Lionsgate hires ‘John Wick’ director, Chad Stahelski, for ‘Highlander’ reboot

Reports are now coming in that Lionsgate has finally settled on a director for their reboot of the classic ’80s sci-fi/fantasy action flick, Highlander and it’s none other than John Wick co-helmer Chad Stahelski.

Many directors have come and gone since the rights were acquired back in 2008: Justin Lin, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and Cedric Nicolas-Troyan. Now THR says the studio has made a decisive move with Stahelski, reporting that he has “signed on to direct the long-gestating reboot of Highlander for Lionsgate.”

Tom Cruise joining “Highlander” reboot?
20th Century Fox

“I’ve been a huge fan of the original property since I saw it in high school,” Stahelski told 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.”

Neal H. Moritz and Peter Davis are producing the project.

From the THR: The original 1986 Highlander pic starred Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery and Clancy Brown as immortal beings, hunting down one another and collecting more power. Lambert played Scottish swordsman Connor MacLeod, Connery portrayed Egyptian Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez and Clancy was a barbarian known as the Kurgan. The film — with its “There can be only one” catchphrase — spawned four sequels and three television series.

“Stahelski worked in the stunt world and doubled for Keanu Reeves in the Matrix movies before co-creating the stunt company 87Eleven with Leitch. They worked as second unit directors on action movies ranging from Ninja Assassin to Captain America: Civil War and made their directorial debut with the well-regarded actioner John Wick, which starred Reeves and was released by Lionsgate.”

When Nicolas-Troyan was still attached both Tom Cruise and Dave Bautista were rumored to be in the mix for the roles of Ramirez and The Kurgan respectively.

Lionsgate.

Stehelski is coming off of directing the recently wrapped John Wick: Chapter 2.