Chad Stahelski’s ‘Highlander’ Starring Henry Cavill Nears ProductionChad Stahelski’s ‘Highlander’ Starring Henry Cavill Nears Production Lionsgate’s long-anticipated remake of the classic fantasy film “Highlander” is finally moving forward, with production set to commence early next year. Chad Stahelski, director of the “John Wick” franchise, is helming the project, which will star Henry Cavill. In a recent interview, Stahelski revealed that filming will begin in Scotland in January 2025. He is currently in the final stages of location scouting. Stahelski has been developing “Highlander” for several years, and Cavill has been attached to it for almost as long. The timing is now right, as Cavill has left “The Witcher” and Stahelski has completed the “John Wick” franchise. Stahelski discussed the challenges of creating swordplay for the film, emphasizing the need for both skill and dedication to ensure the actors’ safety. He also hinted at a unique approach to action and swordplay that will set the film apart from previous swordfighting epics. “Most of the concern right now isn’t really about training the cast,” Stahelski said. “We’ve got that machine up and running and I think we’ve got the right cast… It’s more about how do you put it all together and make it work… what’s this new look of action or swordplay that people are going to be excited about?” The film’s release date and additional cast members have not yet been announced. “Highlander” is sure to generate excitement among fans of the original film and sword-wielding action enthusiasts alike.
The development of Lionsgate’s Highlander remake of John Wick Director Chad Stahelski’s film, starring Henry Cavill, has been in the works for a long time, but production is reportedly gearing up to begin filming early next year.
In an interview with Collider, Stahelski revealed that he will begin filming Highlander in January 2025. After this coming weekend, Stahelski will travel to Scotland to do the final phase of location scouting. “We start filming in Scotland in January,” Stahelski told the outlet, “so I’m going there right after I leave. I’m going to Scotland on Monday to do the final location scouting.”
Stahelski is developing Highlander for a few years now and Cavill has been attached to it for almost as long. They both announced the project a while ago, while waiting for the right time between their busy schedules to work on the remake. Now that Cavill has left The Witcher and Stahelski finished with the John Wick franchise the timing has been provisionally coordinated.
Stahelski also previewed the swordplay for the film. As a stuntman turned director, and someone who has created some very memorable action scenes throughout his career, but especially in John Wick And Death Polehis plans for HighlanderHis swordsmanship is very ambitious and he recognizes the challenge.
“Swords are one of the trickiest things for me to do in combat scenes because if I mess up too much with the gun, the muzzle flashes become digital,” Stahelski said. “So we don’t have to worry about hurting anyone. When we’re doing car stuff, that’s a big concern too. But there are ways now, cables that take away some of the dangers for the cast.” He went on to explain that with “Swords, it’s a little bit trickier because now I have to trust my actors to swing this piece of metal at each other, and hopefully not poke their eyes out or stab someone. In every sword movie, someone gets poked or hit in the head or something. It requires a little bit more skill and a little bit more dedication. So that’s always a concern.”
“Most of the concern right now isn’t really about training the cast,” he continued. “We’ve got that machine up and running and I think we’ve got the right cast. We’ve got the right people. We’ve got the right trainers. We’ve dug up some of the best sword people I’ve ever met in my life in the last six months, helping us. It’s more about how do you put it all together and make it work. It’s not Princess Bride, it’s not Crouching Tiger, it’s not Master & Commander, it’s not Zorro. What is this new look of action or swordplay that people are going to be excited about? That’s what keeps me up at night.”
Highlander has no release date or other cast members yet. Check back later as we learn more about the upcoming film.
Ricky Church – Follow me on Twitter for more movie news and nerd talk.
