“John Wick” co-director Chad Stahelski will direct a reboot of “Highlander,” TheWrap has learned.
The project has been in the works since 2008 at Lionsgate and now the hunt for a screenwriter will be underway.
Neal H. Moritz is producing the film along with Peter Davis. Stahelski and his “Wick” co-director David Leitch, who run production and stunt company 87Eleven, may also wind up producing.
Stahelski is a self professed “Highlander” fan, who first watched the 1986 action-fantasy film starring Sean Connery when he was in high school.
The film, which spawned the catchphrase “There can only be one,” revolves around power-seeking immortal men who are pitted against each other. There’s a Scottish swordsman, an Egyptian and a Barbarian named Kurgan.
Since Lionsgate’s Summit acquired the rights to the project nearly a decade ago, several directors, including Justin Lin (the “Fast & Furious” franchise), have seriously considered the title, thought by the studio to have major franchise potential.
Stehelski just finished making “John Wick: Chapter 2.” He is represented by WME and Lichter Grossman.