad Stahelski, the action maestro behind the "John Wick" franchise, and is a major production from United Artists and Amazon MGM Studios.

The "Highlander" franchise, first launched in 1986 with Christopher Lambert in the lead and Sean Connery as his enigmatic mentor, holds a special place in the hearts of genre fans. The original film, with its blend of centuries-spanning battles, mystical lore, and the unforgettable Queen soundtrack, became a cult classic and spawned sequels, TV series, and endless debates about who truly deserves to be the last immortal standing. Now, decades later, the franchise is getting its most high-profile revival yet, with Cavill stepping into the role of the immortal Scottish duelist.

According to The Wrap, Cavill’s Instagram post included several first-look images. In one, Cavill is seen wearing a heavy coat, walking under red lanterns surrounded by lit candles—a scene that hints at the film’s potentially globetrotting scope and mystical undertones. Another image shows him standing in a sunbeam inside what appears to be a cathedral, his sword sheathed at his side. The visual cues blend reverence and danger, perfectly capturing the spirit of the "Highlander" mythos. Cavill himself 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.”

Principal photography for the film began earlier in January 2026, following a delay caused by an injury Cavill sustained during pre-production rehearsals. As reported by Men’s Journal, filming had originally been slated to start the previous year, but Cavill’s setback pushed the schedule back by several months. The production has now kicked off in earnest in Scotland, which serves as the home of Connor MacLeod and the dramatic backdrop for much of the franchise’s lore.

Chad Stahelski, whose kinetic direction turned "John Wick" into a modern action phenomenon, brings a new vision to the "Highlander" universe. The reboot’s script is penned by Michael Finch, with Dan Laustsen handling cinematography and Tyler Bates composing the score. Notably, Bates is reportedly incorporating elements of Queen’s iconic soundtrack from the original film—a move sure to please longtime fans who remember the soaring strains of "Princes of the Universe." According to The Wrap and Men’s Journal, Amazon MGM Studios is aiming for a 2027 release, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed.

The cast assembled for the reboot is nothing short of impressive. Russell Crowe takes on the role of Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, the immortal swordsman and mentor to MacLeod—a part originally made famous by Sean Connery. Dave Bautista, known for his roles in "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Dune," steps into the shoes of The Kurgan, the franchise’s fearsome villain. The ensemble also includes Karen Gillan, Marisa Abela, Jeremy Irons, Djimon Hounsou, Max Zhang, Drew McIntyre, Siobhán Cullen, Jun Jong-seo, Nassim Lyes, and Kevin McKidd. With such a diverse and talented cast, the film promises to bring fresh energy to the saga while paying homage to its roots.

For Cavill, the role of Connor MacLeod is the latest in a string of iconic genre performances. After donning Superman’s cape in the DC Extended Universe and wielding swords and magic as Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s "The Witcher," Cavill’s ability to inhabit larger-than-life characters is well-established. His casting as MacLeod has been met with widespread enthusiasm, with many fans noting his knack for blending gravitas, physicality, and a touch of vulnerability—qualities essential for a character who’s lived for centuries and battled foes across history.

Few details have been released about the reboot’s plot, and Stahelski and his team are keeping story specifics tightly under wraps. However, the settings glimpsed in the first-look images—ranging from candlelit temples to grand cathedrals—suggest a film that will traverse both time and geography, much like the original. According to Men’s Journal, the original "Highlander" followed MacLeod, a 16th-century Scottish warrior who discovers his immortality and is drawn into a centuries-long battle against other immortals, culminating in a showdown with The Kurgan in modern-day New York. In the new film, Crowe’s Ramírez will once again guide MacLeod, while Bautista’s Kurgan provides a formidable adversary.

The production’s creative team is also drawing on the franchise’s rich legacy. Dan Laustsen, whose work includes visually stunning films like "The Shape of Water," is expected to bring a lush, cinematic look to the reboot. Tyler Bates, meanwhile, will have the challenging task of blending new musical themes with the beloved Queen tracks that have become synonymous with "Highlander." As The Wrap reports, these creative choices are designed to honor the past while forging a new path for the franchise.

Fans have waited years for this reboot to move from rumor to reality. Development on a new "Highlander" film has been ongoing for more than a decade, with various directors and stars attached at different points. The combination of Stahelski’s action pedigree and Cavill’s star power has finally brought the project to fruition. The excitement is palpable—not just among fans of the original, but also among a new generation eager to see what a modern "Highlander" can deliver.

Despite the delays and the secrecy surrounding the plot, the release of the first-look images has reignited interest in the franchise. Social media buzzed with speculation about the film’s direction, the fate of beloved characters, and whether the reboot will capture the magic of the original. Cavill’s message to fans—"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."—hints at a personal connection to the project and suggests that more behind-the-scenes stories will emerge as the film’s release approaches.

With principal photography underway, a powerhouse cast, and a creative team committed to both innovation and tradition, the "Highlander" reboot stands poised to introduce a new era of immortals to the big screen. One thing’s for sure: when it comes to epic swordfights and the quest for the ultimate prize, there truly can be only one.