The highly anticipated Highlander reboot has faced numerous delays throughout its development, initially aimed at launching an expansive new franchise under the vision of director Chad Stahelski. However, recent reports indicate a significant shift, noting that his creative approach aligns better with the Amazon model. This transition has seen the mystical film, now featuring Henry Cavill, move from Lionsgate to Amazon MGM. With this new partnership, United Artists is set to gain full rights to the franchise, while esteemed producers Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt are joining forces with Neal H. Moritz and 87Eleven Entertainment to bring this project to life.
According to reports from The Wrap, one motivating factor behind Amazon MGM’s acquisition of the iconic 80s intellectual property (IP) is their commitment to capitalize on the growing demand for nostalgic reboots. This strategy is designed to engage a Gen-X demographic, which aligns seamlessly with their successful “dad TV” action series like Jack Ryan and Reacher. Alongside Highlander, Amazon MGM has also secured rights to other beloved properties such as Masters of the Universe and Voltron, both of which feature Henry Cavill. The production of the Masters of the Universe film, under director Travis Knight, is already in motion, with Knight having previously expressed his passion for these cherished 80s cartoons in his acclaimed film, Bumblebee. Moreover, the production of Voltron commenced last December and has recently concluded.
Producer Adrian Askarieh, known for his work on The Hitman franchise and The Last Bear, shared insights with The Wrap, stating, “Amazon MGM is positioning itself similarly to how Warner Bros. operated in the 1990s and 2000s. They have curated a diverse lineup of both original and IP-driven big-budget and mid-budget films, many featuring prominent stars. Their presentation at April’s CinemaCon effectively underscored this strategic direction. This is an exciting development for both the industry and the creative community.”
Having been involved with the Highlander project since 2016, Stahelski had previously mentioned plans to commence filming in January, a timeline that has evidently encountered setbacks. The commitment from Amazon MGM to revitalize these established titles may provide the necessary momentum to reignite this project. In 2020, Stahelski acknowledged, “It’s a challenging endeavor as the Highlander property is rich with intricate lore and a profound mythology. Our goal is to create a version that remains true to the original while simultaneously crafting something unique. We aim for innovation rather than simply remaking or reinventing; we want to deliver a fresh take that honors the beloved mythology from the original film.”
