Hollywood's most stubborn development hell project just got a lifeline. Chad Stahelski—the John Wick maestro—has confirmed his Highlander reboot is actually filming this September. After years of false starts, Henry Cavill's immortal warrior might finally get his due. But can Stahelski's hyper-stylized action redeem a franchise that's been bleeding out since 1986?
The Long Road to Production
This isn't just another reboot. Highlander has been stuck in limbo longer than some of its ageless characters. Stahelski first teased it years ago, only to pivot to John Wick 4 and Ballerina reshoots (where rumors swirled he unofficially took over from Len Wiseman). Now, with Amazon/MGM backing it and John Wick 4 co-writer Michael Finch scripting, the pieces are finally in place.
Stahelski's vision? A “period piece meets sci-fi” love story with his signature balletic violence. Translation: expect sword fights that make The Matrix's dojo scene look like a toddler's tea party.
Why This Time Might Be Different
The original Highlander was a messy, glorious oddity—Queen soundtrack, decapitations, Sean Connery playing a Spaniard(?). Its sequels? Unforgivable. But Stahelski's track record suggests he's the right fixer:
- Action Choreography: His John Wick films redefined gun-fu; swordplay could be next.
- Henry Cavill's Obsession: The man who bullied Netflix into more Witcher fight scenes is perfect for an immortal duelist.
- Amazon's Deep Pockets: With Scott Stuber producing, this won't be another straight-to-VHS sequel.
The Catch?
Stahelski's plate is overflowing. He's attached to a Rainbow Six adaptation and possibly more Wick spin-offs. If Highlander stumbles, it'll join the graveyard of reboots that forgot why the original worked. (Looking at you, Total Recall 2012.)
So—will this be the Mad Max: Fury Road of sword-and-sorcery reboots, or another Mortal Kombat: Annihilation? Place your bets now.
