Henry Cavill’s HIGHLANDER Reboot Promises JOHN WICK-Level Action
The long-awaited Highlander reboot is shaping up to be a major event for action and fantasy fans, with Henry Cavill stepping into the lead role and Dave Bautista officially confirmed as the legendary villain, the Kurgan.
Bautista recently shared new details about the project, teasing a film that pays tribute to the original while delivering large-scale, modernized action that he says will rival the intensity of John Wick.
In an interview with Collider, Bautista explained that playing the Kurgan has been a dream role for years:
“I think I probably tweeted about this role, about being the Kurgan, more than 10 years ago. I’ve been chasing this role like I’ve been chasing the Marcus Fenix role [in Gears of War].”
The inspiration came directly from Clancy Brown’s unforgettable performance in the 1986 classic. Bautista admitted that persistence was key in landing the part, recalling how he approached director Chad Stahelski directly.
“I just went up to him [Stahelski] and said, ‘Hey, it’s good to see you again. I want this role. Tell me what I’ve got to do to get this role.’”
Bautista thought the opportunity had passed, but when he finally received the script from Michael Finch, it exceeded his expectations.
“I was so blown away by the script because, without saying too much, this is such a great reboot. We’re still paying tribute and giving a nod to the original, but making it new and fresh and exciting, and also just universe-building.”
Production hit a delay after Cavill sustained an injury, with filming now expected to continue in 2026. While fans have to wait a bit longer, Bautista assured that the payoff will be worth it. He praised Stahelski’s direction, saying:
“The action is on par with John Wick. It’s just so much bigger than the original… it’s new enough that you won’t be seeing the same thing. If you saw the original, you’re still not going to know what the story is.”
The original 1986 Highlander followed Connor MacLeod, a Scottish warrior who discovers his immortality and must fight others like him for survival.
The reboot, produced by Neal H. Moritz, features Cavill as the lead with an impressive supporting cast that includes Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Max Zhang, and Marisa Abela.
Bautista’s comments hint at a bold blend of homage and reinvention. With a cast this strong and Stahelski’s action pedigree, Highlander could carve out a new legacy for modern audiences while honoring its cult-classic roots.