First Highlander reboot footage shows Henry Cavill facing Dave Bautista's Kurgan at CinemaCon 2026

The Highlander reboot footage has finally arrived, showing Henry Cavill's Connor MacLeod facing off against Dave Bautista's intimidating Kurgan. The behind-closed-doors presentation at CinemaCon 2026 gave audiences their first proper look at what director Chad Stahelski has crafted — and it's being described as 'John Wick with swords.'

What the footage revealed

The CinemaCon presentation opened with a message from Henry Cavill directly from the set, where filming continues after production delays caused by his leg injury last year. The footage itself was set to Queen's 'We Will Rock You,' creating an epic backdrop for sword-wielding action.

Dave Bautista's Kurgan delivered the memorable line: 'When my sword changes history, you will have a front row seat' to Cavill's Connor MacLeod. The scenes showcased colourful, kinetic sword-fighting sequences that clearly draw from Stahelski's John Wick directing style — fast-paced, brutal, and beautifully choreographed.

This approach makes perfect sense given Stahelski's background. The John Wick franchise redefined modern action choreography, and bringing that sensibility to immortal sword combat feels like a natural evolution.

The immortal premise explained

According to the footage, Henry Cavill's Connor MacLeod was born in 1518, making him over 500 years old by the film's present-day setting. He's spent centuries mastering various martial arts, which should make for some impressive fight sequences when combined with Stahelski's direction.

The story centres on The Gathering, a summoning that forces immortal warriors into deadly combat in what's called the Game. True to Highlander lore, only one can survive — hence the franchise's famous tagline.

The film splits its action between New York and Hong Kong, giving Stahelski plenty of urban environments to showcase his signature style. Based on what audiences saw, both cities will feature heavily in the sword-fighting sequences.

Production challenges and delays

Filming has faced significant delays after Henry Cavill sustained a leg injury during training, pushing production into early 2026. The fact that Cavill was still on set during CinemaCon suggests the project is now back on track, though no release date has been announced.

The injury highlights just how physically demanding the role is. Cavill has been training extensively for the sword-fighting sequences, and his commitment shows in the first look images he shared in January, where he appeared convincingly battle-ready.

Despite the setbacks, the CinemaCon footage suggests the extra time has been well spent — the action looks polished and the tone feels distinct from previous Highlander adaptations.

When and where to watch

No UAE release date has been announced for the Highlander reboot yet. The film is still in production, with Henry Cavill continuing to film following his recovery from injury.

Given the scale of the project and CinemaCon's focus on theatrical releases, expect this to hit UAE cinemas when it's ready — though we'll need to wait for official confirmation on timing and local distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was revealed about the Highlander reboot at CinemaCon 2026?

First footage was shown featuring Henry Cavill as Connor MacLeod and Dave Bautista as The Kurgan in sword-fighting scenes. The presentation included a message from Cavill and showcased the film's John Wick-style action choreography.

Who is starring in the Highlander reboot?

Henry Cavill plays Connor MacLeod, an immortal warrior born in 1518. Dave Bautista plays The Kurgan, his primary antagonist. The film is directed by Chad Stahelski.

Who is directing the Highlander reboot?

Chad Stahelski, best known for directing the John Wick film series. The Highlander reboot has been described as 'John Wick with swords' due to his signature action style.

When will the Highlander reboot be released?

No official release date has been announced yet. Production was delayed to early 2026 after Henry Cavill sustained a leg injury during training, and filming is still ongoing.

Written by

Share

Copied