Connor MacLeod stands on sacred ground! After years of speculation about a possible Highlander reboot, the immortal swordsman has finally returned, taking the form of none other than Henry Cavill. The new Highlander movie is directed by John Wick creator Chad Stahelski and acts as a revival for a franchise that hasn’t had a new entry since 2008. The series began with as Connor MacLeod, a Scottish warrior who can only die by beheading. Four decades ago, that cult classic launched an eccentric, inconsistent franchise with a perpetually contradictory canon, an intriguing fantasy universe, and a centuries-spanning romance.
Cavill’s portrayal of MacLeod clearly pays tribute to the original film. On his Instagram page, Cavill posted two images of himself in costume, accompanied by the message: “Happy First Look for Highlander! This has been quite the journey for me, which I’ll tell you all about when the time is right, but it’s a special moment to be able to share this. I hope you enjoy.”
Connor appears to be standing on sacred ground in both images, possibly in a temple in the first photo and a church in the second. According to Highlander mythology, Immortals are forbidden from fighting on holy ground, creating a sanctuary when conflicts become too dangerous. (Indeed, the franchise has examined the idea of Immortals who remain permanently on holy ground, with unfortunate results.)
While neither image directly replicates a moment from Russell Mulcahy’s original movie, the aesthetic indicates that Cavill is evoking Lambert’s distinctive portrayal. The photograph of Cavill wearing a trench coat mirrors Lambert’s costume, paired with a somewhat unkempt, battle-worn appearance. The second image implies that Connor will once again wield a katana, at least in modern times. In the original film, Connor receives a katana from his mentor, Ramírez (Sean Connery), a role that Russell Crowe will now assume.
As Cavill’s Instagram post indicates, there remains little additional information about Highlander at this time. The release date is still unknown, though production commenced in Scotland this January. It’s possible that Connor could be clashing blades in cinemas by next year, but for now, Highlander enthusiasts must remain patient and avoid losing their heads.