John Wickwas perhaps one of the best pure action movies we have seen this decade, so directorChad Stahelskimade it onto a lot of people’s radar for his work on that movie. Now he is going to be tackling another potentially action-heavy franchise, but this time it will be a reboot instead of an original idea. His next project will be the long in developmentHighlanderremake.
The Hollywood Reporterbroke the news thatChad Stahelskiwill be tackling the reboot for Lionsgate. The director seemed enthusiastic about the opportunity and has been a fan of the originalHighlanderfor quite some time. Here is what he had to say.
“I’ve been a huge fan of the original property since I saw it in high school. Such great themes of immortality, love, and identity are all wrapped up in such colorful mythology. I can’t think of a better property that gives the opportunity to create interesting characters,mythic themesand action set pieces.”
Chad Stahelskihad some help on the firstJohn Wickfrom his co-directorDavid Deitch. He decided not to stick around forJohn Wick: Chapter Two, but he did land a major gig in the form of directingDeadpool 2followingTim Miller’s unexpected exit from the project. Not thatHighlanderis anywhere near the level of something likeDeadpool, at least right now, but both directors are reaping the benefits of their work on a well received, financially successful movie. It also doesn’t hurt that theJohn Wickfranchise is also at Lionsgate.
The originalHighlandercame out in 1986 and follows a Scottish swordsman who must battle his immortal counterpart so that he may become the sole member of this immortal and legendary line of men. In addition to being one of the things thatSean Conneryis most recognized for outside of his turn asJames Bond, the movie is responsible for the very famous “there can only be one” line. In this case, that one isChad Stahelski. The movie wasn’t a major hit at the box office, but it did go on to become a major cult classic and remains a generally well-regarded fantasy movie. It currently holds a 70 percent approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
Even though theoriginal Highlanderdidn’t make bank at the box office, the franchise has expanded a lot over the years, with mixed results. There have been four live-action sequels as well as an animated movie, with the most recent being 2007’sHighlander: The Source. There have also been quite a few novels, a couple of differentHighlandercomic book series and short-lived animated series. Perhaps the most popular was the long-running syndicated live-action TV series. There is a lot to draw from for this reboot, which has had directors likeJustin LinandJuan Carlos Fresnadilloattached at various points. Whatever work has been done on the reboot up to this point doesn’t really matter, becauseChad Stahelskiwill reportedly be starting from scratch. There is no word on when Lionsgate is hoping to start shooting the movie or an anticipated release date, but we will be sure to keep you updated as more details on theHighlanderreboot become available.
