Russell Crowe Joins Henry Cavill in Highlander Remake

Russell Crowe is set to reunite with his Man of Steel co-star Henry Cavill in the highly anticipated remake of Highlander, marking a major milestone in the film’s development. According to Collider, the Academy Award-winning actor has officially joined the cast in a pivotal role, stepping into a character reminiscent of Sean Connery’s iconic mentor figure from the 1986 original. This new adaptation, helmed by John Wick creator Chad Stahelski, will see Crowe portray a guiding force for Cavill’s protagonist—echoing their on-screen father-son dynamic from the 2013 DC blockbuster.

While plot specifics and additional casting details remain tightly under wraps, Stahelski has offered a glimpse into the film’s bold new direction. Speaking to Collider, he revealed that the story will shift from the 16th-century Scottish Highlands to a modern-day, globe-trotting narrative spanning New York and Hong Kong. “There’s big opportunity for action… and it’s a bit of a love story — but not how you think,” he teased, hinting at a fresh, emotionally driven take on the immortal warrior saga.

Russell Crowe and Henry Cavill in Man of Steel.

Cavill’s involvement as the lead was first confirmed in 2021, reigniting fan excitement for a franchise long overdue for a revival. With Crowe now on board, the reunion of these two powerhouse actors adds a layer of nostalgic continuity, rekindling the mentor-mentee chemistry that resonated with audiences over a decade ago. In Man of Steel, Crowe portrayed Jor-El, Superman’s wise and noble Kryptonian father—a role that laid the emotional groundwork for Cavill’s journey as the Last Son of Krypton. Their return to a similar dynamic in Highlander promises a compelling blend of legacy and reinvention.

The film is currently in development under Amazon MGM and United Artists, with a screenplay by Michael Finch, known for his work on John Wick: Chapter 4 and American Assassin. Although no official release date has been announced, the project continues to gain momentum under Stahelski’s full creative control—a deal that extends across the broader Highlander franchise.

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When the project was first unveiled, Cavill expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Being not shy with swords, and having a director as talented as Chad Stahelski at the helm, this is an opportunity like no other. Deep diving into franchise storytelling with all the tools at our disposal, is going to make this an adventure I (and hopefully all of you) shall never forget.”

As fans await further updates from Stahelski, Cavill, and Crowe, the buzz surrounding this reimagining continues to build. For more on the director’s expanded role in shaping the Highlander universe, check out [the director’s deal to oversee creative control of the entire Highlander franchise]. You might also enjoy our roundup of the [15 best sci-fi movie soundtracks].