Dave Bautista has said the Henry Cavill-starring Highlander reboot will be a “game changer”, and will feature the same “stylised” action sequences seen in the John Wick franchise.
Dave Bautista has teased the Highlander reboot will be a “game changer”.
The upcoming reimagining of the 1986 fantasy movie is helmed by John Wick creator Chad Stahelski, and Bautista – who portrays the immortal warrior The Kurgan in the film – has teased Highlander will carry the same “stylised” combat sequences as the director’s famed action series.
Speaking with Collider, the 56-year-old actor said: “These films are just so different. Highlander [is] so stylized.
“Highlander is a game changer. It’s like a real game changer.”
As well as Highlander, Bautista is also working on Road House 2 – the sequel to Jake Gyllenhaal’s 2024 action film – and the Dune star admitted his schedule has been “a little stressful”.
He explained: “This is the first time ever in my career that I’ve actually had to juggle films where I’m going from one film to the other.
“So mentally it’s a little stressful as well. But I am not complaining. These are like champagne problems. These are dream roles for me.”
The Knives Out actor added he had been “training for months”, and conceded it has been “a grind”.
He said: “I think I started training before I even had the role. I had the conversation and I knew that Chad wanted me, and he asked me if I’d go over to [London] and start training.
“And I did. And then a couple of weeks later, the contracts were signed, and I was on my way to London.
“I’ve been training since then, with a couple weeks in California. So I’ve been training for quite a bit. And it’s a grind. Not only did I have … the physical stuff, the stunt training, the sword fight training, the fight training.
“But Chad has also asked me to put on a few pounds, so I’ve been on weight training on top of that as well. So it’s been a grind.”
Bautista also confirmed production for Highlander had been delayed slightly after Henry Cavill – who portrays protagonist Connor MacLeod in the movie – sustained an injury to his calf, but said filming was due to start back up again on November 28.
In Highlander, immortal warrior Connor MacLeod (Cavill) battles across centuries, facing duels with others like him.
In modern-day New York, he must confront his greatest foe to claim the ultimate prize.
The movie also stars Russell Crowe as Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramierez, Karen Gillan as MacLeod’s wife Heather and Jeremy Irons as the leader of The Watchers.
Cavill recently confirmed he was forced to halt production of Highlander after injuring his leg, and had gone back home to recover.
On Instagram, the Man of Steel star, 42, posted a picture of himself resting with his left leg on a coffee table, and added the caption: “Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
“In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
“Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.
“It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul (sic).”
Henry Cavill’s Highlander reboot will be a ‘game changer’ Dave Bautista says
