Everything We Know About Henry Cavill’s Highlander Reboot 

Henry Cavill, best known for playing Superman in several DC films, made waves when he announced he would star as an immortal warrior in the upcoming Highlander reboot. 

However, details have emerged that indicate Cavill may not be playing a human character but rather some advanced android or robot. Here’s everything we know so far about Cavill’s potential role as a Highlander robot:

1. Origins and Backstory

Very little is known about the backstory of Cavill’s potential Highlander robot character. In the original Highlander film and TV series, the immortals were humans granted extended life and regeneration abilities through unexplained means. However, the reboot takes things in a more sci-fi direction by making Cavill’s character artificial.

Some speculation indicates Cavill’s Highlander could be an android-built hundreds or even thousands of years ago during the height of a technologically advanced civilization that has since fallen. The robot’s power source allows it to survive indefinitely and regenerate damage, making it immortal. 

This would connect neatly with Highlander’s “The Game” concept – a competition between immortals seeking to be the last standing. 

Another theory posits that Cavill’s character starts as a human who augments himself mechanically over centuries to increase his abilities and survivability. This would make the Highlander robot closer to a cyborg than a pure android. However, there is no official confirmation yet on his exact origins. The filmmakers are keeping plot details under tight wraps.

2. Abilities and Weaponry

Assuming Cavill is playing some variety of advanced robot/android, the Highlander would likely possess superhuman traits similar to the human immortals from the franchise lore. 

Enhanced strength, speed, stamina, and reflexes are given. The ability to detect the presence of other nearby immortals also seems likely. And, of course, the trademark Highlander regeneration allows the character to heal otherwise mortal wounds. 

Regarding weaponry, a robot hero opens up possibilities that human immortals don’t have. The Highlander android could have concealed weapons like laser blasters built into his arms or a retractable sword housed in his forearm. Hidden rocket boosters that allow short bursts of flight seem plausible as well. 

The android nature of the character allows the filmmakers to get very creative with abilities and gear.

3. Personality and Motivations

Because Cavill’s take on the Highlander may be robotic, that doesn’t mean the character can’t have depth. Part of the appeal of stories about androids and AIs is examining what makes someone “human.” The Highlander robot could be programmed with a fully developed personality and motivations that make him seem human. 

Maybe the Highlander android has a robust code of honor and duty. He may seek purpose while grappling with existential questions about immortality. The relationship between the Highlander robot and human characters could help him develop greater emotional intelligence. 

And if other immortal rivals show up, he will demonstrate passion and determination in confronting threats. There’s a lot of story potential in exploring the humanity of an immortal robot.

4. How It Fits Into Previous Highlander Lore

Including a Highlander, robot character implies some drastic changes to the franchise lore. Past films and shows never hinted at actual robots taking part in “The Game” or receiving the abilities of the immortals. Then again, those stories never delved deeply into the origins of the immortals’ powers.

The robot aspect may tie into some unknown part of Highlander history that grants immortality through technology and magic. The robot Highlander could have been part of the first wave of immortal warriors created artificially before later generations did the same through mystic means. Making Cavill’s character a prototype would help justify the radical origins.

There is also the possibility that the movie reboot will reinvent the Highlander mythology and lore from the ground up. The existence of an android protagonist could be the first clue that this version of the Highlander universe features some stark differences. 

But some elements, like the competitive nature of “The Game,” seem sure to carry over to maintain the franchise identity.

5. Response From Fans

Initial reactions from Highlander fans seem mixed. Some express excitement at the possibility of a futuristic, sci-fi-based twist on the property. They see opportunities to expand the universe’s scope. However, many old-school Highlander enthusiasts and purists are more hesitant about changing a fundamental aspect of the immortals.

Many fans believe turning a lead character into an android would betray the spirit of Highlander’s roots as a fantasy-based mythic tale. There are concerns it could abandon the mysticism in favor of a generic futuristic flash. But others argue adding more genre elements like sci-fi could attract new younger audiences while keeping older fans satisfied. 

As controversial as it seems now, the robotic element may be a modern evolution that holds appeal while respecting what has come before. It all depends on how thoughtfully the filmmakers ultimately integrate Cavill’s more mechanical Highlander.

6. Theories on How It Might Play Out

Until more concrete details emerge, fans are left to speculate about how this android Highlander character will fit into the rebooted mythology and story. Some theorize that Cavill’s robot won’t be the only immortal android introduced.

There may be rival immortal robots from different eras serving as main villains. Perhaps robotic immortals were a failed experiment meant to be replaced by humans.

Another theory suggests the twist will be that Cavill’s character starts out believing he is human, only to discover the truth about his artificial nature eventually. This path would let the story explore thought-provoking concepts about the definition of humanity. Or the film may end up incorporating both human and android immortals competing against each other as another way to explore those high-concept themes.

Of course, the robotic nature of the protagonist could be misdirection, too. Rumors about movies sometimes take on a life of their own. 

Some fans suspect Cavill will just be playing a standard human immortal, and that’s it. Ultimately, we will have to wait for more updates to know how this bold new direction for Highlander will manifest when it likely releases sometime in 2023 or 2024.

7. Conclusion

The possibilities introduced by making Henry Cavill’s Highlander character an advanced android or robot are fascinating. It represents a significant departure from previous franchise lore that will generate intense fan debate. 

Some will likely view the change as a betrayal of Highlander’s roots. But it also allows us to reshape the property into something fresh and relevant. 

How gracefully the filmmakers can integrate the sci-fi twist will determine if it elevates the reboot or damages the core appeal. One thing seems guaranteed: Cavill starring as an immortal Highlander robot makes the new movie a must-see event for sci-fi and fantasy fans alike when it releases. The mythic action franchise may be in store for quite the high-tech evolution.

8. About Highlander

Highlander is an American-British film and television franchise created by Gregory Widen. The series began with a 1986 fantasy film starring Christopher Lambert, who played Connor MacLeod, the titular Highlander.

There have been four theatrical Highlander films, one made-for-TV film, two live-action television series, an animated television series, an anime film, a flash animation series, original novels, comic books, and various licensed merchandise. Most stories feature Connor or Duncan MacLeod. Other protagonists include Quentin MacLeod and Colin MacLeod, each of whom exists in their own timelines.

Born in Glenfinnan in the Scottish Highlands in the 16th century, MacLeod is one of a number of immortals empowered by an energy called the Quickening and only able to die if beheaded.