Dave Bautista to Star as Antagonist in Amazon MGM's Highlander Remake: A Look at the Cast and Production Details
Dave Bautista is currently in final negotiations to portray the antagonist in Amazon MGM's upcoming remake of the beloved 1980s film Highlander. The movie, part of Amazon MGM's United Artists banner, will feature Henry Cavill and Russell Crowe in leading roles and is set to have a theatrical release. Directed by Chad Stahelski, principal photography is scheduled to commence in September, with filming locations in the UK and Hong Kong.
The original Highlander, released in 1986, followed the story of Connor MacLeod, an immortal Scottish Highlander, portrayed by Christopher Lambert. Teaming up with swordsman Ramirez, played by Sean Connery, MacLeod engages in battles with other immortals throughout history, leading to a final showdown where only one can survive. In the remake, Cavill will play MacLeod, Crowe as Ramirez, and Marisa Abela in a significant role.
Bautista is set to take on the pivotal role of The Kurgen, an immortal barbarian who eliminates other immortals to absorb their powers. The character was previously portrayed by Clancy Brown in the original film. Bautista's involvement in the project marks a significant moment, as he was previously considered for the role in a different version of the film back in 2015. Fans have long speculated about Bautista's casting, especially after fan-made trailers featuring him and Cavill as rival immortals surfaced online.
The script for the Highlander remake was penned by Michael Finch, with production handled by Scott Stuber, Nick Nesbitt, Neal H. Moritz, 87Eleven Entertainment, Davis Panzer Productions, and Louise Rosner. Bautista has been actively collaborating with Amazon, having starred in action comedies like My Spy and its sequel, as well as being involved in other upcoming projects for the streaming platform.
With his diverse range of roles and strong presence in the action genre, Bautista continues to solidify his position as a sought-after actor in the industry. His involvement in Highlander adds another exciting project to his growing list of accomplishments, showcasing his versatility and appeal to audiences worldwide.