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It’s truly hard to believe that a Highlander reimagining is finally happening and that there is physical evidence to attest to that very point as Amazon MGM brought first look footage of the film at CinemaCon yesterday. The company held their official panel and with that, those in attendance (and yes, I wish I was one of them) finally got to see what all the fuss is about with John Wick co-creator Chad Stahelski at the helm and Henry Cavill in the lead. Bolstered by a stacked cast including Dave Bautista and Russell Crowe, Highlander has the makings of becoming one of the most iconic action films in decades.
According to reports from Variety, Highlander showcased ” a neon-drenched fight at a crowded rave, plus plenty of sword battles and motorcycle chases. Cavill’s immortal character is revealed to have been born in 1518 and is forced to fight fellow undying killers at The Gathering, where only one survivor can be left alive. Filming will continue in Poland, the Scottish Highlands and Hong Kong.”
Cavill stars as the 16th century Scottish swordsman Connor MacLeod, who learns he’s immortal and destined to fight fellow warriors across generations to claim a mysterious prize. Lambert originated the role in the 1986 movie, which also starred Sean Connery, Clancy Brown and Roxanne Hart. In the reboot, Russell Crowe plays Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, the warrior first played by Connery, and Dave Bautista is The Kurgan, Brown’s brutal barbarian from the first movie. Fellow cast members include Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Dave Bautista, Marisa Abela, Jeremy Irons, Max Zhang and Siobhán Cullen. Michael Finch wrote the script, and Ryan J. Condal and Kerry Williamson worked on earlier drafts of the film.
Many a reboot or reimagining if you will always fall on shade as those out there claim that they are not necessary, but this one is different as in Chad we trust. Stahleski has cemented himself as one of the greatest action filmmakers in decades after creating the blockbuster John Wick franchise, so Highlander comes with massive hype and cautious enthusiasm.
Cavill, in a video segment, introduced the first look footage for the crowd and echoed that “We are only halfway through production but already feel we are creating something truly special.” After that, the exclusive peek highlighted Cavill saying, “I am Connor MacLeod, who was born in 1518, and I am immortal.”
Bautista was also shown and his character of The Kurgan brings a warning to Cavill’s MacLeod saying, “When my sword changes history, you will have a front row seat, Highlander.” Cavill’s response is short and sweet. “All right, if you say so,” (Per The Hollywood Reporter).
It’s a safe bet that fans will be excited for Highlander as it promises to ramp up what made the original so special and it will pay homage to the first film while carving out its own path with visceral action set pieces and broad storytelling on a grand scale. The footage shown was said to also reflect the neo soaked visuals and immersive atmosphere of John Wick while displaying its own brand of visual splendor and myhtos at the same time.
Hopefully we get to see footage soon but right now we wait and hope that this one will truly deliver what is promised. All signs point that way, so fingers crossed. One thing is certain, and that is this film is definitely one of the most anticipated action films set to hit next year.
