New set photos have provided a breathtaking first look at the upcoming Highlander reboot, revealing that Henry Cavill and Karen Gillan are currently filming 16th-century flashback scenes in Scotland.

Directed by Chad Stahelski—the visionary behind the John Wick franchise—this new iteration reimagines the 1986 cult classic. While the original featured Christopher Lambert as the immortal Connor MacLeod, this version sees Henry Cavill stepping into the iconic role of the sword master born in 1518.

A Deep Dive Into 16th-Century Scotland

Recent production images confirm that Highlander will embrace its historical roots, much like the original film. The footage suggests a heavy focus on MacLeod’s origins in the Scottish Highlands through period-accurate flashbacks.

The leaked photos offer several exciting details about the production:

  • Henry Cavill was spotted in character, sporting long hair and traditional tartan clothing.
  • Karen Gillan, known for her role as Nebula in the MCU, shared images from Eilean Donan Castle, portraying Heather MacLeod, Connor’s first wife.
  • The production is utilizing iconic Scottish landmarks to establish the film's historical atmosphere.

An All-Star Ensemble Cast

The scale of this reboot is evident in its massive roster of talent. Joining Cavill and Gillan is Russell Crowe, who takes on the role of Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, a character originally played by Sean Connery. The film also features heavy hitters like Dave Bautista as the villainous Kurgan and Trainspotting star Kevin McKidd. Adding to the Scottish lineage, WWE superstar Drew McIntyre will appear as Angus MacLeod, the chieftain of Clan MacLeod and Connor’s brother.

The narrative promises to blend modern-day stakes with ancient lore. While much of the film takes place in contemporary New York and Hong Kong, the "Gathering" remains the central conflict. In Highlander mythology, The Gathering is a deadly event that forces all immortals into "The Game," a battle royale that continues until only one survivor remains.

High-Octane Action and "John Wick" Energy

Expectations for the film's combat are sky-high. A private trailer shown at CinemaCon featured a menacing line from The Kurgan: “When my sword changes history, you will have a front row seat,” all set to the legendary sounds of Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You.’

With Stahelski at the helm, the film is already being described as "John Wick with swords." This sentiment was echoed by co-star Siobhán Cullen, who plays Brenda. She recently hyped the film's choreography, calling the action scenes "insane" and noting that the physical storytelling provides a parallel script to the dialogue.

While production faced a slight delay due to a leg injury Cavill sustained during training, the project is moving forward with an anticipated release window around 2026. We are still awaiting an official release date for Highlander.