Highlander Delayed as Cavill Suffers Setback — Russell Crowe Reportedly Took Over One Scene Without Telling Director
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Production Halted After Cavill Injury
Henry Cavill’s much-anticipated turn as the lead in Highlander has hit a serious roadblock. Sources close to the production confirm the actor sustained an injury during pre-production training for Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists’ reboot of the cult classic. As a result, filming has been delayed until early next year.
Director Chad Stahelski, best known for the John Wick franchise, had been gearing up for principal photography when the setback occurred. The Michael Finch-penned script promises a fresh yet reverent take on the 1986 original, which famously starred Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery.
Russell Crowe’s Unscripted Gesture Shocks the Set
In a surprising twist, insiders reveal that Russell Crowe—who also stars in the film—stepped in for an unplanned moment on set. During a test sequence, Crowe reportedly took over one scene without alerting Stahelski or the crew. On the fifth take, he quietly whispered, “This one’s for Henry,” a tribute to his injured co-star.
When playback rolled, the room reportedly fell silent. Even Stahelski was said to be stunned, only learning after the fact that Crowe had improvised the gesture. Though not intended for the final cut, the footage has reportedly become an emotional highlight for those involved.
Star-Studded Cast and Big Ambitions
The reboot boasts a heavyweight ensemble: Marisa Abela, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Dave Bautista, Max Zhang, and Crowe round out the cast alongside Cavill. Producers Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt of United Artists are joined by Neal H. Moritz (Fast & Furious), Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment, Josh Davis of Davis Panzer Productions, and Louise Rosner.
UA has secured full rights to the original property, with plans to expand the Highlander universe into a potential new series. The project had previously been under development at Lionsgate before moving to Amazon MGM Studios.
Legacy of a Cult Classic
The original Highlander (1986), directed by Russell Mulcahy, became a home-video phenomenon during the 1980s, blending ancient mythology with a rock soundtrack and modern-day sword battles. Its tagline, “There can be only one,” remains iconic, spawning multiple sequels, a beloved TV series, and a fiercely loyal fanbase.
Stahelski’s reboot aims to balance nostalgia with fresh world-building, modern action choreography, and a more expansive mythology. But with Cavill sidelined, fans will have to wait a little longer to see if lightning can strike twice for the immortal warriors.
Cavill’s Busy Slate Still Packed
Even as Highlander faces delays, Cavill remains one of Hollywood’s busiest stars. The WME-repped actor has multiple projects in post-production, including Rawson Marshall Thurber’s Voltron, Guy Ritchie’s In the Grey, and Netflix’s Enola Holmes 3. Last year alone, he appeared in Deadpool and Wolverine (Disney/Marvel Studios), Lionsgate’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and Apple Original Films’ Argylle.
For now, though, all eyes are on Cavill’s recovery—and on how Crowe’s heartfelt improvisation might influence the film’s evolving legacy. Whether that unscripted moment makes the final cut or not, it has already etched itself into the behind-the-scenes lore of a project that fans have been waiting decades to see reborn.