The long-awaited Highlander reboot is swinging its sword in a bold new direction, and the latest casting news has given fans plenty to debate. Scottish WWE superstar Drew McIntyre, best known in the wrestling world as a two-time WWE Champion, is stepping into the role of Angus MacLeod, the brother of Henry Cavill’s immortal swordsman. 
It’s a surprising yet oddly fitting choice that connects the project back to its Scottish roots while adding a fresh layer of spectacle.
Deadline confirmed that McIntyre will be joining a powerhouse ensemble that includes Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Dave Bautista, Marisa Abela, and Max Zhang. The film is helmed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski, who has promised a mix of sword-fighting elegance, gritty worldbuilding, and the kind of action choreography that redefined modern gun-fu cinema. For McIntyre, who made his acting debut alongside Bautista in the 2024 misfire The Killer’s Game, this marks a second attempt to prove his chops on the big screen.
Stahelski has teased an ambitious setting that leaps between centuries. The narrative won’t remain locked in the misty Highlands; instead, it stretches from the early 1500s to an imagined future version of New York and Hong Kong. Cavill’s character, whose exact identity remains a mystery (whether he’s Connor MacLeod or a new figure entirely), is described as a reluctant immortal who has spent more than half a millennium perfecting his sword skills across multiple martial arts traditions. The director hinted at a blend of romance, myth, and philosophical weight, a cocktail familiar to fans of his previous work.
The original 1986 cult classic introduced audiences to Christopher Lambert’s Connor MacLeod and Sean Connery’s unforgettable mentor, Ramírez, while mixing historical flashbacks with neon-soaked 80s New York. That film remains beloved, partly for its rock opera energy and the immortal tagline: “There can only be one.” In that film, James Cosmo portrayed Angus MacLeod as Connor’s cousin, not his brother. The reboot appears to reimagine the role, reshaping family ties to expand the mythos. McIntyre’s Angus could become a foil, an ally, or perhaps even a rival in the looming Gathering – the apocalyptic duel where immortals face off until only one survives.
Stahelski himself has made it clear that this isn’t just a one-off. He envisions the film as a launchpad for a larger saga that weaves together elements of the movies and the 90s television series. His remarks about a prequel-like setup suggest that this reboot is laying the groundwork for a sprawling franchise. That alone has raised expectations: while many reboots stumble under the weight of nostalgia, Highlander’s expansive mythology provides room to grow without discarding its roots.
Henry Cavill has been vocal about his passion for the project. When the film was first announced in 2021, he gushed on Instagram about his lifelong love for the franchise, recalling both the films and the TV series. “Being not shy with swords,” he quipped, “and having a director as talented as Chad Stahelski at the helm, this is an opportunity like no other.” Earlier this year, Cavill doubled down, teasing that his swordplay in Highlander would surpass anything fans had seen in The Witcher. That excitement was dampened, however, when Cavill suffered a leg injury during training, forcing production delays until early 2026.
As for McIntyre, the leap from wrestling ring to film set isn’t unprecedented – Dwayne Johnson, Dave Bautista, and John Cena have all paved that path. Still, McIntyre’s casting has split opinion. Some fans are thrilled to see a true Scot in a Highlander film at last, while others question whether a wrestler with limited acting experience can handle a role layered with centuries of emotional baggage. Even The Killer’s Game, in which McIntyre debuted, drew mixed reviews – not because of his performance, some argue, but because of limited distribution and weak marketing that doomed it at the box office.
The debate underscores just how tricky it is to resurrect Highlander. The franchise has always balanced camp, tragedy, and spectacle in equal measure, and not everyone agrees on which element should dominate in a modern reboot. Stahelski seems determined to blend them all: grand-scale sword fights, personal stakes, mythic undertones, and a love story that “isn’t what you think.” If successful, the reboot could elevate Highlander beyond cult status into a true fantasy blockbuster series.
For now, fans will have to wait, sharpen their swords of skepticism or support, and see if McIntyre can prove himself more than a stunt casting choice. The stage is set for an immortal showdown, and whether audiences cheer or jeer, one thing is certain: there can only be one Highlander.