How The Director of ‘John Wick’ Will Make The ‘Highlander’ Reboot Even More Awesome

“There can be only one.”

David Leitch and Chad Stahelski went from seasoned stuntmen and stunt coordinators to directing with John Wick. Now that Leitch is taking his killer action pedigree to Deadpool 2, it looks like Stahelski will be doing the same with a long-brewing reboot of Highlander. 

The original 1986 Highlander starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery told the story of immortals who tracked each other across time, periodically fighting to reduce their numbers—eventually—to one. 

The first and most iconic film became a pop culture phenomenon over time, spawning sequels and a TV series. The movie’s repeated line, “There can be only one” became one of those joke punchlines so common some may have even forgotten where it came from.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Stahelski made it clear he appreciated the history of the franchise. “I’ve been a huge fan of the original property since I saw it in high school,” he said, “Such great themes of immortality, love, and identity are all wrapped up in such colorful mythology.”

Stahelski said he couldn’t think of “a better property” than Highlander, because it “gives the opportunity to create interesting characters, mythic themes and action set pieces.”

THR also reported that Lionsgate has been working up to mounting a new Highlander since acquiring the rights in 2008. 

Up next is the anticipation of who will take over the immortal decapitation duties from Christopher Lambert. Hollywood is full ageless action stars. We’d suggest Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who has barely aged in 20 years, but he might be too busy running for president by the time the film is in production. 

Chad Stahelski most recently helmed John Wick: Chapter 2. Audiences will get another look at what he can do with non-stop action when it premieres on February 10, 2017.