Highlander Reboot Starring Henry Cavill Could Launch New Fantasy Franchise, Director Says
A Highlander reboot starring Henry Cavill is in the works and has the potential to become the start of a major fantasy franchise, according to its director. The original Highlander film, released in 1986 and starring Christopher Lambert, spawned multiple sequels, two live-action TV series, and a series of original novels. Plans for a remake of the original film have been in development since 2008, with Chad Stalheski, the director of the John Wick series, joining the project in 2016. Although there have been few updates since then, Stalheski recently confirmed that the film is still progressing.
A Fresh Take on the Highlander Mythos
In a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Stalheski revealed that the reboot would introduce new elements while also incorporating elements from the previous films and TV shows. He described the film as a prequel and a setup to “The Gathering,” an important episode from the Highlander TV series. Stalheski compared the potential of the Highlander franchise to that of John Wick, stating that if they can successfully launch the film, they have ideas for an epic TV show. The director expressed his excitement about the rich mythology of Highlander, with its ability to explore various time periods, cultures, and characters.
The Burden of Immortality
One of the central themes of Highlander is the burden of immortality and the consequences of being an immortal. Stalheski highlighted the appeal of this concept, where any person from any era could become an immortal and face the challenges that come with eternal life. This exploration of immortality, paired with epic battles and complex characters, could contribute to the success of the franchise.
Henry Cavill’s Departure from “The Witcher”
The potential success of the Highlander reboot may prove crucial for Henry Cavill, who recently announced his departure from the Netflix series “The Witcher.” Cavill portrayed the character Geralt of Rivia, a demon hunter, in the highly popular show based on the video game franchise. However, after three seasons, Cavill made the decision to step down from the leading role, with Liam Hemsworth set to take over. The demanding nature of filming the series, which required Cavill to perform most of his stunts, may have influenced his departure.
Looking Ahead to a Promising Future
As the Highlander reboot continues to develop, there is anticipation surrounding Henry Cavill’s potential involvement and the franchise’s possibilities. The film’s director, Chad Stalheski, expressed his commitment to delivering a compelling and successful adaptation of the Highlander story. Whether the reboot will achieve the same level of success as the original film remains to be seen, but with Cavill’s star power and a dedicated fanbase, there is hope for a thrilling new fantasy franchise to captivate audiences.
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