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New set photos from Westminster spark excitement
Set photos from the highly anticipated Highlander remake have surfaced online, showing Henry Cavill and Dave Bautista on location in Westminster, London. The images — first reported by ComingSoon — capture both actors in between takes, reminding fans that production is back in motion after a brief pause. Cavill had been sidelined by a previous leg injury, and his return to the set is a welcome sign that filming is proceeding on schedule.
The remake centers on Connor MacLeod, an immortal warrior whose life in the modern world is interrupted after his first death in a skirmish in Scotland. When the menacing figure known as the Kurgan reappears, MacLeod must face old enemies and new threats. Although details remain tightly controlled, the presence of Jeremy Irons and Karen Gillan on the cast list suggests a blend of classic gravitas and contemporary charisma.
Behind the Westminster set
The new photos show a mix of practical set dressing and choreographed downtime: sword belts, leather coats, and the kind of concentrated rehearsal that defines action-heavy shoots. Cavill’s return after recovery underscores the physical demands of a film that promises both stunt-driven combat and swordplay choreography — areas where director Chad Stahelski has clear strengths. Known primarily for the John Wick franchise, Stahelski’s movies are synonymous with tightly staged, visceral action sequences, and many expect Highlander to translate that kinetic style into historical-meets-modern sword fights.
Fans have already compared the tone hinted at in these photos to Stahelski’s signature aesthetic: long takes, elevated stunt work, and practical effects over heavy CGI. That comparison isn't far-fetched — but Highlander will likely need to balance Stahelski’s modern action grammar with the mythic, sometimes operatic feel of the original 1986 cult classic, which starred Christopher Lambert and featured Sean Connery in a memorable supporting role. The original’s soundtrack, by Queen, remains iconic, and any remake will be judged against decades of fan attachment and nostalgia.
Beyond aesthetics, this remake arrives amid a broader industry trend: studios revisiting 1980s and 1990s genre properties with bigger budgets and contemporary sensibilities. That environment creates both opportunity and risk. A successful Highlander can introduce the immortal duel premise to a new generation, but it must also honor the emotional core that made the original resonate.
Production notes and fan reaction
On social media, reactions range from cautious optimism to skepticism. Some viewers applaud the casting of Cavill and Bautista — two actors who combine physical presence with screen charisma — while others worry about preserving the original’s mythos. Behind-the-scenes notes include the confirmed temporary halt due to Cavill’s leg issue and a tight security envelope around plot specifics. Expect more staged reveals and controlled photo drops as marketing ramps up.
Trivia for fans: the original Highlander popularized the line “There can be only one,” a phrase that has endured in pop culture. The Kurgan, originally embodied by Clancy Brown, remains one of cinema’s most memorable villains; how the new film reinterprets him will be a key point of debate.
Cinema historian Marko Jensen offers a measured take: "Stahelski brings a rare mastery of physical filmmaking to Highlander, which could reinvent how sword fights are staged for modern audiences. But remakes must strike a balance between spectacle and the original's mythic resonance — that's the real challenge here."
Fans will have to wait for official trailers, a release date, and further casting details. In the meantime, the Westminster photos are a promising peek at a production that wants to marry bold action direction with a beloved, time-honored fantasy premise.
Whether this Highlander becomes a franchise-defining reimagining or another remake that leans too heavily on nostalgia will depend on the script, editing, and how Stahelski and his cast choose to honor (or reinvent) the source material. For now, the set photos are enough to stir curiosity and renew the debate among cinephiles.
Comments
atomwave
Looks cool but… Cavill back after injury? Hope they dont strip the soul from the original, not just flashy sword porn
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