Henry Cavill and Dave Bautista Spotted in London as 'Highlander' Reboot Enters Active Production

The long-anticipated reboot of the cult classic film Highlander has officially entered its active production phase under the direction of Chad Stahelski, the visionary filmmaker renowned for his work on the John Wick franchise. Recent behind-the-scenes footage surfacing online, specifically from the UnBoxPHD account, has captured Henry Cavill in the role of Connor MacLeod. The footage showcases Cavill facing off against Dave Bautista, who takes on the mantle of the primary antagonist, the immortal warrior known as the Kurgan. Bautista, widely recognized for his portrayal of Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has previously indicated that the film's action sequences are comparable in intensity to those in John Wick, while simultaneously paying homage to the original 1986 motion picture.

For director Chad Stahelski, this project represents his first major directorial effort outside the John Wick universe. He aims to infuse the film's sword-fighting sequences with a unique balletic choreography and a heavy reliance on practical stunts, promising a more grounded and brutal cinematic experience. Joining the prestigious ensemble is Academy Award winner Russell Crowe, who will assume the mentorship role originally played by Sean Connery in the 1986 film. Crowe is expected to portray Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, a highly experienced immortal warrior responsible for teaching Connor MacLeod the intricate rules and traditions of their immortal kind.

The screenplay for this modern reimagining was penned by Michael Finch, a co-writer of John Wick: Chapter 4, alongside Kerry Williamson. The project has been in various stages of development since 2008 and has seen a significant change in its supporting studio; while Lionsgate was initially at the helm, the rights eventually transitioned to United Artists and Amazon MGM Studios due to an expanding production budget. These studios are currently planning for a full theatrical release. Although filming was originally scheduled to commence in 2024, the timeline was pushed back by several months after Henry Cavill sustained a leg injury during rehearsals in September 2025. However, recent sightings in London, including night shoots conducted near Westminster Abbey, confirm that production is now moving forward at a rapid pace. The total financing for the film is reported to exceed $100 million.

Henry Cavill, famous for his roles as Superman in the DCEU and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, portrays Connor MacLeod, a 16th-century Scottish warrior who discovers his supernatural immortal nature. Dave Bautista, in his role as the Kurgan, was observed in a costume that bears a resemblance to priestly vestments, hinting at a potentially darker and more nuanced interpretation of the legendary villain. In addition to Cavill, Crowe, and Bautista, the cast features a talented lineup including Djimon Hounsou, Jeremy Irons, Max Zhang, Karen Gillan, and professional wrestler Drew McIntyre. While an official premiere date has not yet been formally announced, industry expectations point toward a release in 2027.

The production's move to Amazon MGM Studios signals a commitment to a wide theatrical release, ensuring that the grand scale of Stahelski's vision is experienced on the big screen. The combination of high-octane action and a rich narrative heritage positions the Highlander reboot as one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the coming years. Fans are particularly eager to see how the mystical transfer of power between immortals will be reimagined using modern visual effects and the director's signature stylistic flair.