Djimon Hounsou has officially joined the cast of Amazon MGM’s Highlander remake, making the upcoming action fantasy film a mini-Guardians of the Galaxy reunion. Hounsou now shares the call sheet with his Marvel co-stars Dave Bautista and Karen Gillan, alongside Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, and Marisa Abela.
Directed by John Wick mastermind Chad Stahelski, the long-awaited remake of the 1986 cult classic is set to begin filming at the end of September, with production taking place in the UK and Hong Kong.
Hounsou will portray an immortal warrior from Africa, adding his signature gravitas to the ensemble. He joins Cavill, who leads as Connor MacLeod, the Medieval Scottish Highlander who discovers his immortality after a brutal battle. Cavill’s MacLeod is guided by Ramirez, played by Crowe, as he navigates centuries of epic clashes among immortals.
Bautista has been cast as The Kurgen, the savage immortal villain memorably played by Clancy Brown in the original film. Gillan takes on the role of Heather, MacLeod’s mortal wife, while Abela is said to play a new character—an immortal teacher of swordplay and one of MacLeod’s past loves.
The remake’s script comes from Michael Finch, with producing duties shared by Scott Stuber, Nick Nesbitt, Neal H. Moritz, Josh Davis, Louise Rosner, and Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment. Amazon MGM’s United Artists banner is backing the project.
The original Highlander, starring Christopher Lambert, debuted in 1986. While it underperformed at the box office, it went on to achieve cult status and spawn sequels, a TV series, and a devoted fan base. With Stahelski’s modern action sensibilities and a powerhouse cast, Amazon MGM is hoping the long-gestating reboot will finally bring the immortal warriors roaring back into pop culture.
No release date has been announced yet for Highlander. Up next, Hounsou stars in Tommy Wirkola’s untitled Sony thriller produced by Adam McKay and in Red Card opposite Halle Berry.