Guardians of the Galaxy and Shazam! star Djimon Hounsou is the latest actor to join Amazon MGM and Henry Cavill's Highlander remake.
The remake is something of a passion project for Cavill, who previously stated that he grew up watching the movies and TV series.
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).
Each of these aforementioned characters are 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 removing the other immortal's head from his shoulders.
In addition, Karen Gillan has been cast as Heather MacLeod, while Marisa Abela has an undisclosed role. Hounsou is slated to play an immortal warrior from Africa.
Principal photography on the Highlander remake is slated to begin at the end of September.
John Wick (John Wick franchise) 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.
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.