The original Highlander (1986) always lived in that strange cinematic space—half cult gem, half VHS fever dream. It was bloody, messy, romantic in its own eccentric way, and it spawned sequels, a TV series, and a fandom that never quite let the immortals die. Now, almost forty years later, Lionsgate is betting big on reviving the franchise. And if you believe Dave Bautista, it's not just another nostalgia play.
In a new interview with Collider, Bautista, cast as the villainous Kurgan, couldn't stop hyping the project. “The action is on par with John Wick,” he said, before catching himself, realizing he might have already said too much. But that phrase alone changes the temperature of this reboot. It suggests Chad Stahelski isn't simply staging sword duels in foggy Scottish moors—he's reimagining immortal warfare with the kinetic brutality that made his Keanu Reeves franchise a modern action benchmark.
A Reboot with Real Stakes
Stahelski, who's been circling this project for years, knows a thing or two about choreographed mayhem. With Michael Finch (American Assassin) handling the script and Henry Cavill swinging the broad sword as Connor MacLeod, the production is stacking its deck with pedigree. Still, the road hasn't been smooth: Cavill's pre-production injury delayed filming, pushing the official production start back to 2026. That's not a small hiccup when you're carrying the weight of a long-dormant franchise.
Bigger Than Nostalgia
What's clear from Bautista's comments is that this Highlander isn't content with retreading Christopher Lambert's legacy. “We're still paying tribute and giving a nod to the original,” he said, “but making it new and fresh and exciting… it's just so much bigger than the original.”
That's the language of franchise building, not just rebooting. And in an era where mythology-driven IP either thrives (Dune) or collapses (Mortal Engines), the stakes feel higher than ever. Done right, Highlander could finally claim a spot alongside the fantasy-action juggernauts rather than living as a cult curiosity.
The Immortal Appeal
The genius of the Highlander concept—immortals clashing across centuries for ultimate power—never really ages. It's flexible, endlessly expandable, and mythic enough to be reinvented every few decades. The idea of Cavill and Bautista squaring off under Stahelski's choreography, with the promise of stylized gore and environmental combat, feels like the shot of adrenaline this saga has been waiting for.
Of course, hype is cheap. We've all heard actors gush about scripts only for the final product to collapse under studio meddling. But there's something intriguing about Bautista, a guy who doesn't usually play the PR game, putting his weight behind this one. When he says, “It's bigger than you imagine,” you want to believe him.
What to Remember About the Highlander Reboot
- John Wick-Level Action Promised
Dave Bautista says the fight sequences rival Stahelski's John Wick choreography, suggesting a modernized, brutal take on immortal combat. - Henry Cavill Leads as Connor MacLeod
Cavill steps into the role of the Scottish immortal, though his pre-production injury delayed filming until 2026. - Chad Stahelski at the Helm
The director behind John Wick brings his trademark action sensibilities, aiming to merge mythology with visceral spectacle. - Dave Bautista as The Kurgan
The actor takes on the franchise's most iconic villain, describing the script as both respectful to the original and ambitiously expansive. - A Franchise Revival in the Making
If successful, the reboot could re-establish Highlander as a cornerstone of fantasy-action cinema, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.
If Stahelski can deliver both the operatic swordplay and the slick precision of John Wick, then maybe—just maybe—there really will be only one.
What do you think: is Highlander finally positioned for a true comeback, or will it stay locked in cult territory?
