There can only be one – and it’s Henry Cavill. Friday delivered the announcement that the Justice League star is set to play the lead in Lionsgate’s reboot of the classic franchise about an immortal warrior. The Highlander universe has been dormant since the last direct-to-DVD movie released back in 2007, so it’s high time we got a relaunch of the series, which has encompassed five films and two TV shows – one live-action, one animated.
The original 1986 pic starred Mortal Kombat‘s Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, though it’s currently unclear if Cavill will be taking over that same role or if he’s playing a different immortal and the reboot will maintain continuity with the old films. Whatever the specifics, the actor has teased that boarding this project is an “opportunity like no other” and he promises it will be an adventure that fans “shall never forget.”
Sure enough, folks are going crazy over the news on social media, as the combination of a new Highlander flick and Cavill starring in it is causing a lot of people to freak out.
https://twitter.com/suburbanaxal/status/1396006973582188546
https://twitter.com/niklander2/status/1395829529021714438
Henry Cavill as the Highlander……yeah I can run with that pic.twitter.com/7soK6feoif
— Oh no…the Mercury!….its in gatorade!!! (@itsgeorgio) May 21, 2021
He’s too perfect for the role.
I'm very happy for my man Mr. Henry Cavill. Can't wait to watch his performance as the new 'Highlander!' He's too perfect for this role. Let's go!👏🏻#HenryCavill pic.twitter.com/BOtDFlRosk
— Jake Angel (@JakeAngel19) May 22, 2021
Who’s ready for Scottish-accented Cavill?
Just thinking of hearing Henry Cavill's Scottish brogue in Highlander pic.twitter.com/HbX8I0VuXE
— Ren Geekness (@RenGeekness) May 21, 2021
Speaking of Scots, who’s going to play Sean Connery’s mentor in the reboot?
A Highlander reboot with Henry Cavill. I am sold. pic.twitter.com/9XMoh00GrM
— Mark Against Humanity (@Mark_I) May 21, 2021
As for MacLeod’s nemesis The Kurgan, here’s one suggestion: Cavill’s DCEU co-star Jason Momoa.
I was thinking about how I’m not in love with the idea of Cavill as MacLeod in a Highlander reboot because he’s so large and handsome it’s hard to make other people look threatening to him, but I take that all back if they cast Jason Momoa as the Kurgan. pic.twitter.com/mYhGa1lKtE
— Kelly Turnbull (@Coelasquid) May 22, 2021
Superman. Sherlock Holmes. Geralt of Rivia. Now Highlander. Cavill is slowly playing every iconic character there is.
Henry Cavill is Superman, Sherlock Holmes, The Witcher, and is now going to be the Highlander. pic.twitter.com/CgZPGDNMfl
— Walt (@Uber_Kryptonian) May 21, 2021
Go for it, Henry.
A gentle reminder;
Yes we will be seeing Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes, Geralt of Rivia and a lead in the Highlander 💯❤️
GO FOR IT HENRY!!!!! pic.twitter.com/7sabk0CtYq
— Samia Cavill 🐺 (@henrycavillfc) May 22, 2021
But let’s not forget the other big plus of this project. It’s being directed by John Wick helmer Chad Stahelski, and he’s proven himself to be a very safe pair of hands for this franchise.
Henry Cavill eyed for "Highlander" reboot.
Oh, that's cool. 😊😊😊
Chad Stahelski is directing.
OMG YES! 😱🤯😁 pic.twitter.com/J2I3JvPe31— Screen Sisters, Siblings in Disguise! (@ScreenSisters_) May 22, 2021
A Highlander reboot has been in the works for several years now, with Stahelski attached since 2016. At one point, Dave Bautista was in talks to play The Kurgan, though it’s unknown if he’s still circling the film. In any case, stay tuned for more on what could be Henry Cavill’s next big screen vehicle.
