Renowned director Chad Stahelski is set to bring the long-awaited Highlander movie to life. This project, which has been in development since 2016, is now confirmed as Stahelski's next film. The talented Henry Cavill is attached to star in this reimagining of the 1986 cult classic, alongside an ensemble cast that included Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, and Clancy Brown. Highlander centers around a group of immortals locked in a battle to gain more power, with the ultimate goal of being the last one standing. As the famous tagline states, 'There can be only one.'
The decision to greenlight Highlander marks a significant step in a recently announced partnership between Stahelski and Lionsgate. This deal gives the director authority over two franchises: Highlander and the immensely popular John Wick series. Stahelski has already directed four John Wick films, featuring the iconic Keanu Reeves, and his work has received critical acclaim for its reinvention of the action genre. The latest installment of the franchise, which grossed $440 million globally, was recently nominated for a SAG Award for stunt ensemble.
This groundbreaking agreement expands on the already successful collaboration between Stahelski and Lionsgate. In addition to overseeing the John Wick universe, the director will now shepherd the Highlander franchise as well. Stahelski will work closely with producer Neal H. Moritz and the late Peter S. Davis' estate, the original film's producer.
Expressing his excitement about the partnership, Stahelski shared, 'I am pleased to be able to grow my relationship with Lionsgate in this new oversight role for the John Wick universe and its further expansion. John Wick is so close to my heart, and to be able to continue shepherding it will be a blast for me. I'm also thrilled to be launching another franchise with Highlander, a world that is rich with engaging stories to be told.'
Stahelski's visionary approach and expertise in the realm of stunts have played a crucial role in the success of the John Wick films. He and his partner, David Leitch, who worked together on the first John Wick, have both transitioned seamlessly from stunt work to directing blockbuster hits. Stahelski's creative input has added a unique edge to the action-packed narratives, and fans eagerly anticipate seeing his interpretation of the Highlander universe.
Speaking about the challenges of adapting Highlander, Stahelski shared his insights in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2020. He emphasized the difficulty of striking a balance between staying true to the beloved original film while also infusing it with a fresh and unique perspective. Stahelski stated, 'We don't want to do a remake. We don't want to do a reinvention. We want to do something that's fresh, that utilizes the mythology of what everyone loves from the first movie.'
As audiences eagerly await the release of Stahelski's Highlander and the upcoming John Wick spinoff, The Ballerina, it is clear that this talented director has firmly established himself as a visionary in the world of action films. Lionsgate's trust in his creative skills and ability to bring engaging stories to life is a testament to the immense success he has achieved throughout his career.
With the Highlander project finally gaining momentum and the John Wick saga set to continue captivating audiences, it is an exciting time for fans of Stahelski's work. As he embarks on these new ventures, we can expect nothing less than exhilarating action sequences, compelling storytelling, and a fresh take on beloved franchises. Chad Stahelski's journey as a director, born from his background in stunts, continues to impress and excite fans worldwide.
