They used to say “there can only be one.” But then they made several sequels of diminishing quality and an iffy TV show.
I’m talking, of course, about 1986 cult classic Highlander, set to be rebooted courtesy of Lionsgate, who purchased the franchise ten years ago and have been trying to develop a project ever since. Now, finally, that work is going to bear fruit. Word is that Colony writer Ryan Condal’s script has been enthusiastically received with the studio set to begin pre-production on the movie later this year.
If you’re not familiar with the franchise, it’s actually pretty cool. The deal is that there are a group of immortals battling each other for “The Prize” (reportedly ultimate knowledge and power). As you can imagine, though, immortals are pretty difficult to kill, with the only way to truly be sure is to sever their head from the body, preferably using a kick-ass broadsword.
The 1986 film introduced us to the titular Highlander Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert), mentored by Sean Connery, an Egyptian with a broad Scottish accent pretending to be Spanish (it didn’t make sense then and it doesn’t now, but just go with it). It also had a kick-ass soundtrack by Queen and is generally ridiculous in a deeply loveable sort of way.
According to Deadline, Lionsgate is trying to get the reboot fast-tracked into full production now. Word is that John Wick director Chad Stahelski is going to take the reins, with production handled by Neal H. Moritz (Preacher and The Fast & The Furious franchise). It also seems that Connor MacLeod will once more be the focus of the film, although there’s no word yet on who will be playing the role.
Still, hopes are high that the project will reinvigorate the Highlander franchise, with further films planned if this one proves to be a hit. As always, we’ll be sure to bring you more once we have it, so stay tuned.