We’ve known for years that a reboot of the Highlander franchise was one of the many projects that John Wick director Chad Stahelski had on his plate (other projects include an adaptation of Black Samurai and a live-action television show and an anime installment in the Wick universe). Highlander, however, will not only be the next project the filmmaker tackles after John Wick: Chapter 4—due to a new deal with Lionsgate, Stahelski will also be overseeing all projects in both the Wick and Highlander universes across television and film.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Stahelski has been developing a Highlander movie since 2016, and Henry Cavill has been attached to the reboot since 2021. The original 1986 film, of course, starred Christopher Lambert as the titular highlander (pictured above), the 16th-century-born Connor MacLeod. Sean Connery and Clancy Brown also star as two other immortals, and the three battle over hundreds of years because there “can only be one” immortal who survives and wins… the Prize. After that first film, the franchise spawned three additional theatrical releases, one made-for-television movie, two live-action and one animated TV series, an animated television series, an anime film, comic books, and more. The franchise has been dormant in the film and television space, however, since 2007.
“I am pleased to be able to grow my relationship with Lionsgate in this new oversight role for the John Wick universe and its further expansion,” Stahelski said in a statement. “John Wick is so close to my heart and to be able to continue shepherding it will be a blast for me. I’m so happy to also be launching another franchise with Highlander, a world that is so rich with engaging stories to be told.”
No news yet on when Stahelski’s Highlander will go into production. On the Wick front, however, we have the theatrical spin-off Ballerina coming out on June 7, 2024 and a potential fifth John Wick movie in the works as well.
