Latest news with #SeanConnery
Geek Tyrant
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Russell Crowe Joins Henry Cavill in Chad Stahelski's HIGHLANDER Reboot — GeekTyrant
Russell Crowe is officially suiting up for sword-swinging immortality. The Oscar-winning actor has joined the cast of Chad Stahelski's Highlander reboot, taking on the iconic Ramirez mentor role originally played by Sean Connery in the 1986 cult classic. He'll star opposite Henry Cavill, who's already been set as the film's lead. Crowe and Cavil previously appeared in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, so this project is a little reunion for the duo. This new Highlander is coming from Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists for a full theatrical release, with John Wick mastermind Stahelski behind the camera. The script is written by Michael Finch, and the team is aiming for a a fresh, full-throttle experience. For those new to the mythology, the original Highlander , directed by Russell Mulcahy, followed a centuries-spanning battle between immortal warriors, blending historical flashbacks with gritty present-day sword duels. It became a fan-fueled franchise with multiple sequels, a long-running TV series, and more than a few legendary lines. Yes, there can be only one, but clearly, there can also be reboots. Stahelski seems to be playing the long game. United Artists has secured full rights to the 1986 original, previously developed by Lionsgate, and there's already talk of expanding into a new series down the road. Crowe is next appearing in Nuremberg , alongside Rami Malek and Michael Shannon, dropping November 7. He's also wrapped up a Netflix thriller called Unabom , Walden Media's Cold War drama Billion Dollar Spy , and the Derrick Borte-directed action flick Bear Country . The director also previously teased the action in the film and explained that it will be inspired by the action in the John Wick films. "I'll keep it to the core. Most audiences, I'll use the gun analogy, most of what you know about gunfights or car chases because most of us don't get involved in gun fights, or car chases, or sword fights, we learn through movies.' "And what those movies show you is about 95% bullshit. You don't fight 50 guys with your bare hands and then walk away, but it's fun. It's wish fulfillment. 'So John Wick, we know it's a cartoon – I know it's not – but we also have fun with it. But we do tactical reloads, we try to do fire manipulations, stuff like the professionals do, the military do. But then we have fun with it, you know? Sword work is very much the same."' Cavill previously shared how big of a fan his is of the franchise and then said that the script for the film is 'extraordinary' and that the movie will take some 'big swings.' He said: "I am a Highlander fan, they're great fun movies. Obviously I watched them when I was a lot younger and have since rewatched, but also the TV show. 'I really enjoyed the lore behind it, that sense of a tragic warrior with more of a story to tell than a cool guy with a sword, doing cool things, and this goes even deeper into that. "What they've done so far and we're doing with the development of the script is extraordinary, I think people are going to be really, really pleased. 'Big swings are important, you play it safe, you're going to just go, 'Eh, I suppose it's fine?" but if you take a big swing, people love it or they hate it." Stahelski also previously talked about the movie, saying it will include both familiar characters and "elements" taken from the '90s TV series. "We're looking to do our story [and it] engages a lot of the same characters and stuff like that. But we've also brought in elements of all the TV shows. We're trying to do a bit of a prequel setup to The Gathering.' 'We have ideas for days about how to make the coolest characters and to make that an epic TV show. I just think that's a rich, rich mythology." Stahelski also explained that they are taking the best story elements from across the franchise and implementing it all into one story that will be spread out across a trilogy of films: "I think the TV series hit on a lot of great stuff wasn't in the feature, between the watchers and all the different types of immortals. How do we get this into a feature mode before we dribble it into the TV world? 'Well, let's restructure it in parts, let's look at it like it was a TV show, let's look at it like it was a high-end trilogy. How to we tell the story of The Gathering, The Quickenings, The Immortals and how do we really build this world out even more so than the original project? 'That's what we're restructuring right now. It's taking all the good stuff that we had before I was involved in the project from the script; redeveloping the script to give us really good chapters one, two and three; and expanding the world." He also talked about his vision for the film, saying: " The vision we're trying to get across and what we're trying to develop, I equate very close to Star Wars. The first one is a very satisfying ending but it does leave the door open and that's kind of how I see this. 'I would really like to expand it over three. I see The Gathering happening over three. It's tricky, don't get me wrong, that's why we're still developing it. We want to be able to tell three complete stories that all kind of fit. 'I think the Star Wars trilogy, at least up to The Empire Strikes Back, is a good example of how we want to process it." I very excited about this Highlander reboot and I hope that it delivers something awesome. Source: Deadline
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chad Stahelski's Highlander Movie Just Added Russell Crowe In A Key Role And It's The Man Of Steel Reunion I've Always Wanted
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. When the original Highlander made its way to the big screen in 1986, the film's sweeping ballad from Queen asked the audience 'Who wants to live forever?' Cut to looking ahead from the 2025 movie schedule, and the answer I'm tempted to give is, 'Anyone who wanted to see Henry Cavill's Highlander reboot actually happen.' Well it doesn't seem like it'll be that long before director Chad Stahelski's vision will be in front of us, especially since Russell Crowe has now been drafted into a pretty impressive role. The casting coup, announced by Collider, suggests that Cavill's Kryptonian father from Man of Steel will be playing fellow immortal Ramirez; which is perfect – despite the obvious racial difference. Played by Sean Connery in the original, Ramirez is the man who helps Highlander protagonist Connor MacLeod adjust to the tradition of decimating his fellow immortals, until there's only one. Because, you see, there can only be one. Henry Cavill's role as Connor (originally played by Christopher Lambert) would put him in line to once again learn from the Gladiator legend, and potentially for longer than they worked together in Man of Steel. Which, again, is a reason to get excited about Russell Crowe's potential place in this new round of beheadings. And that's on top of Highlander's supposed attention to lore that's excited its geeky lead in the past. Admittedly, that's the sort of news that distracts one from wondering about Highlander's previous budget concerns, which saw the film fall into limbo before Amazon-MGM Studios stepped in. What's even more fun to ponder is how, after watching the trailer for 1986's Highlander, it sounds like Sean Connery saying some things that Crowe may or may not have said in Zack Snyder's 2013 DC reboot. Take a look for yourself, and tell me I'm wrong: Look, if Chad Stahelski doesn't at least consider Adam Lambert and Queen for the soundtrack to Highlander's reboot, what are we even doing here? If Russell Crowe's casting does happen to be for Ramirez, he and Henry Cavill have clearly shown their love for the original film's spirit. That only makes my hypothetical suggestion above more valid, because who else are you going to trust with 'Princes of the Universe?' I thought so. At the moment, there's still a lot of moving pieces in play for Highlander to happen. With production aiming to start this fall, there's a chance that 2026 or 2027 will see the next era of these immortals hitting the big screen. That is, of course, if Mr. Cavill's Warhammer 40,000 adaptation doesn't get in the way. So now with two thirds of the major characters seemingly cast, one question will be occupying our minds until it's answered: who in the hell is going to play the Kurgan?!
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Russell Crowe reunites with Superman son Henry Cavill for reboot of another beloved action franchise
Russell Crowe is reuniting onscreen with Henry Cavill, more than a decade after they acted with each other in the Superman film Man of Steel. The 2013 superhero movie starred Henry in the lead role and Russell as his biological father Jor-El, who saves his son's life just before losing his own. Now, fans will be able to see them back onscreen in a remake of the 1986 action fantasy picture Highlander, which launched a franchise of the same name. In the original Highlander, Christopher Lambert played Connor MacLeod, a 16th century Scottish warrior who discovers he is immortal unless his head is severed. He gets initiated into the secret world of immortals by the virtuoso swordsman Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, memorably portrayed by Sean Connery. A reboot starring Henry as MacLeod was announced in 2021, and now, after years of development, Russell has been cast as Ramírez, according to Variety. The original Highlander emerged as a roaring success in 1986, leading to the 1991 sequel Highlander II: The Quickening, which flopped disastrously. However the series staggered on for the 1994 release Highlander III: The Sorcerer, a direct follow-up of the first film as if the events of the second never happened. There was also a TV series from 1992 to 1998, followed by the 2000 film Highlander: Endgame, which was a sequel to the show rather than to the previous movies. In 2021 it emerged that the original movie was being remade with Henry in the lead, back when he was still starring as Geralt of Riva on the Netflix medieval fantasy series The Witcher, before his departure and replacement by Liam Hemsworth. The new film will be directed by Chad Stahelski, who helmed all the John Wick movies, and will have a script by Michael Finch, who co- wrote the fourth John Wick picture. Russell first met Henry long before they ever worked together, back when the latter was a teenager at boarding school in the English countryside. The encounter took place when Russell was filming his 2000 drama Proof of Life, starring him and Meg Ryan, at the Stowe School - where Henry was a student along with Russell's onscreen son Merlin Hanbury-Tenison. Russell recalled that 'during a break in the shooting,' he caught sight of a rugby union game and noticed 'one kid on that field who was very fluid and in control.' The teenager 'came over to have a chat, but all his questions were about acting, and there was just this smile in his eyes but there was something dead serious behind that smile,' Russell said on The Graham Norton Show in 2013. 'So instead of not answering the questions or whatever - 'cause you get asked these questions a hundred thousand times - I told him the truth in the brief moment that I had with him, and put it in front of him that it's a challenge that's up to him. Nobody's gonna give it to you,' Russell remembered. 'A couple of days later, I was putting a package together for the kid who'd played my son, because I figured the greatest thing if you're at boarding school must be unexpected mail, and I thought: "I'll put one together for that other bloke," and I'd remembered his name because he'd been very clear when he said it,' he shared. His note to Henry was the saying: 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,' which Russell interpreted as meaning: 'If you want it, you go and get it.'
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Short films created by Sean Connery Talent Lab to premiere at EIFF
Six short films created as part of the Sean Connery Talent Lab will be premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) collaborated over the course of a year on the project for the films, which will be screened for the first time in August. Original James Bond star Sir Sean Connery, originally from Edinburgh, died in October 2020 aged 90. His sons, Jason and Stephane, launched the Sean Connery Foundation to 'expand opportunities for talented young people from Scotland to access rewarding careers in the film industry'. They said their father 'made it a priority to attend the Edinburgh Film Festival' and knew 'first-hand what it meant to work hard and struggle for opportunity'. The films will be premiered between August 14 and 20. Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, praised the initiative as having the potential for 'expanding the film-making community here in Scotland'. The films to be premiered are Gowk, directed by Ryan Pollock, Nora Can't Score, directed by Josefa Celestin, Catriona Macleod's Lady Maclean, and Twenty Twenty, from director Alex Salam. Also included are Static, directed by Miranda Stern, and Checkout, from director Mairead Hamilton. Paul Ridd, chief executive and director of the EIFF, said: 'We are so impressed by the depth and range of films that have emerged from the exciting first year of this brilliant initiative, one which, like our own centrepiece Festival Prize, has been made possible by The Sean Connery Foundation and their generous support for meaningful film industry change. 'Under the expert tutelage of Chris Young and the many industry experts who have given up their time this past year to offer advice and mentorship, these filmmakers have emerged with bold, distinctive work that we are honoured to include in our programme and present to our audiences in August. 'The future of cinema is bright in the hands of this exciting new generation of Scottish and Scotland-based talent.' Jon Wardle, NFTS director, said: 'The first cohort of the Sean Connery Talent Lab has exceeded all expectations, not only in the calibre of their work, but in the boldness and ambition of their film-making vision. 'What they've achieved in such a short space of time is genuinely remarkable. It proves what's possible when emerging talent is given the right support, mentorship and creative freedom. 'The selection of these six films for world premieres at EIFF is a powerful validation of the Talent Lab model. 'We are immensely grateful to the Sean Connery Foundation, BBC Film and all our Talent Lab partners. 'Their unwavering belief and commitment to nurturing the next generation of Scottish storytellers has been nothing short of transformative. This success simply wouldn't have been possible without them.' Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, said: 'I'm hugely proud of what our very first cohort of students have achieved this year. 'They've embraced every opportunity the programme has offered and their collaboration has been terrific. 'The high quality of these short films, reflected in their showcase selection for Edinburgh International Film Festival world premieres, demonstrates perfectly the profound importance of providing a platform for new voices in film, and the potential for expanding the filmmaking community here in Scotland. 'What an incredible beginning for the Talent Lab and for the future of Scottish storytelling on screen.' Stephane and Jason Connery said: 'The premiere of these first short films from the Sean Connery Talent Lab marks a powerful continuation of our father's legacy—championing excellence, ambition, and opportunity in the arts. 'It's especially meaningful to see this work take shape in Edinburgh, the city of his birth and the place he loved most. 'We are deeply grateful to the Talent Lab's outstanding leadership and to our generous partners for supporting this new generation of cinematic talent.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Short films created by Sean Connery Talent Lab to premiere at EIFF
Six short films created as part of the Sean Connery Talent Lab will be premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) collaborated over the course of a year on the project for the films, which will be screened for the first time in August. Original James Bond star Sir Sean Connery, originally from Edinburgh, died in October 2020 aged 90. We can't wait to present the World Premiere 🍿 of 6 short films at #EIFF25 created as part of the inaugural@NFTSFilmTV x #SeanConnery Talent Lab! NFTS develops some of the world's top talent, with graduates going on to win huge awards, including 15 #Oscars and 165+ #BAFTAs 🏆 — Edinburgh International Film Festival (@edfilmfest) June 18, 2025 His sons, Jason and Stephane, launched the Sean Connery Foundation to 'expand opportunities for talented young people from Scotland to access rewarding careers in the film industry'. They said their father 'made it a priority to attend the Edinburgh Film Festival' and knew 'first-hand what it meant to work hard and struggle for opportunity'. The films will be premiered between August 14 and 20. Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, praised the initiative as having the potential for 'expanding the film-making community here in Scotland'. The films to be premiered are Gowk, directed by Ryan Pollock, Nora Can't Score, directed by Josefa Celestin, Catriona Macleod's Lady Maclean, and Twenty Twenty, from director Alex Salam. Also included are Static, directed by Miranda Stern, and Checkout, from director Mairead Hamilton. Paul Ridd, chief executive and director of the EIFF, said: 'We are so impressed by the depth and range of films that have emerged from the exciting first year of this brilliant initiative, one which, like our own centrepiece Festival Prize, has been made possible by The Sean Connery Foundation and their generous support for meaningful film industry change. 'Under the expert tutelage of Chris Young and the many industry experts who have given up their time this past year to offer advice and mentorship, these filmmakers have emerged with bold, distinctive work that we are honoured to include in our programme and present to our audiences in August. 'The future of cinema is bright in the hands of this exciting new generation of Scottish and Scotland-based talent.' Jon Wardle, NFTS director, said: 'The first cohort of the Sean Connery Talent Lab has exceeded all expectations, not only in the calibre of their work, but in the boldness and ambition of their film-making vision. 'What they've achieved in such a short space of time is genuinely remarkable. It proves what's possible when emerging talent is given the right support, mentorship and creative freedom. 'The selection of these six films for world premieres at EIFF is a powerful validation of the Talent Lab model. 'We are immensely grateful to the Sean Connery Foundation, BBC Film and all our Talent Lab partners. 'Their unwavering belief and commitment to nurturing the next generation of Scottish storytellers has been nothing short of transformative. This success simply wouldn't have been possible without them.' Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, said: 'I'm hugely proud of what our very first cohort of students have achieved this year. 'They've embraced every opportunity the programme has offered and their collaboration has been terrific. 'The high quality of these short films, reflected in their showcase selection for Edinburgh International Film Festival world premieres, demonstrates perfectly the profound importance of providing a platform for new voices in film, and the potential for expanding the filmmaking community here in Scotland. 'What an incredible beginning for the Talent Lab and for the future of Scottish storytelling on screen.' Stephane and Jason Connery said: 'The premiere of these first short films from the Sean Connery Talent Lab marks a powerful continuation of our father's legacy—championing excellence, ambition, and opportunity in the arts. 'It's especially meaningful to see this work take shape in Edinburgh, the city of his birth and the place he loved most. 'We are deeply grateful to the Talent Lab's outstanding leadership and to our generous partners for supporting this new generation of cinematic talent.'
