Big news is stirring in Hollywood: Jeremy Irons is set to play a major villain in the upcoming Highlander reboot starring Henry Cavill. ScoopCast has gathered all the updates, cast details, story hints, fan theories, and what this could mean for the legacy of Highlander. Let’s dive in.
The Casting Breakthrough
Jeremy Irons, a veteran actor with decades of powerful performances under his belt, is joining the new Highlander film in the role of the leader of The Watchers, a secret order that monitors immortals. He’ll act opposite Henry Cavill, who plays Connor MacLeod, the central immortal warrior.
The Watchers organization has long existed in Highlander lore as observers of the immortal battles—sometimes complicit, sometimes neutral, sometimes meddling. With Irons in the mix, their role may become more central.
In addition to Irons, the cast already includes:
- Henry Cavill as Connor MacLeod
- Russell Crowe as Ramirez
- Dave Bautista in a villainous role (likely the Kurgan)
- Karen Gillan as Heather MacLeod
- Djimon Hounsou, Marisa Abela, and Max Zhang in supporting cast roles
Production & Delay Updates
The film’s filming was initially slated to begin around late 2025. However, Henry Cavill reportedly sustained an injury during his training for the role, which has pushed principal photography into early 2026.
Despite the delay, the creative team seems committed to crafting a sweeping, ambitious reboot rather than a straight remake. The director, Chad Stahelski (best known for John Wick), is widely praised for bringing stylized action and strong world building to his projects.
There’s also speculation Cavill has hinted at a new look for MacLeod, posting images of longer, wavier hair and a cast on his foot, fuel for fan excitement.
Roles & Character Dynamics: What to Expect
Jeremy Irons as The Watchers’ Leader
Irons is expected to portray a calculated, observant antagonist—someone who may manipulate from the shadows more than fight with swords. The Watchers have been portrayed variably in Highlander adaptations, often as a secretive group policing immortals or intervening when their own rules are breached.
Because Irons is now playing their head, The Watchers may play a more hands-on role in shaping MacLeod’s journey, possibly opposing or guiding him depending on their hidden agenda.
Henry Cavill as Connor MacLeod
Cavill’s MacLeod is the core of the story—immortal, haunted by centuries of duels, loss, and the motto “There can be only one.” His clashes with other immortals and his own internal conflicts are central to the mythos. The reboot will likely preserve that core but expand the world around him.
The Supporting Cast
- Russell Crowe as Ramirez — the mentor figure, guiding MacLeod in the ways of the immortals.
- Dave Bautista as the Kurgan — this role is often assigned the brutal, unrelenting adversary in Highlander.
- Karen Gillan as Heather MacLeod — MacLeod’s mortal partner, grounding his human ties.
- Other characters by Djimon Hounsou, Marisa Abela, and Max Zhang may play challengers, allies, or even immortal crosses in MacLeod’s path.
Highlander Lore & Reboot Goals
The Highlander franchise has always centered around immortal warriors dueling across time. The original 1986 film introduced the rules: immortals can only die by beheading, absorbing the essence (Quickening) of those they defeat, and eventually one becomes the last and claims “The Prize.”
Over the years, multiple sequels, TV series, and spin-offs expanded the mythos—introducing Watchers, immortal politics, secret orders, and timelines. In that lore, The Watchers are a key concept.
What the reboot seems to aim for is a deeper integration of that broader mythology—bringing in Watchers, multiple immortals, and a more connected history. This new version may blend elements from the original films and later series to build a richer, more immersive world.
Fan Theories & Speculation
Since the news broke, fans have flooded forums with theories. Here are a few of the most discussed:
- Irons as Morally Gray Watcher: Many believe he won’t be a pure villain, but a Watcher who believes that immortals threaten humanity. He may try to limit or control immortal battles rather than fully oppose MacLeod.
- Linking Watchers to MacLeod’s Past: Some think The Watchers might have been present at key moments in MacLeod’s life—guiding or altering outcomes behind the scenes.
- Dual Villain Arc: With Bautista rumored as Kurgan and Irons leading Watchers, we may see a two-front conflict—physical vs secret war.
- Expanding the Universe: Because Stahelski and producers have expressed interest in growing the franchise, this Highlander could be the start of a shared world—films, series, and interwoven stories.
- Multiverse or Time Travel: Some fans think that to modernize Highlander, the reboot might introduce time travel or multiverse elements, making newer immortals appear and fight across eras.
Why Jeremy Irons’ Casting Matters
Irons brings weight, gravitas, and a storied presence. He’s done drama, villains, intrigue—he can speak with menace in a whisper. His casting signals this Highlander won’t be just a sword-and-fantasy spectacle—but a movie grounded in internal conflict and layered performance.
For many fans, Irons adds legitimacy to the project. He’s the kind of actor whose presence elevates a film’s tone and depth, especially in fantasy or literary stories.
Challenges Ahead & What Needs to Go Right
- Balancing old & new: The reboot must please longtime fans without alienating new viewers. Blending original lore and fresh takes is tricky.
- Pacing & storytelling: With immortals, centuries, politics, and backstory, the film must juggle epic scope without losing emotional focus.
- Action & world-building: Sword fights, timeless vistas, and immortal duels are expected, but they must feel modern, visceral, and meaningful.
- Using The Watchers well: Irons’ Watcher role needs nuance. If he’s just a shadow villain, he risks being forgotten in the action. But if he’s deeply involved in the plot’s threads, he could become the film’s moral spine.
Final Thoughts from ScoopCast
Jeremy Irons joining the Highlander reboot is a big win for fans. It suggests the filmmakers care about character, myth, and legacy—not just spectacle. Henry Cavill’s MacLeod already has a strong foundation. Add in a cast rich with talent and a director known for action-world building, and this reboot could become the definitive Highlander for a new generation.
Whether Irons plays the cold, calculative leader of The Watchers or a morally conflicted manipulator, his presence will likely elevate the film. As fans, we’ll be watching every cast reveal, every teaser, every rumor — because with a mythology this rich, there’s always more than meets the sword.
