Henry Cavill Chooses Highlander as His Dream Remake—And His Reason Why Might Even Win Over Remake Skeptics

In an era where Hollywood reboots are as common as opening weekend box office debates, Henry Cavill’s latest revelation feels refreshingly genuine. The Man of Steel and Witcher star has confirmed that the first old movie he’s eager to reimagine is the 1986 cult classic Highlander, stepping into the role of immortal warrior Connor MacLeod. Production on the reboot—helmed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski—is slated to begin in late 2025, with an anticipated release window of 2027–2028. For Cavill, now 42 and fresh from welcoming his first child, the choice is less about chasing nostalgia and more about honoring a story that blends epic swordplay with deep human themes.

Dedication That Transcends the Screen

Cavill’s commitment to Highlander reflects the same meticulous approach that has marked his career, from building his own PC during lockdown to pushing for more robust mental health resources in the entertainment industry. Calling the role “demanding” and “requiring all of my focus,” he has already begun preparing for the physical and emotional rigor of playing a 500-year-old martial arts master. Training “in earnest” is set to be a long, deliberate process to ensure the reboot honors the original while finding room for fresh interpretation. With co-stars like Dave Bautista as the fearsome Kurgan and a possible reunion with Man of Steel’s Russell Crowe in a mentor role, Cavill’s vision is as much about ensemble storytelling as it is about spectacle.

Humility Amid the Hype

Despite the buzz surrounding the project, Cavill remains grounded—praising Stahelski as “a very talented man” and focusing on the collaborative process over personal spotlight. That humility is a throughline in his career, visible in the grace with which he navigated his Superman exit in 2022 and his emphasis on family life since. He credits his Jersey upbringing and his four brothers with keeping him down-to-earth, a trait that extends to his philanthropic work as an ambassador for the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. In an industry that often rewards ego, Cavill’s choice to frame Highlander as a shared creative journey rather than a solo star vehicle speaks volumes.

Passion That Bridges Generations

For Cavill, Highlander is more than a role—it’s an opportunity to channel his enduring passion for storytelling into a modern retelling of a timeless saga. Describing the project as “a lot of fun to play,” he’s drawn to the film’s exploration of immortality, fate, and resilience. His career has long been defined by a willingness to leap between genres, from fantasy epics to historical dramas, while championing inclusivity in adaptation. Even with the demands of new fatherhood, Cavill’s enthusiasm for the work remains unshaken, a quality that fuels his support for causes like the Royal Marines Charity and his ongoing mentorship of young actors.

A Noble Vision for the Future

Henry Cavill’s announcement isn’t just another celebrity casting headline—it’s a statement about the kind of artist he strives to be. His dedication, humility, and passion intertwine in a way that honors Highlander’s legacy while promising something bold and new. In a cinematic landscape often criticized for recycling the past without purpose, Cavill stands as proof that with the right vision, a remake can be both a tribute and a transformation.

If the immortal MacLeod’s creed was “There can be only one,” Cavill seems determined to make this reboot the one that gets it right.