Fantasy Highlander Remake

[Metallo]

Man with the remake a tron in full swing I am not looking forward to this. Highlander 1 was a damn good film with a clever combination of ideas from the story to the execution. It really did tap into the times well and was very cutting edge in certain ways. The look of that film wasn't super high budget but it was compelling. The visual contrasts and stuff like a hundreds years old Scotsman battling it out with an ancient Samurai sword in 80's New York was just something that really stood out.

Great soundtrack from Kamen and Queen and the editing was great. It also had a really strong cast. Lambert is no mind blowingly amazing actor but he had this kind of mysterious magnetism. Very charming and cool. Connery is Connery. We all know that. Brown was just a perfect bad guy.
If they do a remake I doubt it will be as clever for today as the original was for the 80's and just be another typical Hollywood remake.

The sequels had some pretty decent ideas and I like most of them but they were all flawed. Some more than others. I thought Highlander II was bad in places but The Source gave me a new appreciation for Highlander II!

 

[KenK]

I'm sorry, but I can't think of a film in more dire need of a remake as Highlander! It's a cool concept, but the execution, even for 85/86 was always a bit suspect. It's a fun film, but there are plenty of decisions that seem like they were made by some Darwin Award winners!

 

[Metallo]

I'm sorry, but I can't think of a film in more dire need of a remake as Highlander! It's a cool concept, but the execution, even for 85/86 was always a bit suspect. It's a fun film, but there are plenty of decisions that seem like they were made by some Darwin Award winners!

Its not a perfect film but in this day in age what are the chances we are going to get a fantastic remake or even a remake that is better? Most remakes these days seem to be crap and a lot of them bomb.

Not everyone in Hollywood is what I'd call amazing talents these days.

 

[SHADOWBAT69]

. I thought Highlander II was bad in places but The Source gave me a new appreciation for Highlander II!

UGH. The Source, beyond a shadow of a doubt, is the worst of all the Highlander films. Sad thing is, the original idea behind the Source was scrapped and ended up being some rush hack and slash. This was supposed to be a trilogy that ended the whole Highlander series once and for all.

Course, in a way, I guess it did. lol

 

[Asgard]

Just ramp up the fight scenes and Id be happy.

Also, no to digital blood.

 

[Metallo]

UGH. The Source, beyond a shadow of a doubt, is the worst of all the Highlander films. Sad thing is, the original idea behind the Source was scrapped and ended up being some rush hack and slash. This was supposed to be a trilogy that ended the whole Highlander series once and for all.

Course, in a way, I guess it did. lol

I was always iffy on the idea behind The Source. They ran a certain risk doing that but I was still curious and it could have been great. Even in the movie we got they didn't go into to much detail. I guess they felt the same way I didn't and felt no FULL explanation could live up to peoples speculation.

The execution was just terrible though. A shame that'll probably be the last film we see Duncan Macleod and Methos in though. Or even if it had been the final film I wish it had been better.

As much as I hated most of the Source I do get tired of things always getting thrown out of the continuity. Seems like the easy way out. I always wished Highlander III had been semi counted as part of the official series based continuity in a way similar to Highlader I.

I loved The Search For Vengeance anime movie though and I wouldn't mind seeing some of that unseen Highlander history being filled with animated movies be they sequel or prequels. An animated prequel about Ramirez or the Kurgan or an adaptation of the old book Element of Fire would be fine by me. They could even get Lambert and Paul back to do voice work.

 

[Eelectro 2]

as far as the remakes "bombing" go, that doesnt mean anything. if it doesnt do well in the theatre doesnt mean it wasnt a good film. i never go based off what critics say because most critics have critiqued way too many films and they dont have good opinions, mostly. the thing is, most of these remakes get a bad rep because the people reviewing them or complaining about them were big fans of the originals. if people dont kno of or havent seen the originals then theres a better chance they will like it, altho nowadays its hard to be totally original and wow audiences and thats where the script and ideas presented are what drive the films.

as far as what remakes or reboots i love (all unrated directors cuts): halloween (altho the theatrical break-out scene from 1 is better), texas chainsaw massacre, friday the 13th, nightmare on elm street, batman begins, casino royale, robin hood, incredible hulk, pink panther, wolfman, king kong, war of the worlds, true grit, death race, jim carrey grinch, and let me in

 

[Metallo]

It does mean something. A failure is worse for the future of a property than a success. Just because it might fail doesn't mean its bad but if its bad that increases the chances of failure in some cases. We aren't talking about critics here but the general movie going audience.

The point of most remakes is taking a more recognizable name (compared to something brand new) to make more money off of it. Often if a movie is really bad that increases its chances of failure. Sometimes terrible movies do well and sometimes they don't

One reason the Highlander remake is moving forward is because they feel its the best way to continue making money off the name. If its not up to snuff and it fails across the board they aren't going to be doing that. I'm pretty sure the producers want a continuing franchise off this remake and not a one off film. That seems to be the name of the game today in Hollywood.

My point was just because its being remade doesn't suddenly guarantee its going to be any good or that "better" choices will be made. Maybe it will or maybe it won't but the track record for remakes isn't perfect.

 

[Peyton Westlake]

No remake or 'name brand' will guarantee success. I think what Highlander has in its favor is this...........other then devout fans [and even some of them],really knows the mystique or story behind the Immortals. Why there are really here. Who are they really? What does it mean to an avg. person? SO if the studio gets someone to write an incredible script to address that..........it can be a homerun. We wont know anytime soon it seems.

 

[Metallo]

That could work...but I've found that the mystery and the speculation about where the immortals come from is one of the draws of Highlander. Answering the "why" was never the most important thing in the original movie but where things played out from there was. The set up was already there and just running with it.

Even with a great script someone explaining everything about the immortals origins may not be appealing to everyone and answer might not be either. The mystique was part of the first films charm just like a lot of myths and fables in the real world.

The thing Highlader has in its favor IMO (if they don't screw with its core it too badly) is the contrasting ideas that make up the story and common ideas in fiction that were put together in a new and interesting way. We've had stories about immortal beings, or period fantasy films, or stories about one on one combat or contests, or 80's urban adventure drama...but I can't think of too many things before Highlander that added all its elements together. It stood out back then. There were plenty of sword and sorcery epics but taking an ages old battle of unusual beings and placing it against the backdrop of (then) modern day New York was clever.

It was part period film and part trendy 80's noir. Even the soundtrack sees that kind of collision. Even the main character embodies that. On the surface Connor MacLeod looked like your nondescript young 1980's New Yorker...but beneath that was a man from another time while at the same time having a lot of the same feelings and desires that someone from ANY time might have.

Whoever remakes Highlander needs to play with a lot of those same ideas and themes but updated for todays times and audience. Thats the thing I feel they have to crack more than anything.

 

[Peyton Westlake]

That could work...but I've found that the mystery and the speculation about where the immortals come from is one of the draws of Highlander. Answering the "why" was never the most important thing in the original movie but where things played out from there was. The set up was already there and just running with it.

Even with a great script someone explaining everything about the immortals origins may not be appealing to everyone and answer might not be either. The mystique was part of the first films charm just like a lot of myths and fables in the real world.

The thing Highlader has in its favor IMO (if they don't screw with its core it too badly) is the contrasting ideas that make up the story and common ideas in fiction that were put together in a new and interesting way. We've had stories about immortal beings, or period fantasy films, or stories about one on one combat or contests, or 80's urban adventure drama...but I can't think of too many things before Highlander that added all its elements together. It stood out back then. There were plenty of sword and sorcery epics but taking an ages old battle of unusual beings and placing it against the backdrop of (then) modern day New York was clever.

It was part period film and part trendy 80's noir. Even the soundtrack sees that kind of collision. Even the main character embodies that. On the surface Connor MacLeod looked like your nondescript young 1980's New Yorker...but beneath that was a man from another time while at the same time having a lot of the same feelings and desires that someone from ANY time might have.

Whoever remakes Highlander needs to play with a lot of those same ideas and themes but updated for todays times and audience. Thats the thing I feel they have to crack more than anything.

I agree if it does get remade it should go the classic noir route. Think Braveheart that travel to present dat Manhattan. Those production values would be great.

 

[THANOSRULES]

Some news on this Today....


http://screenrant.com/highlander-remake-juan-carlos-fresnadillo-sandy-131445/?_r=true

In some related news, they just had an artical on METHOS , he is studying to become a doctor in Vermont (real life). I'll try to find a link.

 

[moviedoors]

I used to love Highlander. I was Conner McCloud for Halloween when I was 12. I was in love with the first movie. I wasn't head over heels for the show, but I watched it plenty. To this day I can't make sense of a single one of those sequels though.

But a few years ago I revisited the first movie and was disappointed to discover that it's actually not a very good movie. The acting careens from stiff to over-the-top to grating, the pacing is herky jerky, and it doesn't make a whole lot of sense in terms of plot. It's not a terrible movie. It has some nice action staging, but as a film it just doesn't work.

So remake away. Highlander is begging for it. There's loads of potential, but not in what they've already done. All the previous works were convoluted from the beginning and after retcon after retcon with the shows and sequels, it's too far gone. Start over. I'd love to see a completely new explanation for what the hell the immortals are. None of the previous incarnations came close to providing a satisfactory answer, and if you're going back to Highlander, it's time to address that. I'd take the bones of the first film (the characters, the broad strokes of plot) forget everything that came after it, and put some meat on that story. It should be recognizable as Highlander but new enough so if there a sequels, they go in completely new directions.

 

[Ultra Lantern]

doesn't need a remake, nothing wrong with the orginal

I agree.

 

[obin_gam]

I hate remakes per default, but this one I am behind. The series only have one good movie and the rest ****ed it up bigtime. Remake it and get the continuity settled then I'll be a happy camper

 

[GREEN =w= DAY]

no need for a remake. the first film is a classic.

 

[kane9321]

Connor went out like a punk in "endgame"...even though i love duncan..it shouldnt have happend that way

 

[Matt]

There's always been two problems with Highlander, IMO.

1) The beginning of the franchise, is also the end as there can be only one. That makes the sequels feel contrieved.

2) It tells several stories over a span of 500 years in an hour and a half. It feels like reading the spark notes of Connor's story rather than the whole thing.

With that in mind, I think that the first movie can be adapted into a trilogy.

First movie - Set in Scotland it focuses on the early life of Connor, his battle which results in Kurgan stabbing him, his banishment from his clan, meeting and marrying Heather, meeting Rameriez, training under Rameriez, and it could ultimately end with the epic battle between Kurgan and Rameriez in which Kurgan kills Rameriez and rapes Heather. To fill the movie and add some action there could be flashbacks (like in the original movie) that shows Rameriez's backstory as well as Kurgan's and perhaps develops a rivalry between the two which would make their duel at the end more poignant (I believe some the supplemental material has already went down the road of developing a past between Kurgan and Rameriez).

Second movie - Opens with Heather's death of old age. From there it explores Connor's life leading up to The Gathering, spanning hundreds of years. The original Highlander implied that Connor knew several other Immortals, it could develop those relationships as well as have him trying to hunt down Kurgan for revenge. A good character arc for this wouldn't necessarily be a romance, but the father/daughter relationship between Connor and Rachel after he adopts her during WW2. It could be very poignant as he watches her grow old and ultimately die (since the third movie would be set in modern times, not the 80s, she'd either be very old or dead). HAving outlived his child, it would make the prize (mortality) be that much more effective.

Third movie - Would probably be the actual remake, it takes place in New York in the present for The Gathering. Leads up to and shows the final battle between Kurgan and Connor. Ends with Connor winning the prize of his mortality.

I think it could make a pretty awesome trilogy

 

[kane9321]

UGH. The Source, beyond a shadow of a doubt, is the worst of all the Highlander films. Sad thing is, the original idea behind the Source was scrapped and ended up being some rush hack and slash. This was supposed to be a trilogy that ended the whole Highlander series once and for all.

Course, in a way, I guess it did. lol

It was great seeing joe dawson and methos,but that movie was just pure trash of the highest degree. I'm embarrsessed to say i watched it

 

[kane9321]

There's always been two problems with Highlander, IMO.

1) The beginning of the franchise, is also the end as there can be only one. That makes the sequels feel contrieved.

2) It tells several stories over a span of 500 years in an hour and a half. It feels like reading the spark notes of Connor's story rather than the whole thing.

With that in mind, I think that the first movie can be adapted into a trilogy.

First movie - Set in Scotland it focuses on the early life of Connor, his battle which results in Kurgan stabbing him, his banishment from his clan, meeting and marrying Heather, meeting Rameriez, training under Rameriez, and it could ultimately end with the epic battle between Kurgan and Rameriez in which Kurgan kills Rameriez and rapes Heather. To fill the movie and add some action there could be flashbacks (like in the original movie) that shows Rameriez's backstory as well as Kurgan's and perhaps develops a rivalry between the two which would make their duel at the end more poignant (I believe some the supplemental material has already went down the road of developing a past between Kurgan and Rameriez).

Second movie - Opens with Heather's death of old age. From there it explores Connor's life leading up to The Gathering, spanning hundreds of years. The original Highlander implied that Connor knew several other Immortals, it could develop those relationships as well as have him trying to hunt down Kurgan for revenge. A good character arc for this wouldn't necessarily be a romance, but the father/daughter relationship between as he watches her grow old and ultimately die (since the third movie would be set in modern times, not the 80s, she'd either be very old or dead). HAving outlived his child, it would make the prize (mortality) be that much more effective.

Third movie - Would probably be the actual remake, it takes place in New York in the present for The Gathering. Leads up to and shows the final battle between Kurgan and Connor. Ends with Connor winning the prize of his mortality.

I think it could make a pretty awesome trilogy

Ive been wanting them to explore the connor and rachel dynamic for a long time

Nicely done sir

 

[Metallo]

Theres a ton of untold history there to be mined with Connor or Duncan McLeod. The Search for Vengeance was awesome so I wouldn't mind seeing them tell some stories with animated or even anime films. Gets around the issues of Lambert, Paul, Wingfield etc aging out of the roles and animation gives a lot of freedom.

I'd love to see the book "Element of Fire" turned into an animated DTDVD movie.

 

[marvelrobbins]

There's always been two problems with Highlander, IMO.

1) The beginning of the franchise, is also the end as there can be only one. That makes the sequels feel contrieved.

2) It tells several stories over a span of 500 years in an hour and a half. It feels like reading the spark notes of Connor's story rather than the whole thing.

With that in mind, I think that the first movie can be adapted into a trilogy.

First movie - Set in Scotland it focuses on the early life of Connor, his battle which results in Kurgan stabbing him, his banishment from his clan, meeting and marrying Heather, meeting Rameriez, training under Rameriez, and it could ultimately end with the epic battle between Kurgan and Rameriez in which Kurgan kills Rameriez and rapes Heather. To fill the movie and add some action there could be flashbacks (like in the original movie) that shows Rameriez's backstory as well as Kurgan's and perhaps develops a rivalry between the two which would make their duel at the end more poignant (I believe some the supplemental material has already went down the road of developing a past between Kurgan and Rameriez).

Second movie - Opens with Heather's death of old age. From there it explores Connor's life leading up to The Gathering, spanning hundreds of years. The original Highlander implied that Connor knew several other Immortals, it could develop those relationships as well as have him trying to hunt down Kurgan for revenge. A good character arc for this wouldn't necessarily be a romance, but the father/daughter relationship between Connor and Rachel after he adopts her during WW2. It could be very poignant as he watches her grow old and ultimately die (since the third movie would be set in modern times, not the 80s, she'd either be very old or dead). HAving outlived his child, it would make the prize (mortality) be that much more effective.

Third movie - Would probably be the actual remake, it takes place in New York in the present for The Gathering. Leads up to and shows the final battle between Kurgan and Connor. Ends with Connor winning the prize of his mortality.

I think it could make a pretty awesome trilogy

Good Idea.The problem has been trying to do franchise out of properity that was Intended to be one story.This has lead to outright Ignoring and reconning to keep going.If they are trying to relaunch a franchise leave door open for more films.

I don't like a twilight writer Involved.

The best way would be to take Highlander and remake.Not reimagne It to
something that has Highlander name and name of characters but that Is it.

 

[GhostPoet]

Highlander is without a doubt the one franchise I can think of that NEEDS a reboot.

 

[THANOSRULES]

There's always been two problems with Highlander, IMO.

1) The beginning of the franchise, is also the end as there can be only one. That makes the sequels feel contrieved.

2) It tells several stories over a span of 500 years in an hour and a half. It feels like reading the spark notes of Connor's story rather than the whole thing.

With that in mind, I think that the first movie can be adapted into a trilogy.

First movie - Set in Scotland it focuses on the early life of Connor, his battle which results in Kurgan stabbing him, his banishment from his clan, meeting and marrying Heather, meeting Rameriez, training under Rameriez, and it could ultimately end with the epic battle between Kurgan and Rameriez in which Kurgan kills Rameriez and rapes Heather. To fill the movie and add some action there could be flashbacks (like in the original movie) that shows Rameriez's backstory as well as Kurgan's and perhaps develops a rivalry between the two which would make their duel at the end more poignant (I believe some the supplemental material has already went down the road of developing a past between Kurgan and Rameriez).

Second movie - Opens with Heather's death of old age. From there it explores Connor's life leading up to The Gathering, spanning hundreds of years. The original Highlander implied that Connor knew several other Immortals, it could develop those relationships as well as have him trying to hunt down Kurgan for revenge. A good character arc for this wouldn't necessarily be a romance, but the father/daughter relationship between Connor and Rachel after he adopts her during WW2. It could be very poignant as he watches her grow old and ultimately die (since the third movie would be set in modern times, not the 80s, she'd either be very old or dead). HAving outlived his child, it would make the prize (mortality) be that much more effective.

Third movie - Would probably be the actual remake, it takes place in New York in the present for The Gathering. Leads up to and shows the final battle between Kurgan and Connor. Ends with Connor winning the prize of his mortality.

I think it could make a pretty awesome trilogy

Solid idea...I think if anything it may make more sense to throw out the notion of a end all "gathering" ..therfore you could leave the door open for other movies and a EU. It was always a serious problem with the orginals.

 

[Teelie]

Highlander is without a doubt the one franchise I can think of that NEEDS a reboot.

Normally I'm at best apathetic to reboots and usually I think they're just a waste of time or inferior to the original with rare exceptions.

However, Highlander is a series that needs a reboot, badly. They raped themselves with hot coals with ever worsening sequels and then messed up the excellent television series by directly adapting it into the movies after the series ended.

The original was good for its time but I think it could be rebooted and the franchise reinvigorated with a better cast and consistency than the previous movie mess.