Amazon MGM’s remake ofHighlandercontinues to take shape.Henry Cavillis leading the redo of the 1986 film, which Chad Stahelski is helming, and he already has a sizable supporting cast that includes Russell Crowe, Dave Bautista and Marisa Abela. As it turns out, there is room for one more, and the extra support is coming from another member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
According toThe Hollywood Reporter,Karen Gillanis the latest cast addition in the role of Heather, Connor MacLeod’s (Henry Cavill) mortal wife. Joining Highlander will be an MCU union for Gillan and Bautista, having previously shared the screen in theGuardians of the Galaxyfilms as well asAvengers: Infinity WarandAvengers: Endgame. As previously reported, Crowe will be taking on the role of Ramirez, previously played by Sean Connery, while Bautista will portray the warrior known as The Kurgen, andIndustry’sAbela is on board as anew character created for the film.
What is The Original Highlander About?
Directed by Russell Mulcahy from a screenplay by Gregory Widen, Peter Bellwood, and Larry Ferguson,Highlanderfollows an age-old war between immortal warriors as it heads for its climax. The story is told through past and present-day storytelling and primarily focuses on Connor MacLeoad (Christopher Lambert), a Highlander who learns that he is an immortal warrior. With the help of Ramirez (Connery), he fights various immortals throughout until reaching a final battle where only one can be left standing.
Despite failing at the box office with a gross of just $13 million on a $19 million budget, Highlander went on to achieve a bigger life down the line and ultimately became a cult classic. Due to its cult status, the film spawned several sequels and a television spinoff.Highlander II: The Quickeningwas released in 1991, whileHighlander III: The Sorcererfollowed in 1994.Highlander: The Series premiered in 1992 and ran for a total of six seasons and 119 episodes, as well as going on to inspire two sequels (Highlander: EndgameandHighlander: The Source) that followed the continuity of the show.
A reboot has been in development for quite some time, beginning in 2008 with Summit Entertainment buying the rights. Lionsgate began moving forward on the film, which had rumored leads such as James MacAvoy, Robert Pattinson and Ryan Reynolds attached at various points. Cavill landed the role of Connor MacLeod in 2023, with Stahelski on board to direct while the film was still set up at Lionsgate. The studio ultimately sold the project offto Amazon MGM Studios, and has been moving full steam ahead ever since.
As for Gillan, it looks like she’s trying to rival her otherGuardiansco-star, Zoe Saldaña, when it comes to stacking up franchises. In addition to landing this film and the aforementioned MCU projects, she is also known for her work in the two latestJumanjifilms, and a third installment is reportedly still in the works. Nothing wrong with a talented actress being booked and busy with more than one successful IP under her belt.
Highlander
