Amazon MGM Studios showed off the first footage from Chad Stahelski’s Highlander at CinemaCon, and it sounds like the reboot is going big.
The footage is said to be loud, stylish, and international in scope, with the Immortals moving across centuries toward The Gathering, where they battle until only one remains.
The scenes feature dramatic fights, elaborate costumes, and a scale that looks much bigger than the original movie.
Henry Cavill introduced the footage in a video message from set.
“We are only halfway through production but already feel we are creating something truly special,” Cavill said.
Henry Cavill Introduces Connor MacLeod
The footage includes Cavill declaring, “I am Connor MacLeod, who was born in 1518, and I am immortal.”
Cavill also appeared dirtied up on camera in his message to CinemaCon, saying he had come straight from set (seen recently in Scotland).
The preview confirms the movie is bringing fantasy into the modern world as the Immortals battle through time to become the only one left.
Dave Bautista’s Kurgan Takes Aim
Dave Bautista also gets a big moment in the footage as Kurgan.
“When my sword changes history, you will have a front row seat, Highlander,” Bautista’s character warns Cavill.
Cavill fires back, “All right, if you say so.”
Behind-the-scenes footage shown as part of the preview featured Bautista wearing a military-style suit, along with a beard and longer hair. Bautista is also said to be speaking with an accent.
Bautista, a longtime fan of the original, called Kurgan a “legacy role” for him.
Russell Crowe and Chad Stahelski Go Big
Russell Crowe is also featured in the footage as Ramirez, telling Cavill, “This is your purpose… you are the one.”
Stahelski’s fingerprints are said to be all over the footage, with the visuals lining up with the neon-styled energy of the John Wick movies.
The director describes the movie as big and loud, while Bautista says it looks like nothing audiences have seen before.
Amazon MGM also hyped the movie to exhibitors, calling it “epic in scope, visceral in action, and exactly the kind of bold, cinematic bet we believe in.”
There Can Be Only One
The footage ends with a montage of characters all saying, one after another, “There can be only one.”
CinemaCon attendees also learned just how much Cavill has put into the role. He trained in swords, driving, motorcycles, guns, and more for the movie.
With Cavill, Crowe, and Bautista all featured, and with the footage leaning hard into action, fantasy, and scale, Highlander is shaping up to be one of Amazon MGM’s biggest theatrical swings.
Release Info
Highlander stars Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Dave Bautista, Marisa Abela, Karen Gillan, and Djimon Hounsou , and is directed by Chad Stahelski.
The movie is still in production. No release date has been announced.
