Dave Bautista is set to play one of the most infamous villains in sword-and-sorcery cinema. According to the trades, Bautista has been cast as Kurgan in Chad Stahelski’s upcoming Highlander reboot, starring Henry Cavill, and is closing the deal.
The role was originally played by Clancy Brown in the 1986 film, which starred Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod and Sean Connery as Ramirez. Kurgan, an immortal warrior, was a contender for “The Prize” — the combined power of all immortals. In the original movie, he was a brutal adversary, known for slaughtering, pillaging, and taking the heads of fellow immortals.
Stahelski’s Highlander will revive the classic story of immortal warriors battling through the centuries, leading to a final confrontation for ultimate power. Cavill stars as MacLeod, with Russell Crowe also confirmed to play Ramirez. Marisa Abela has also joined the cast in a new role as an immortal warrior, who is a teacher of swordplay and one of MacLeod’s past loves.
Bautista’s Busy Schedule
In addition to Highlander, Deadline also reports that Bautista will appear in Road House 2 opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, reprising his role as Dalton from the 2024 Prime Video hit. Bautista’s upcoming projects include Trap House, The Wrecking Crew with Jason Momoa, and the Zellner Brothers’ alien invasion comedy Alpha Gang.
Bautista has also recently appeared in Dune: Part Two, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and The Last Showgirl.
About Highlander
The reboot is said to be a prequel-style reboot that draws heavily from the mythology of the original movie and the popular 1990s Adrian Paul TV series.
Highlander is produced by UA’s Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt, Neal H. Moritz, and Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment. Patrick Wachsberger serves as executive producer. UA acquired full rights to the franchise from Lionsgate, with plans to potentially develop a new series alongside the film.
No release date has been announced, but production is expected to begin in September, with filming locations including London, Scotland, and Hong Kong. Henry Cavill has said he is going to be busy.
