Highlander Set Photos Show Henry Cavill and Karen Gillan in Scotland
Henry Cavill and Karen Gillan filmed medieval scenes at Scotland's Eilean Donan Castle for the Highlander reboot. Director Chad Stahelski promises "John Wick with swords" action when the film hits cinemas in 2027.
The Highlander movie reboot is finally taking shape, with Henry Cavill and Karen Gillan spotted filming 16th-century flashback scenes at Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland. According to various reports and social media posts, the pair looked properly medieval in tartan and period costume as they brought Connor and Heather MacLeod to life for Chad Stahelski's action-packed reboot.
Key Takeaways
- Henry Cavill and Karen Gillan were photographed filming 16th-century flashback scenes for the Highlander reboot in Scotland.
- Chad Stahelski directs the film, bringing his John Wick action expertise to the sword-fighting genre.
- The cast includes Russell Crowe, Dave Bautista, Kevin McKidd, and WWE's Drew McIntyre.
- Filming was delayed to early 2026 after Cavill sustained a leg injury during training.
- A behind-closed-doors CinemaCon trailer showed footage set to Queen's 'We Will Rock You'.
Who is starring in the new Highlander movie?
Henry Cavill leads the cast as immortal sword master Connor MacLeod, born in 1518, with Doctor Who's Karen Gillan playing his first wife, Heather MacLeod. The BBC reported that Cavill looked 'in fine form' sporting long hair and authentic Scottish tartan clothing during the Highland filming.
Russell Crowe steps into Sean Connery's role as mentor Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, whilst Dave Bautista plays the villainous Kurgan. Scottish actors Kevin McKidd and WWE wrestler Drew McIntyre round out the ensemble, with McIntyre playing Connor's brother Angus MacLeod, chieftain of Clan MacLeod. Siobhán Cullen also joins the cast as Brenda.
Chad Stahelski brings John Wick expertise to sword fighting
According to industry reports, director Chad Stahelski has described Highlander as 'John Wick with swords', and early footage shown at CinemaCon confirms this approach. The behind-closed-doors presentation featured Cavill's swordfighting scenes that clearly evoke the kinetic action style of John Wick 5, complete with Queen's 'We Will Rock You' soundtrack.
Actress Siobhán Cullen praised Stahelski's directorial approach, calling it 'definitely one for the fans' and adding that 'some of the fighting scenes I've seen are just insane.' She described working with someone 'so fluent in the language of action' as creating 'this whole other script that's happening parallel to our dialogue.'
What this means for the Highlander franchise
The Scottish filming locations and period costumes suggest this reboot will honour the original 1986 film's mythology whilst updating it for modern audiences. Like the Christopher Lambert original, the new version includes flashbacks to MacLeod's 16th-century origins in the Scottish Highlands, maintaining the time-spanning narrative that made the franchise distinctive.
With Highlander, the early buzz and teaser build excitement for a fresh take, while also raising concern about whether it can keep the unique charm fans loved in the original. The CinemaCon footage showed Connor facing off against Kurgan in 'The Gathering' — the immortal warriors' final battle that leaves only one alive.
When will Highlander be released?
No official release date has been announced for the Highlander reboot yet. Production was delayed to early 2026 after Henry Cavill sustained a leg injury during training, but filming is now well underway in Scotland. Given the scale of the production and Stahelski's reputation for elaborate action sequences, a 2027 cinema release seems most likely for UAE audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is starring in the new Highlander movie?
Henry Cavill stars as Connor MacLeod alongside Karen Gillan as Heather MacLeod. The cast also includes Russell Crowe, Dave Bautista as Kurgan, Kevin McKidd, WWE's Drew McIntyre, and Siobhán Cullen.
Who is directing the Highlander reboot?
Chad Stahelski, known for directing the John Wick franchise, is directing the Highlander reboot. He's described the film as 'John Wick with swords'.
What role does Henry Cavill play in the Highlander reboot?
Henry Cavill plays Connor MacLeod, the immortal sword master born in 1518. The character was originally portrayed by Christopher Lambert in the 1986 film.
Will the new Highlander movie feature flashbacks?
Yes, recent set photos from Scotland confirm the film includes 16th-century flashback scenes showing Connor MacLeod's origins in the Scottish Highlands, just like the original movie.
When will the Highlander reboot be released?
No official release date has been announced yet. Production was delayed to early 2026 due to Henry Cavill's training injury, suggesting a likely 2027 cinema release.
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