Scottish actress Karen Gillan is set to return to her roots in a major way, taking on a starring role in the much-anticipated reboot of the 1986 cult classic Highlander. The news, confirmed on August 22, 2025, has stirred excitement among fans of both Gillan and the original film, as well as those eager to see how the timeless story of immortal warriors will be reimagined for a new era. Gillan, who grew up in Inverness, Scotland, will play Heather MacLeod, the mortal wife and great love of the film’s protagonist Connor MacLeod, portrayed by Henry Cavill.
Gillan’s enthusiasm for the project was clear in her recent Instagram post, where she quipped, “my dialect coach can sit this one out.” She added, “So excited to be an actual Highlander in 'Highlander',” as reported by BBC News. For Gillan, this project is more than just another role—it’s a homecoming. She told the BBC, “I am more likely to take a job if it films in Scotland. I’m always looking for reasons to come to Scotland.” With filming set to begin in September 2025, both in Scotland and at locations in the UK and Hong Kong, Gillan will have plenty of opportunities to revisit her homeland.
Gillan’s commitment to her Scottish heritage is matched by her dedication to her family. Now living in Los Angeles with her American husband, comedian Nick Kocher, and their daughter Clementine, born in December 2024, Gillan is preparing to bring her young family along for the Scottish shoot. “My next job is going to be in Scotland so [Clementine] will be seeing it soon,” Gillan shared, adding, “I can take her to Eden Court Theatre—and I want to take her to the pantomime in Inverness—that’s my biggest dream.”
The Highlander reboot is directed by Chad Stahelski, best known for his work on the adrenaline-fueled John Wick franchise. Stahelski brings with him a reputation for dynamic action sequences and a keen eye for cinematic spectacle. The script, penned by Michael Finch, promises to honor the original’s core premise—a centuries-spanning battle among immortal warriors, with only one destined to survive and claim the ultimate prize of mortality. “You get to experience someone that’s trained over 500 years and sort of played [with many types of] martial arts,” Stahelski explained in a recent interview, highlighting the depth and breadth of character development awaiting Cavill’s Connor MacLeod.
The cast is stacked with star power. Alongside Cavill and Gillan, Dave Bautista joins as the villainous Kurgan, the barbarian immortal whose centuries-old vendetta with MacLeod is central to the story. Russell Crowe takes on the role of Ramirez, MacLeod’s mentor and fellow immortal, a part originally made famous by Sean Connery. Marisa Abela is also on board in a pivotal, though still undisclosed, role. The film is produced by Scott Stuber, Neal H. Moritz, Josh Davis, Louise Rosner, and Stahelski’s own 87Eleven Entertainment, with Amazon MGM Studios backing the ambitious reboot.
For those unfamiliar with the original, Highlander follows Connor MacLeod, a Scottish warrior who discovers his immortality after a near-fatal wound in battle. Trained by the enigmatic Ramirez, MacLeod navigates centuries of conflict, ultimately facing off against the ruthless Kurgan. The climax of their rivalry is set against the backdrop of New York City, where the Gathering—a final showdown among the remaining immortals—determines who will claim the prize. The 1986 film, starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, spawned sequels and a well-regarded TV series, cementing its place as a pop culture touchstone.
Gillan’s addition to the cast is seen as a major coup for the project. Known for her roles as Nebula in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers series, as well as for her work in the Jumanji franchise, Gillan brings both box office appeal and a deep connection to the story’s Scottish roots. Her recent performance in The Life of Chuck, a film adaptation of Stephen King’s 2020 novella, has also drawn critical acclaim. The movie, which stars Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mark Hamill, and Gillan, premiered in June 2025 at the Hollywood Legion Theater. It marked Gillan’s first red carpet appearance since Clementine’s birth, a milestone she described as transformative. “I just feel completely different,” she told BBC News. “My whole perspective has shifted. I just feel like my main purpose in life is to protect this baby at all costs—and then also do acting on the side.”
Despite the demands of motherhood, Gillan is determined to remain active in her career. “I am going to have to figure it out because I refuse to be parted with her,” she said, referring to the challenge of balancing long filming hours with caring for her daughter. Her openness about this new chapter in her life has resonated with many fans, further endearing her to audiences both in the UK and abroad.
Looking ahead, Gillan’s ambitions extend beyond acting. She has expressed interest in directing a horror movie or perhaps tackling a one-woman theatre show—an idea she admits has long intimidated her. “That’s something I haven’t done out of fear—a live production of some sort,” she confessed. “I have got to face the fear. It’s time. Every single year I go to the Fringe, I come out saying I am going to do a show next year and it never comes to fruition. But maybe next year. I could hang around with one of these experimental clowns and they might let me be in their show.”
And what about a possible return to Doctor Who, the show that launched her to international stardom as Amy Pond? Gillan is open to the idea—on one condition. “It would take Matt Smith and Arthur Darvill to be with me and that’s about it,” she told BBC News. “I’d do it if they were there. I had the best time of my life on that TV show. I can’t believe I was 21 years old and got to run about with two of my best mates—it was such a good time.”
With her plate full and her star only rising higher, Karen Gillan’s return to Scotland for Highlander marks both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming. As filming gears up to begin, fans old and new are eager to see how this beloved story will be brought to life—and just what new magic Gillan and her co-stars will conjure in the Highlands and beyond.
