It’s been all quiet on the Highlander reboot front for a while now. At last word, about 9 months ago, Fast Five director Justin Lin shuffled from the director’s to the producer’s chair, with 28 Weeks Later helmsman, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, musical-chairing his way into the now-vacant seat.
And now according to Variety, Fresnadillo may possibly have found his Connor Macleod in the all-too-familiar with swords, Ryan Reynolds.
According to the report Reynolds is currently “the front-runner” but that doesn’t mean for certain that he’ll be chopping off heads to some Freddie Mercury anytime soon. Despite kicking me right in the childhood with the horrible Green Lantern in 2011, Reynolds bounced back earleir this year with Safe House. It may not have been the most original movie, but it was an exciting thrill-ride and Reynolds certainly showed that he can carry a meatier role than the snarky jokester he normally gets cast as these days. But with this newfound action movie credibility comes more demands, and the actor is apparently “weighing other offers and that [he] could still pursue another project.”
Not much word yet on how closely Iron Man scribes, Matt Holloway and Art Marcum’s script will resemble the original 1986 film which saw Christopher Lambert as a member of a race of Immortals – who can only be killed by decapitation, in which case their life-force/strength is inherited by their executioner – who were involved in a timeless battle with each other, until there could be only one left standing alive. There was much swinging of swords, Sean Connery as a Spaniard with a Scottish accent, crayola lighting and the greatest Queen soundtrack ever. So, naturally: instant classic.
Now, I hate reboots. I really do. I feel they are nothing but a McDonald’s styled version of filmmaking: Quick, cheap and almost everybody’s already heard of it. Also, it often leaves a funny aftertaste in your mouth. But I will admit, that this is a franchise that could do with a bit of a spring cleaning. Besides for the original film and the TV series, everything else has pretty much been drivel. (Please let me not unleash my fanboy rage about Highlander 2: The Suckening.)
It’s also a concept – despite the series’ insistence to do so- that actually does not lend itself to sequels. “Congratulations, you are the ONLY ONE!…. No, wait, there was another guy hiding on another planet/dimension thingy. Cut off his head, then you’ll be the only one. What’s that? You cut off his head already? Well, I hate to break it to you, but see there was this other guy that was buried in some super secret grave all this time. He’s the last one. Scout’s honour.”
So, if they are going to make more Highlander – which in theory is certainly a good thing – a reboot is really the only way to go. Christopher Lambert often had a mischievous look to him that Reynolds could emulate well, and he has some experience with swinging a blade, as evidenced in the opening to X-Men Origins: Wolverine. He might not have been my most obvious choice for this, but they could certainly do a hell of a lot worse.
Last Updated: May 21, 2012
Christo Kruger
May 21, 2012 at 09:09
I would actually go with Thomas Jane instead. He even looks like Lambert. Check it:
http://cheezburger.com/3342857984
Kervyn Cloete
May 21, 2012 at 09:51
When news first broke about the Highlander reboot, I spoke to a friend of mine about it, and we also suggested Thomas Jane. The problem is that he doesn’t really have the box-office draw, and as we surmised at the time, Lionsgate-Summit will probably go for somebody younger.
Justin Hess
May 21, 2012 at 10:17
But you also need someone who can play the torture and pain of that existence. Lambert had it in his eyes. It’ll mean that Reynolds will really have to pull back on his usual character work.
Unless they go the Green Lantern *shudder* route of cocky at first, learn valuable lessons, then becomes very serious in the build-up to facing the bad guy
Kervyn Cloete
May 21, 2012 at 10:30
That is my greatest fear. If Connor Macleod cracks wise during battle (“What happened to the Kurgan?” “Oh he had to… head off.”), I’m going to strangle somebody.
Justin Hess
May 21, 2012 at 10:50
I wouldn’t have a problem with cocky, learn lessons, then serious character arc. It’s similar in a way to Jumper (which I actually quite liked). The trick is to make it organic and not hamfistedly tacked on
Kervyn Cloete
May 21, 2012 at 13:31
As an aside. While I definitely wouldn’t go so far as to say I loved it, I did enjoy Jumper far more than I expected to based on the shellacking it received from some critics.
Justin Hess
May 21, 2012 at 14:27
I honestly don’t understand the hate Jumper got (or why there’s no option to reply to your comment below instead). It’s actually a pretty entertaining film even if it is largely fluff.
I remember thoroughly enjoying the way the Jumping was handled as well as the lengths to which they took the concept (you can Jump anything. Including a fucking double decker bus).
I’m in the mood to watch again actually. Of course, I might loathe it on second viewing.
Lourens Corleone
May 21, 2012 at 14:49
Jumper was surprisingly cool, yes.
Lourens Corleone
May 21, 2012 at 12:40
The only person I would consider for this role is James “Bloodthirsty” Purefoy. He doesn’t look like a frat boy and he has had loads of experience with clefting people in twixt.
Kervyn Cloete
May 21, 2012 at 13:30
Although also a good choice, Purefoy would face the same problems as Jane, actually even more so as he is even less of a household name. The last 2 movies he truly headlined, Solomon Kane and Ironclad were not exactly box smashes or even what you might call, well, great films.
Lourens Corleone
May 21, 2012 at 14:48
I don’t know hey. While they might not have been gigantic blockbusters both had a lot more fun and heart than their more big-budgeted peers. I enjoyed the hell out of both.
He might not be a big name, but he should be. Slap in Sean Connery again (why not, he still looks the same age) and Ron Perlman (or maybe someone younger, like Tom Hardy) as Kurgan and you have a winner.
Just add some equally awesome female casting.
Kervyn Cloete
May 21, 2012 at 14:59
Solomon Kane had a decent first and second act.The final act however was complete toss. The moment the CGI monster showed up, it all went to crap.
Can’t rightly comment on Ironclad, as I’ve only only seen a few minutes at max of it.
Lourens Corleone
May 21, 2012 at 15:10
Yeah, that’s all budgeting issues though. Its never going to win any Oscars. Watch Ironclad and let me know what you say to a Purefoy Highlander then!
Darryn_Bonthuys
May 21, 2012 at 14:50
I’ll say this. Nothing that they make from this point on, can be as bad, terrible or as excruciating as Highlander: The Source.
NOTHING. So bring it on Reynolds.
Lourens Corleone
May 21, 2012 at 14:58
I tried to watch the half-dozen sequels after Highlander but it was just too painful. Though, I have to say, Duncan is cooler than Connor. The End.
Kervyn Cloete
May 21, 2012 at 16:27
HERESY!