The Henry Cavill Highlander reboot will expand its world with more depth, featuring a larger cast of immortals from across the globe than the original film.
The movie appears to be borrowing from the popular TV series starring Adrian Paul, something director Chad Stahelski recently confirmed is influencing the new take.
That direction is further supported by the official announcement from Amazon Studios that Marisa Abela (Industry, Barbie) has joined the cast of the Henry Cavill Highlander movie. Her casting signals a broader creative direction for the reboot.
Marisa Abela joins the cast of Highlander alongside previously announced stars Henry Cavill and Russell Crowe. Chad Stahelski will direct the film, which will be released in theaters. pic.twitter.com/O6vTSlCmYA
— Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) July 2, 2025
New Immortals and a Deeper Mythos
Marisa Abela Joins as a New Immortal
According to THR, Marisa Abela will play a new character created for the film, a leading role, an immortal who is a teacher of swordplay and one of MacLeod’s past loves.
More Immortals, Expanded World
The new script from Michael Finch is reportedly expanding the story with some changes from the original, creating a “more complex and deeper world.” Sources for THR say the film now features more immortals, with characters coming from different parts of the world.
TV Series Influence on the Reboot
The original 1986 movie centered on Connor MacLeod, Ramirez, and Kurgan, and didn’t introduce many immortals beyond the main characters. In contrast, the Adrian Paul TV series expanded the mythology significantly (great series, watch on Tubi) .
Marisa Abela’s character sounds similar to Immortals from that series, bringing to mind Elizabeth Gracen’s Amanda, an immortal born in 820 AD in France.
Stahelski previously gave a nod to the Adrian Paul TV series.
“Our story engages a lot of the same characters, but we’ve also brought in elements of all the TV shows,” he said. “We’re trying to do a bit of a prequel — a setup to The Gathering — so we have room to grow the property.”
Returning Characters
Henry Cavill is confirmed to play Connor MacLeod. Russell Crowe will play Ramirez, the role originally portrayed by Sean Connery. Kurgan has not yet been cast; the character was played by Clancy Brown in the 1986 film.
Release Info and Filming Details
Stahelski recently confirmed Highlander will begin filming in September in London, with additional locations including Scotland, England, and Hong Kong.
No release date has been announced.
(note: Henry Cavill Highlander featured image is fan art)
