The wait is finally over. After nearly five years of development hell, injuries, and schedule conflicts, Henry Cavill has officially unsheathed the katana. On January 28, 2026, the former Man of Steel and Witcher star took to Instagram to share the first official images of himself as the legendary immortal, Connor MacLeod, in Chad Stahelski’s highly anticipated Highlander reboot.
A Long Journey for the New MacLeod
The journey to this moment has been as epic as an immortal’s lifespan. First announced in 2021, the project faced numerous hurdles:
- The DC Shakeup: Cavill’s brief and “botched” return as Superman delayed the production.
- The Witcher Exit: His departure from Netflix’s The Witcher freed up his schedule but left fans wondering if Highlander would be his next “big swing.”
- The Training Injury: Last year, Cavill sustained a significant leg injury during intense athletic and sword-fighting training, pushing filming into early 2026.
As Cavill himself noted in his caption: “This has been quite the journey for me… it’s a very special moment to be able to share it with you.”
Analyzing the First Images: A Modern Immortal
Directed by Chad Stahelski (John Wick saga), the reboot clearly leans into the stylish, gritty aesthetic Stahelski is famous for. The preview photos show Cavill in two distinct, atmospheric settings:
- The Asian Temple: Cavill is seen mid-stride in a location resembling an Asian temple (likely Hong Kong), surrounded by red lamps and a Buddha statue.
- The Gothic Church: A more classic Highlander setting, where Cavill is seen in a church—traditionally “holy ground” where immortals are forbidden from fighting.
Forget the traditional kilt; for the modern era, MacLeod is rocking a “fly” leather duster coat with a shearling-lined collar, giving off serious Blade Runner meets John Wick vibes.
A Star-Studded Cast of Immortals
Stahelski isn’t just bringing style; he’s bringing a powerhouse ensemble. Cavill will be joined by a cast that rivals any Marvel blockbuster:
- Russell Crowe: Taking over Sean Connery’s legendary role as Ramírez, the immortal mentor.
- Dave Bautista: Reconfirmed as the terrifying villain The Kurgan.
- Karen Gillan: Playing Heather MacLeod, Connor’s mortal wife.
- Drew McIntyre: The WWE superstar and Scottish native joins as Connor’s brother, Angus MacLeod.
- Jeremy Irons: Cast as the leader of The Watchers, a secret order that monitors the immortals.
Relaunching the Franchise
While the original 1986 film starring Christopher Lambert was a cult classic, Stahelski’s vision is a “globetrotting epic.” The story will reportedly jump between 1500s Scotland, modern-day New York, and beyond-present Hong Kong.
Stahelski has hinted that this film will serve as a prequel to “The Gathering”—the fabled event where the last remaining immortals must fight for “The Prize.” With screenwriter Michael Finch (John Wick 4) at the helm, fans can expect the most complex and breathtaking sword choreography ever seen on film.
Quick Table: Highlander (1986) vs. Highlander (2027/Expected)
| Role | Original (1986) | Reboot (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Connor MacLeod | Christopher Lambert | Henry Cavill |
| Ramírez | Sean Connery | Russell Crowe |
| The Kurgan | Clancy Brown | Dave Bautista |
| Director | Russell Mulcahy | Chad Stahelski |
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