Chad Stahelski, noted director of the popular John Wick action franchise, is set to direct a reinterpretation of Highlander starring Henry Cavill. The 1986 original film, starring Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, and Clancy Brown, told the story of dueling immortal beings. Stahelski has been developing his take on Highlander since 2016, working on it between John Wick installments. Following a deal between Lionsgate and the director, Highlander has become his top priority. 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, this deal gives Stahelski creative control over the Highlander and John Wick franchises across film and TV. While the John Wick franchise has already found its way to television with Peacock’s 2023 series The Continental and the upcoming Ana de Armas series The Ballerina, Highlander’s immediate future looks to be focused on the big screen.

Regarding the deal, Stahelski stated, “I am pleased to be able to grow my relationship with Lionsgate in this new oversight role for the John Wick universe and its further expansion. John Wick is so close to my heart, and to be able to continue shepherding it will be a blast for me. I’m so happy to also be launching another franchise with Highlander, a world that is so rich with engaging stories to be told.”

Stahelski has discussed his take on Highlander and his desire to bring something new to its world. “We don’t want to do a remake. We don’t want to do a reinvention. We want to do something that’s fresh, that utilizes the mythology of what everyone loves from the first movie.”

Stahelski will produce his Highlander film with Neal H. Moritz and the surviving estate of the original film’s producer, Peter S. Davis. Stahelski’s Highlander does not currently have a release date but is likely to come out before a potential fifth John Wick film.