Djimon Hounsou Joins Henry Cavill in Chad Stahelski’s HIGHLANDER Remake
Djimon Hounsou has officially joined the cast of Amazon MGM’s upcoming remake of Highlander. This new take on the 1980s cult classic is being directed by Chad Stahelski (John Wick) and will star Henry Cavill as Connor MacLeod, the immortal Scottish warrior at the center of the story.
The project has been quietly assembling a powerhouse ensemble. Alongside Cavill and Hounsou, the cast includes Russell Crowe, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, and Marisa Abela. Bautista is stepping into the role of The Kurgen, the film’s main villain, while Gillan is playing MacLeod’s mortal wife.
Abela will serve as his modern-day love interest. Crowe takes on the role of Ramirez, the mentor who trains Connor in the ways of the immortals.
Hounsou will be playing an immortal warrior from Africa, which is sure to be another great role for the actor who has brought depth and power to so many genre projects. Principal photography is set to begin at the end of September, with the film aiming for a theatrical release.
The original 1986 Highlander introduced audiences to the mythology of immortal warriors who duel through centuries with the knowledge that “there can be only one.”
The remake, written by Michael Finch, is being produced by Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt through United Artists, alongside Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment, Neal H. Moritz, Josh Davis of Davis Panzer Productions, and Louise Rosner.
Hounsou’s addition adds even more gravitas to a film already loaded with talent. His career kicked off with a breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s Amistad, and he went on to earn Oscar nominations for In America and Blood Diamond.
He’s also known for playing Korath the Pursuer in Guardians of the Galaxy and other Marvel films, as well as roles in DC’s Shazam! franchise and Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon. He’s also appeared in A Quiet Place Part II and its upcoming prequel.
On top of Highlander, Hounsou has a number of projects lined up, including an untitled Sony thriller from Tommy Wirkola and Adam McKay, and Red Card opposite Halle Berry.