Veteran actor Jeremy Irons has joined the cast of Highlander, Amazon MGM’s remake of the 1980s cult classic.
The Oscar, Emmy and Tony award-winning star will take on the role of one of the main antagonists in the upcoming action fantasy film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The project already boasts a stellar cast, with Henry Cavill leading as Connor MacLeod, the Scottish warrior who learns he is immortal. Russell Crowe has been cast as Ramirez, MacLeod’s mentor and master swordsman, while Dave Bautista will portray The Kurgen, the villain. Karen Gillan will play MacLeod’s mortal wife, Djimon Hounsou an immortal warrior from Africa, and Marisa Abela will star as Cavill’s modern-day love interest.
Production, initially planned for late 2024, was postponed after Cavill suffered an injury during pre-production. Filming is now expected to begin in early 2026, with Chad Stahelski directing under the Amazon MGM and United Artists banner.
Irons will appear as the leader of The Watchers, a secretive order tasked with monitoring immortals, whom they regard as a threat to humanity. His character is set to play a central role in driving the story’s conflict.
Like the original 1986 film, the remake will centre on immortal warriors locked in battle across the centuries until only one remains. The film is set for a theatrical release.
The screenplay is by Michael Finch, with producers including Scott Stuber, Nick Nesbitt, Neal H. Moritz, Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment, Josh Davis of Davis Panzer Productions, and Louise Rosner.
Irons, whose career spans both stage and screen, has several projects lined up. He will feature in the upcoming season of The Morning Show, has portrayed Alfred Pennyworth in DC films including The Flash, and is set to reprise his role as a former CIA director in The Beekeeper 2.