At CinemaCon on Wednesday night, Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists gave exhibitors and fans a look at the latest incarnation of Highlander.
Henry Cavill plays immortal warrior Connor MacLeod and Russell Crowe plays his mentor Ramirez. Siobhán Cullen, Marisa Abela, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou and Dave Bautista round out the cast.
Cavill was injured last year during pre-production while training for the project. As a result, production was delayed on the Chad Stahelski-directed reboot of the cult IP.
The original Highlander released in 1986 starred Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery and portrayed the climax of an ancient battle between immortal warriors, unfolding through interwoven past and present-day storylines. Russell Mulcahy directed, with Peter S. Davis and William N. Panzer producing. After steadily gaining popularity upon its release, the film spawned multiple sequels, as well as a TV series and an enduring fanbase.
The first look, shown only in the room tonight, is loud, international, stylish and big. The Immortals are again moving over the centuries towards the Gathering, after which there will be only one as they destroy each other in dramatic fight scenes featuring elaborate costumes.
The John Wick franchise’s Stahelski is directing the theatrical feature from a script by Michael Finch (John Wick: Chapter 4). UA’s Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt produce alongside Neal H. Moritz, Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment, Josh Davis of Davis Panzer Productions, and Louise Rosner.
UA has secured full rights to the 1986 original, with potential to also develop a new series. Lionsgate developed the film.