Djimon Hounsou Joins Cast of Amazon MGM’s ‘Highlander’ Remake
Courtesy of Dia Dipasupil/WireImage.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou has been added to the ensemble of ‘Highlander,’ Amazon MGM’s remake of the 1980s cult classic.
The film, led by Henry Cavill, features a cast that also includes Russell Crowe, Marisa Abela, Dave Bautista, and Karen Gillan. Hounsou previously worked alongside Bautista and Gillan in Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’
Produced under Amazon MGM’s United Artists banner, the fantasy action project will be directed by Chad Stahelski (‘John Wick’). Principal photography is scheduled to begin at the end of September, with a theatrical release planned.
Cavill will portray Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander from the Middle Ages who discovers his immortality. Guided by swordsman Ramirez, played by Crowe, MacLeod faces rival immortals across centuries until, as the 1986 original declared, “there can be only one.” Hounsou has been cast as an immortal warrior from Africa.
Bautista is set to take on the role of the Kurgen, the film’s central antagonist, while Gillan will appear as MacLeod’s mortal Scottish wife. Abela plays his modern-day romantic partner.
The screenplay was written by Michael Finch. Producers include Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt for United Artists, Neal H. Moritz, Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment, Josh Davis of Davis Panzer Productions, and Louise Rosner.
Hounsou, who broke out with Steven Spielberg’s ‘Amistad,’ received Oscar nominations for ‘In America’ and ‘Blood Diamond.’ His credits span multiple franchises, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe (‘Guardians of the Galaxy’), DC’s ‘Shazam!’ series, Zack Snyder’s ‘Rebel Moon,’ and both installments of ‘A Quiet Place.’
The actor’s upcoming slate includes an untitled Sony Pictures thriller from writer-director Tommy Wirkola, produced by Adam McKay, as well as ‘Red Card,’ In which he stars opposite Halle Berry.
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