Henry Cavill starring in the upcoming reboot of the 1980s fantasy cult-classic, Highlander, is already exciting. But when that film is also directed by Chad Stahelski and, according to Cavill’s co-star, Dave Bautista, will have action that rivals the John Wick franchise, then fans really have a reason to get hyped. Following his departure from Season 3 of Netflix’s The Witcher adaptation (with Liam Hemsworth taking over as Geralt of Rivia), all eyes were on what Henry Cavill would do next. It turned out that Cavill wasn’t ready to hang up the swords just yet, but he’s swapping the Polish-inspired The Continent (the setting of The Witcher) for the Scottish Highlands. Fans are expecting big things from Cavill and Stahelski’s Highlander reboot, and, according to Bautista, we won’t be disappointed.
Dave Bautista recently spoke to Collider to promote his new movie, Afterburn, and the actor was asked about his role in Henry Cavill’s Highlander reboot. Bautista, who will play the iconic villain, Kurgan, said he has been chasing a part in the Highlander reboot for years. “This goes back a long time because I’ve actually been chasing this role,” he began. “I think I probably tweeted about this role, about being the Kurgan, more than 10 years ago… I always loved Clancy Brown’s performance as the Kurgan. I always wanted to be the Kurgan. I don’t know why. There was something magical about that role. He’s the villain I love to hate.”
The big reason fans are excited about the Highlander reboot is the action. Stahelski has become a renowned action director thanks to his work on the John Wick franchise and his long career as a stunt performer and coordinator. But, Bautista promises that audiences will love the Highlander reboot for more than just its action, although that will be great too. He said:
“I was so blown away by the script because, without saying too much, this is such a great reboot. We’re still paying tribute and giving a nod to the original, but making it new and fresh and exciting, and also just universe-building. It’s just so much bigger than the original. The action is on par with John Wick. I’m afraid I’m going to say too much.”
Henry Cavill’s ‘Highlander’ Reboot Has Hit a Snag
Things were finally moving in the right direction for the Highlander reboot; the cast was coming together, the script was finished, and Henry Cavill was gearing up to play Connor MacLeod. But, it was all going too well.
Just as Highlander was gearing up to finally enter production, Henry Cavill went and got himself injured. The actor received an undisclosed injury during his training for Highlander. As a result, the movie’s production start date has been pushed back, which will inevitably see its release date also get delayed. Alongside Cavill and Bautista, Highlander will also star Russel Crowe, Karen Gillan (the only Scottish actor in the cast so far), Marisa Abela, and Djimon Honsou.