Why I Think Henry Cavill Won't Be Able to Overshadow Christopher Lambert in the New "Highlander"

What should we expect from the remake of the cult classic from 1986?

Nearly 40 years have passed since "Highlander" first thundered onto screens, delivering that unforgettable mix of '80s neon aesthetics, Scottish landscapes, swords, and Queen's absolutely magical soundtrack.

And now, decades later, Chad Stahelski, the director behind "John Wick," is taking the reins of this immortal legend. According to Collider, he's preparing to give a new audience an updated "Highlander" with Henry Cavill as MacLeod.

Here's the big question for me personally: do we really need anyone to replace Christopher Lambert ?

The Challenge of the Lead Role

The original 1986 film was imperfect, sometimes naive, but that's exactly where its magic lived. Lambert, with his stone-faced expression, odd delivery, and otherworldly charisma, became a VHS-era icon.

Actor Henry Cavill as the Witcher and actor Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod — Henry Cavill in "The Witcher" and Christopher Lambert in "Highlander"

And while Henry Cavill shines brilliantly in Geralt's armor from "The Witcher," his charm is completely different — smooth, polished, too perfect. It's not certain he can capture that mysterious detachment Lambert radiated effortlessly.

That said, Cavill is one of Hollywood's most passionate geeks. He genuinely loves the genre, respects the source material, and I don't think he'd let the remake turn into generic action. His physique and fantasy experience are definite pluses. But surpass Lambert? I have my doubts.

Other Key Characters

The more interesting question is — who will Russell Crowe play?

Collider suggests it might be the Kurgan — the franchise's main villain. While this choice seems logical (Crowe has enough charisma and madness to bring the antagonist to life), I'd personally love to see him as the teacher, the mentor — that same Ramirez role originally played by Sean Connery.

Picture it: a gruff, ironic, gray-haired warrior who's seen it all and hasn't lost his sense of humor — Crowe would be absolutely magnificent in that role.

Actor Russell Crowe in a black suit looking at the camera and actor Sean Connery as the Egyptian Ramirez — Russell Crowe and Sean Connery in "Highlander"

Stahelski is also a factor worth noting. His "John Wick" became the gold standard for shooting action stylishly and uncompromisingly. If he brings that same movement philosophy, that same focus on choreography and fight physics to "Highlander" — it'll be awesome.

But here's the thing: "Highlander" isn't just sword fighting. It's also metaphysics, the philosophy of time, and the loneliness of immortality. I'd hate for all that to be reduced to dust after an epic battle.

What to Expect from the Music

And finally, the soundtrack. Will there be a new version of "Who Wants to Live Forever"? Or will Queen be replaced with electronic music or hip-hop?

I'm pretty sure they'll reimagine something — and I'm actually for that. Because music is how you connect generations, and "Highlander" was always about bridges between eras.

Either way, I'm waiting for the film with cautious optimism. It probably won't be the revelation the original was in 1986, but if Cavill doesn't try to "play Lambert" and Crowe doesn't slip into caricature — the reboot has a shot.

And with Stahelski's visual potential at hand, the imagery will be top-notch at minimum. All that's left is hoping the new "Highlander" leaves room for the magic that made the original eternal. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com told you about the best British comedy right now. You definitely didn't expect this kind of film with Orlando Bloom.