The attempt to reboot the Highlander movies has so far been a long(ish) and winding road for Lionsgate-Summit, which has been trying since 2008 to get the project off the ground. Now John Wick co-director Chad Stahelski (seen above left with fellow shot-caller David Leitch) is taking on the job.
Despite the seemingly compelling concept of immortal warriors (including Christopher Lambert's Connor MacLeod in the original movies) battling for supremacy and power until only one remains, the idea has proved tricky, with directors such Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, Cedric Nicolas-Troyan and Justin Lin nabbing the responsibility then walking away in the past few years.
"I've been a huge fan of the original property since I saw it in high school," Stahelski tells The Hollywood Reporter. "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 themes and action set pieces." He'll find and start working with writers to flesh out his vision for the new film.
After bringing the world a lethal Keanu Reeves with the first John Wick alongside Leitch, Stahelski has directed the sequel, John Wick: Chapter 2, alone. The new movie will be out here on 17 February.