Dave Bautista has revealed new details about the upcoming Highlander reboot. In a recent interview, the actor shared how he secured his long-desired role as the Kurgan and emphasized that the film’s action will rival the intensity of the John Wick franchise.
Dave Bautista promises action packed Highlander reboot with Henry Cavill
In an interview with Collider, Dave Bautista described his long pursuit of the character, saying, “I think I probably tweeted about this role, about being the Kurgan, more than 10 years ago. I’ve been chasing this role like I’ve been chasing the Marcus Fenix role [in Gears of War].”
He cited Clancy Brown’s 1986 performance as the inspiration that made him want to play the villain. The actor explained how persistence secured him the part. “I just went up to him [Stahelski] and said, ‘Hey, it’s good to see you again. I want this role. Tell me what I’ve got to do to get this role.’”
Although Bautista initially thought the casting had moved on, he later received the script from Michael Finch and said, “I was so blown away by the script because, without saying too much, this is such a great reboot. We’re still paying tribute and giving a nod to the original, but making it new and fresh and exciting, and also just universe-building.”
Production faced delays due to Cavill’s injury, with filming expected to resume in 2026. Bautista highlighted Stahelski’s action direction, stating, “The action is on par with John Wick.” He also emphasized that the reboot will be larger in scope, explaining, “It’s just so much bigger than the original… it’s new enough that you won’t be seeing the same thing. If you saw the original, you’re still not going to know what the story is.”
The 1986 film followed Connor MacLeod, a Scottish warrior who learns he is immortal and must battle others like him. The reboot, produced by Neal H. Moritz, casts Henry Cavill in the lead with Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Max Zhang, and Marisa Abela joining the ensemble.
Bautista’s comments position the film as a mix of homage and reinvention, with an expanded universe and modern action.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.