First Look at Highlander Reboot Footage Revealed

Henry Cavill and Dave Bautista face off in the upcoming Highlander film.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:20am

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring shards of shattered glass and glittering metal fragments, capturing the intense, high-stakes clash of immortal warriors in the Highlander reboot.The stylized, high-octane action of the Highlander reboot promises to bring a fresh, cinematic energy to the classic immortal swordsman mythology.NYC Today

The highly anticipated Highlander reboot was finally unveiled at CinemaCon 2026, with footage showing Henry Cavill as the immortal swordsman Connor MacLeod battling Dave Bautista's villain Kurgan. The action-packed scenes evoke the tone of the John Wick movies, as Cavill's character is forced into the legendary Gathering where immortal warriors must fight to the death.

Why it matters

The Highlander franchise has a devoted cult following, and this reboot marks a major Hollywood attempt to revive the iconic 1980s fantasy action series for a new generation. With acclaimed director Chad Stahelski at the helm and a talented cast including Cavill and Bautista, the film has high expectations to deliver an epic, stylized take on the immortal swordsman mythology.

The details

The CinemaCon footage revealed that Cavill's Connor MacLeod was born in 1518 and has spent centuries training in martial arts, leading to an intense swordfighting sequence set to the classic Queen song 'We Will Rock You.' Bautista's villain Kurgan declares that when his sword 'changes history,' MacLeod will have a 'front row seat,' setting up their climactic battle at the Gathering.

  • Cavill had to pause filming last year due to a leg injury sustained during training.
  • The Highlander reboot is currently in production and is expected to release in 2027.

The players

Henry Cavill

The former Superman actor is starring as the immortal swordsman Connor MacLeod in the Highlander reboot.

Dave Bautista

The wrestler-turned-actor is playing the villain Kurgan, MacLeod's deadly opponent in the Gathering.

Chad Stahelski

The director of the John Wick films is helming the Highlander reboot, bringing his signature stylized action to the fantasy franchise.

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What they’re saying

“When my sword changes history, you will have a front row seat.”

— Dave Bautista, as Kurgan

“Highlander has been described as John Wick with swords.”

— Wesley Yin-Poole, Director, News at IGN

What’s next

The Highlander reboot is currently in production and is expected to release in 2027. Fans will be eager to see more footage and details about the film's take on the classic immortal swordsman mythology.

The takeaway

The Highlander reboot promises to bring a fresh, stylized spin on the beloved fantasy action franchise, with director Chad Stahelski's signature flair for kinetic, John Wick-inspired fight sequences. The casting of Henry Cavill and Dave Bautista has also generated significant buzz, as the two actors face off in the legendary Gathering.