For quite some time it looked as if the ‘Highlander‘ reboot was dead in the water but we’ve just learned that writer Ryan Condal (‘Colony’) has turned a script into Lionsgate. Not only that, but it sounds as if pre-production is set to begin this year so it must be at a point where it is ready as is or needs very little polish. While in the ‘Highlander’ franchise “There Can Be Only One,” it looks as if this reboot is finally moving forward to bring us a new take on the property.
That is good news as Condal is pretty busy these days having recently been tapped by Amazon to develop a new ‘Conan The Barbarian‘ series and will likely be out promoting ‘Rampage’ which is due for release soon.
Summit Entertainment acquired the rights to the ‘Highlander’ franchise back in 2008, and a new movie has been in one state of development or another for the past ten years. The new movie was last slated to be directed by Chad Stahelski (‘John Wick’) with Neal H. Moritz producing.
With multiple sequels and a few television spinoffs, it is clear why a new look at the 1986 film is something that a studio would wish to pursue. While I doubt that we’ll see either Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery popping up for a cameo, fans of the original will likely hope that any of the tracks by Queen show up on the soundtrack.
Lionsgate picked up Summit Entertainment and all of their properties in 2012 and look to be thrilled with what Condal has turned in. Pre-production is eyeing an October start date, and the studio is hoping for a 2019 release which means we’ll likely be hearing casting news shortly.
According to Head of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, Patrick Wachsberger:
We’ve finally got a screenplay we’re happy with. We have set up the story, so it has sequel potential.”
Early rumors have this movie being a launchpad for a new trilogy.
Are you excited that we’ll soon be getting a new cinematic take on ‘Highlander’? Is this a franchise that you’re eagerly looking forward to or would Lionsgate have had better luck developing something original? Share your thoughts below!
Source: Deadline
