Nevertheless, given the sheer number of action and fantasy franchises that have made their debuts successfully since Highlander's 1986 debut, the Highlander reboot still faces some steep competition. Everything from both genres seeing interesting subversions of their usual tropes to massively successful adaptations of beloved novels further reinforces why Highlander will have to work harder to stand out. However, given the talent associated both in front of the camera and behind it, there's still a strong chance Highlander will not only be successful, but also prove to be Cavill's next big franchise.

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The Highlander reboot looks promising with Chad Stahelski and Henry Cavill attached. However, there are a number of films that are like the original.

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John Wick Sets A High Bar For Highlander's Action Scenes

The John Wick franchise's commitment to innovating new action sequences per movie has set a high bar in the genre.

The John Wick franchise is notable for many things, but perhaps its greatest claim to fame is the manner in which it handles its action sequences, fight choreography, and demanding stunt work. Guided by stuntman-turned-director Chad Stahelski's undeniable vision, the John Wick franchise has demonstrated across all four of its live-action movies an impeccable ability to reinvent the wheel when it comes to action. From Keanu Reeves's intense stunt work to the creative ways he dispatches foes to the increasing caliber of opponents he faces, the John Wick franchise's action continues to impress a decade after its debut.

Furthermore, the John Wick franchise also benefits from its engaging storytelling - something not often seen in the action genre. While audiences no doubt rush to see each installment in the John Wick franchise for its action, it's anchored by an interesting take on revenge that balances out each entry's intense action sequences. Since Highlander's action is rooted in a world set centuries before John Wick's time, another of Cavill's previous franchise's perfectly demonstrates how his experience in the genre should blend with Stahelski's vision and sensibilities.

Highlander Needs To Live Up To Henry Cavill's Swordfighting Scenes From The Witcher

The action scenes in The Witcher are arguably the show's greatest strength.

Although Henry Cavill left The Witcher, his screen presence, respect and iration for the source material, and his commitment to delivering the best possible performance that he could, contributed to many of the first two seasons' best moments. While his departure from the series is unfortunate, Cavill's action scenes in The Witcher undoubtedly contributed to audiences witnessing some of the best sword fighting committed to the screen in recent memory. As such, Cavill's deft movements, powerful strikes, and fluid counterattacks already perfectly demonstrate what the actor could bring to Highlander.

Another positive thing going for The Witcher was Cavill's believability in the series' dramatic moments, and by demonstrating the ability to be a hardened warrior and a vulnerable hero, Cavill's Geralt of Rivia was a more three-dimensional hero. While Highlander's Connor is essentially an immortal, Cavill and Stahelski will have to work hard to develop action scenes that still carry emotional weight far beyond the audience's desire to see the good guy win. Fortunately, the meticulously crafted worldbuilding on display throughout the John Wick franchise, and Cavill's respect for the original Highlander series both bode well for the reboot.

Why Highlander's Reboot Can Deliver (& Will Be Great For Henry Cavill)

The Highlander reboot could benefit from blending the best things about John Wick and The Witcher.

One of John Wick's underrated qualities lies in the engaging narratives that revolve around Wick's desire to avenge the death of his dog, and, by relation, his wife. While it might seem like a ridiculous reason to embark on a revenge quest to some, it works incredibly well given the manner in which Stahelski organically weaves in other assassins, allies, etc. from Wick's past. By introducing new characters and even locations, the events of the John Wick franchise feel real, and it helps distinguish it from other action movie franchises that focus too much on bullets and explosions.

Although Cavill will no longer portray Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher season 3, his work in the first two seasons leaves a strong, positive impression on audiences both familiar and unfamiliar with the source material. Furthermore, his chemistry between co-stars Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan, Yennefer and Ciri respectively, demonstrates the full capacity of his range beyond simply performing high-quality action. Despite the amount of competition in the action and fantasy genres, Highlander is still in development, which should provide it with enough time to flesh out the greatest aspects of its cast and crew.