Here’s something to provide a spark to an AFM hindered by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA guild strike. Deadline reports that Lionsgate will launch sales for their reboot of the “Highlander” franchise at the LA event, looking for a budget of over $100 million. Next to Kevin Costner‘s “Horizon” sequels, that makes “Highlander” the biggest budget on the market by far, which means Chad Stahelski must have major plans for his next film.
Henry Cavill is attached to star in the reboot, based on the 1986 original film, with Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, and Clancy Brown as immortal beings hunting each other down across time to duel with swords at The Gathering. The original spawned four sequels and three TV series that deeply expanded the franchise’s lore, something Stahelski plans to utilize in his film. “Our story engages a lot of the same characters, but we’ve also brought in elements of all the TV shows,” Stahelski told “Happy Sad Confused” this past summer. “And we’re trying to do a bit of a prequel—a setup—to The Gathering, so we have room to grow the property.”
And with a $100 million budget, Stahelski’s “Highlander” may end up being “John Wick” with swords. And since the “John Wick” series has made over $1 billion for Lionsgate, the stuntman turned director will have a lot of freedom to make his reboot what he wants. Stahelski wants to start shooting in 2024, and co-produces the film with Joshua Davis, Neal H. Moritz, and Louise Rosner. Mike Finch pens the current draft of the film’s screenplay.
As for Cavill, “Highlander” is just one of many upcoming projects for the actor. Matthew Vaughn‘s “Argylle” hits theaters next February, which may yet become a franchise with multiple installments. And then there’s two upcoming Guy Ritchie vehicles Cavill is in too: “The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare” and an untitled, Spain-set actioner with Jake Gyllenhall and Eiza González. He’s also attached to star in “The Rosie Project,” adapting the 2013 novel of the same name. Oh, and then there’s Cavill’s “Warhammer” series over at Amazon. So it’s not exactly like Cavill is hurting for work after departing “The Witcher.”