When Henry Cavill
first signed on to wield the sword of Connor MacLeod in Highlander
, expectations soared and imaginations ran wild. That was three years ago. Since then, the reboot has simmered in development limbo, surviving multiple production delays, scheduling reshuffles, and a rotating carousel of rumors. With Chad Stahelski directing and Amazon MGM backing the project, filming is now reportedly set to begin in Scotland this fall, though the release window remains elusive. Still, after years of silence, something finally stirs within the mist of the Highlands.
Excitement brews anew, as a major casting update brings long-awaited progress and a surge of energy to the immortal tale, all thanks to an Oscar winner.
An Oscar winner enters the Highlander arena
Collider has exclusively revealed
that Academy Award winner Russell Crowe has officially joined the cast of Highlander
, the long-anticipated reboot directed by John Wick filmmaker Chad Stahelski. Crowe will play a significant role opposite Henry Cavill, who has been attached to the lead for several years. The reboot has seen numerous delays since its announcement, but this major casting development signals that the project is finally moving toward production after a prolonged period of uncertainty.
Russell Crowe.
Big star.
I thought he was GREAT in Les Mis.
Hat game, Grade A. pic.twitter.com/Iw9ZXuSwmg— JakeR (retired from trolling, cole slaw fan) (@vmpops) June 20, 2025
Russell Crowe’s inclusion marks a high-profile addition to the fantasy-action franchise. Best known for his legendary performance in Gladiator
, Crowe has a long-standing reputation for portraying powerful, complex characters across genres. From his portrayal of John Nash in A Beautiful Mind
to his intense turn in The Insider
, Crowe consistently delivers gravitas and emotional depth. His involvement is likely to enhance the narrative weight and prestige of a project long in need of forward momentum.
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Despite the prolonged production, every new update about Highlander
continues to amplify fan excitement and deepen curiosity about what the film has in store.
What does Highlander has in store for us?
Director Chad Stahelski has made it clear that Highlander
will not be a simple retread of the 1986 cult classic. Instead, the upcoming film aims to expand the mythology and explore the immortal universe on a grander scale. Henry Cavill is set to play the lead, most likely a version of Connor MacLeod, the centuries-old swordsman with an unfortunate talent for losing friends but never his head. Stahelski has also teased a potential release window
, though no date has been locked in yet.
‘ENOLA HOLMES 3’ reportedly begins filming in April 2025 in UK and ‘HIGHLANDER’ to begins filming in May 2025 in Scotland. pic.twitter.com/9dHORiugo4
— Henry Cavill Updates (@updatesofHC) January 31, 2025
As for Russell Crowe, his casting has sparked theories thicker than Highland fog. While the production remains tight-lipped, some speculate he may portray a mentor figure in the vein of Sean Connery’s original character, Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez. Others suggest a darker, villainous role better suited to Crowe’s thunderous gravitas. Whatever the case, one thing is certain, immortals just got an upgrade, and this saga may finally live up to its legacy.
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What role do you think Russell Crowe will take on in Highlander? Share your theories in the comments below!