The iconic immortal swordsman is returning to the screen, but this time with a twist. After initially being set up at Lionsgate with the hopes of creating a new universe of films, the highly anticipated reboot of Highlander, directed by Chad Stahelski of John Wick fame, is shifting studios. Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists are now in final negotiations to secure the rights to the remake, with plans to release the film in theaters.

Fans of the 1980s cult classic can rest easy, as Stahelski remains attached as the director, and Man of Steel star Henry Cavill is still set to portray the iconic role of the immortal Scottish swordsman. This new version of Highlander promises to offer a fresh take on the original story, which follows an immortal warrior who must confront another warrior in a battle to the death, ultimately fighting for a mysterious “prize.”

The original 1986 film, directed by Russell Mulcahy and starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, became a cult favorite despite mixed critical reception. It spawned sequels, a television series, and a fanbase that remains loyal to the film’s high-energy action and fantastical storyline. Stahelski, who has been developing this reboot since 2016, is likely deeply influenced by the original’s legacy, having admitted to being a fan of the 80s action film.

Michael Finch, who also contributed to the script for John Wick: Chapter 4, is writing the screenplay, promising a modern take on the Highlander mythos that will stay true to the action-packed, epic roots of the franchise. United Artists, led by former Netflix film chief Scott Stuber, has big hopes for this reboot, considering the potential for a larger series to emerge from it.

The film’s plot will follow the same premise as the original: an immortal swordsman from the 16th century, now living in the modern day, must face off against another immortal who is determined to claim the “prize.” However, with Stahelski’s action background and Cavill’s commitment to sword fighting (a skill he’s been training in for this project), fans can expect more intense and dynamic fight scenes than ever before.

While Cavill’s casting has generated considerable excitement, particularly since his departure from The Witcher series, it’s clear he’s ready to get back to swordplay. Alongside Highlander, Cavill is also involved in several other high-profile projects, including an adaptation of the anime series Voltron for Amazon and the development of the Warhammer 40,000 franchise at Amazon MGM Studios.

The project is being produced by Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt of United Artists, along with Neal H. Moritz, known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise, and 87Eleven Entertainment, Stahelski’s own production company. With this powerhouse team behind it, Highlander is poised to reignite the legendary saga for both longtime fans and new audiences.

Stuber, who has overseen projects like Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and the Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere, is committed to revitalizing United Artists with Highlander as one of its flagship films. This marks the beginning of a relaunch for the studio, alongside other upcoming projects such as Kill Your Darlings starring Julia Roberts and a film adaptation based on Evan Gershkovich’s memoir detailing his imprisonment in Russia.

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With Highlander moving to Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists, the franchise is in good hands, and Cavill’s involvement ensures that fans will have plenty of action-packed sword fighting to look forward to. As Stahelski, Cavill, and the rest of the team prepare to bring the immortal saga to the big screen, expectations are high for this reboot to capture the magic of the original while adding a modern twist that is sure to appeal to both old and new fans alike.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Highlander reboot, as this new chapter promises to be one of the most exciting action releases in the coming years.