There can be only one and, in this case, it's Chad Stahelski. Stahelski, who along with David Leitch were the filmmakers behind
John Wick, has signed on to direct the long-gestating reboot of
Highlander for Lionsgate.
"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, which could also see Stahelski and Leitch join the team via their 87eleven production and action stunt company, though that is still to be determined.
The original
Highlander 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 Ramírez and Clancy was a barbarian known as the Kurgan. The film with its "There can be only one" catch phrase spawned four sequels and three television series.
The
Highlander reboot has been in the works since 2008 when Lionsgate-owned label Summit acquired the rights. The project has seen directors such as Justin Lin, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and Cedric Nicolas-Troyan go through its doors.
But Lionsgate never gave up on what it believes could be its next big franchise. A search for new scribes to work with Stahelski is about to get underway.
RCR Media Groups principles Rui Costa Reis and Eliad Josephson will serve as executive producers on the film.
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 a 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.
Stehelski is coming off of directing the recently wrapped
John Wick: Chapter 2. He is repped by WME and Lichter Grossman.
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