Taking to Instagram, Henry Cavill has shared a look at the injury that's pushing the start of filming on the upcoming live-action Highlander remake from late-September to early-January 2026.
The injury doesn’t seem too severe, but Cavill’s limited mobility likely prevents him from performing the film’s high-intensity action sequences, which have been previously described as being similar to John Wick–like combat sequences. Cavill reportedly suffered the setback while training for the upcoming film.
The reboot is currently without a precise release date, but previous remarks from director Chad Stahelski (John Wick franchise) state that the project was aiming for a 2027 or 2028 release. There's no word yet on how Cavill's injury impacts those plans.
Cavill is set to portray Connor MacLeod, a role previously made famous by Christopher Lambert. Russell Crowe (Gladiator) is set to portray Ramirez, a role previously portrayed by Sean Connery, while wrestler-turned-actor David Bautista is officially signed on and rumored to be portraying the menacing Kurgan (previously portrayed by Clancy Brown).
The full cast list for the reboot is as follows:
- Henry Cavill as Connor MacLeod
- Russell Crowe as Ramirez
- David Bautista as The Kurgan
- Djimon Hounsou as Sunda Kastagir
- Karen Gillan as Heather MacLeod
- Marisa Abela as Brenda Wyatt
- Max Zhang in an undisclosed role
The film is centered around the concept of immortal warriors from various regions and eras, all competing to become the last immortal standing in an age-old contest where each warrior fights one-on-one, with victory only being achieved by separating the other immortal's head from their shoulders.
Principal photography on the Highlander remake was slated to begin at the end of September before Cavill's injury.
Stahelski is directing from a script penned by Michael Finch (John Wick: Chapter 4).
In addition to donning the mantle of an immortal swordsman, Cavill is also leading the charge on Amazon’s ambitious adaptation of Warhammer 40,000, where he will not only star but also serve as a creative force behind the development of the franchise’s first cinematic universe. The grimdark sci-fi property, beloved by fans worldwide, marks one of Cavill’s most personal and monumental undertakings.
It's worth noting that in the photo with Cavill's leg propped up, he has tons of Warhammer 40,000 reference material, and it seems he's spending his downtime working on that particular adaptation for Amazon. Cavill has previously stated that he's manning the "tiller" on this adaptation and that he and Games Workshop are currently trying to decide what's the best entry point for the general audience to the massive and complex world of Warhammer.
Cavill is also attached to MGM’s upcoming live-action Voltron movie, continuing his evolution as a powerhouse presence in the world of fantasy and science fiction.
The Highlander franchise began with the cult 1986 film starring Christopher Lambert as Scottish warrior Connor MacLeod, and quickly grew into a multi-generational saga.
The story centers on a hidden race of immortals living secretly among humans.
These beings are locked in a centuries-spanning battle known as The Gathering, where the only path to victory is through decapitation.
The last surviving immortal is said to gain immense power, though the origins of their ancient battle remain mysterious.
The immortals live by three sacred rules:
- No fighting on holy ground
- All duels must be one-on-one
- In the end, there can be only one
It spawned four sequels and truly hit its stride with the 1992 television series, which introduced Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod.
Running for six seasons and 119 episodes, the show solidified Highlander as a cornerstone of fantasy television, even inspiring two spin-off series.