Highlander (film)

Highlander

Company type	Film
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	1986
Founder	Russell Mulcahy (director), Gregory Widen (screenplay)
Products	Fantasy action-adventure movie

Highlander is a 1986 fantasy action-adventure movie helmed by director Russell Mulcahy, featuring a screenplay crafted by Gregory Widen, Peter Bellwood, and Larry Ferguson. The cast includes Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, and Sean Connery. The narrative centers on the conclusion of an age-old conflict among immortal fighters, unfolding through intertwined timelines from the past and present. This film initiated the Highlander franchise.

Set in the 16th-century Scottish Highlands, Connor MacLeod (Lambert) survives a lethal strike delivered by the merciless Kurgan (Brown). After being exiled under accusations of witchcraft, MacLeod is discovered and mentored by the swordsman Ramírez (Connery), who enlightens him about their immortality—only decapitation can end their lives. These immortals secretly engage in combat until the last few gather for the ultimate contest known as the Gathering, vying for the Prize. In 1985 New York City, MacLeod faces the challenge of stopping the Kurgan from seizing victory.

Although made with a $19 million budget, Highlander earned just below $13 million globally upon release and received mixed critical reactions. Nevertheless, it developed a devoted following, leading to numerous sequels and television adaptations. The rock group Queen provided several tracks for the soundtrack, including "Princes of the Universe," which became synonymous with the TV series' opening theme. The phrase "There can be only one" has become an enduring part of popular culture.

Plot

In New York City, 1985, Connor MacLeod confronts an adversary named Iman Fasil at Madison Square Garden. After decapitating Fasil and absorbing his energy, Connor is briefly held by NYPD but released due to insufficient evidence.

Through flashbacks, Connor’s beginnings in 1536 within the Scottish Highlands are revealed as a member of the MacLeod clan. Following a fatal injury inflicted by an outlander knight allied with the rival Fraser clan, Connor recovers but faces exile after being accused of witchcraft. He settles into life as a blacksmith and marries Heather MacDonald.

Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, a Spanish swordsman, discloses that they are immortals vulnerable only to beheading and possess a mysterious "quickening" energy. Ramírez trains Connor for an eventual decisive battle among immortals and warns him about the ruthless Kurgan who poses a grave threat to humanity. Since immortals cannot have offspring, Ramírez advises Connor to leave Heather behind to prepare for this conflict.

After dueling Ramírez, the Kurgan kills him. Heather later passes away from natural causes, leaving Connor devastated. He roams the world carrying Ramírez’s katana.

As the Gathering approaches in 1985, the Kurgan arrives in New York. Connor lives under the alias "Russell Nash" as an antiques dealer and is assisted by his adopted daughter Rachel Ellenstein. He meets Brenda Wyatt, a forensic metallurgy specialist examining sword fragments from Fasil’s death. When Brenda witnesses an attack on Connor by the Kurgan, police intervene and both escape. Brenda becomes intrigued by Connor’s enigmatic sword and develops a close bond with him.

The Kurgan kills another immortal named Sunda Kastagir, attracting police scrutiny. Brenda uncovers proof of Connor’s centuries-long existence. On Heather’s birthday, Connor lights a candle in her memory at church; during this time, the Kurgan reveals he had raped Heather after killing Ramírez. Since fighting on sacred ground is forbidden, Connor departs.

Brenda challenges Connor about his true identity; they share an intimate night before parting ways. The Kurgan abducts Brenda to draw Connor out. Abandoning his alias and bidding farewell to Rachel, Connor rescues Brenda at Silvercup Studios in Queens and defeats the Kurgan in their final duel, absorbing his power.

Returning to Scotland with Brenda, Connor becomes mortal—able to age and father children. He gains deeper understanding of human emotions and thoughts and dedicates himself to fostering cooperation and peace in accordance with Ramírez’s teachings.

Cast

• Christopher Lambert portrays Connor MacLeod, an immortal originating from 16th-century Glenfinnan, Scotland. In 1985 New York, he adopts the identity Russell Nash and works as an antique dealer.
• Sean Connery plays Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, an Egyptian immortal who becomes Connor's mentor after locating him to shield him from the Kurgan.
• Clancy Brown embodies The Kurgan, the ruthless adversary of Connor and the last survivor of the Kurgan tribe. Arriving in New York in 1985 under the name "Victor Kruger," he aims to eliminate immortals and seize "The Prize."
• Roxanne Hart appears as Brenda Wyatt, a forensic expert assisting in the probe of a series of decapitations in New York City.
• Beatie Edney takes on the role of Heather MacLeod, Connor’s first spouse who shares his life until her natural passing.
• Alan North features as Lt. Frank Moran, a colleague of Brenda within the NYPD.
• Jon Polito acts as Det. Walter Bedsoe, partnering with Moran in investigations.
• Sheila Gish portrays Rachel Ellenstein, Connor’s secretary and adopted daughter, one of the few mortals aware of his immortality.
  • Nicola Ramsey plays the younger version of Rachel.
• Hugh Quarshie is Sunda Kastagir, an immortal ally of Connor who falls victim to beheading by the Kurgan.
• Christopher Malcolm represents Kirk Matunas, a Vietnam War veteran who witnesses an immortal duel and is subsequently killed by the Kurgan.
• Peter Diamond plays Iman Fasil, a French immortal defeated and beheaded by Connor; Diamond also fulfilled duties as stunt coordinator.
• Celia Imrie portrays Kate MacLeod, Connor’s lover from 1536 who unsuccessfully accuses him of consorting with Lucifer.
• Billy Hartman and James Cosmo appear as Dougal and Angus MacLeod, cousins of Connor and leaders within their clan.

Supporting roles include Edward Wiley as Garfield, an NYPD officer suspicious of Nash; Corinne Russell as Candy, a prostitute hired by the Kurgan; alongside other law enforcement personnel in minor parts.

Professional wrestlers Greg Gagne, Jim Brunzell, Sam Fatu, Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, and Buddy Roberts feature as themselves during an opening tag-team wrestling scene. Although set at Madison Square Garden, filming occurred at Brendan Byrne Arena in New Jersey.

Conception

While studying at UCLA, Gregory Widen authored the script for Highlander, initially titled Shadow Clan. Drawing inspiration from Ridley Scott’s 1977 film The Duellists, along with visits to Scotland and viewing armor exhibits at the Tower of London, Widen sold his screenplay for $200,000, which became the foundation for the film’s narrative.

Widen described the story as a fusion of an extended duel motif with the idea of an immortal possessing historic armor and recounting his experiences. Producer William Panzer remarked that this concept evolved into portraying Immortals living concealed lives engaged in ongoing conflict. Widen expressed surprise at how long the project endured, crediting its success to its distinctive storytelling approach and fresh perspective on immortality.

The initial draft was notably darker and more violent with several key differences: Connor was born in 1408 and lived with family including a brother; his love interest Heather was replaced by Mara; Connor’s alias was Richard Taupin; Ramírez was depicted as a Spaniard born in 1100; the antagonist Kurgan was named the Knight and characterized as a cold-blooded assassin. Brenda was Brenna Cartwright, a Smithsonian historian assisting law enforcement. Immortals could father children—with Connor having 37 sons—and battles between immortals did not release energy or mention The Prize; only pain was felt after kills.

Director Russell Mulcahy discovered Christopher Lambert through a photograph from Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes, admiring his appearance despite language challenges. Mulcahy had also considered actors such as Kurt Russell and Mickey Rourke for portraying Connor MacLeod.

Widen had envisioned Connor as a grim figure hardened by centuries of violence; however, the film presented him more optimistically—hopeful, witty, and capable of love despite loss. Lambert found this characterization compelling, emphasizing Connor’s endurance through five centuries marked by both suffering and affection.

Originally, Widen’s portrayal of Kurgan was more psychologically complex—a man whose rivalry with MacLeod defined his existence—contrasting with the film’s depiction of a psychopathic villain. Actor Clancy Brown shared this perspective and initially wished to portray Kurgan as a villain disguised in formal attire rather than biker clothing.

Filming

The production budget was supplied by Thorn EMI. Originally named The Dark Knight, the movie was shot in various locations including Scotland, England, Wales, and New York City.

Director Russell Mulcahy incorporated techniques from music videos, such as rapid editing and energetic pacing.

Christopher Lambert underwent thorough preparation, including dialect coaching and swordsmanship training with Bob Anderson, a renowned stunt double known for his work on the Star Wars films.

A particularly difficult underwater sequence filmed in a Scottish loch tested Lambert due to the cold water. Cinematographer Arthur Smith devised a creative solution by using a concealed drain pipe to release live trout during a scene featuring kilts. Rain posed challenges during the confrontation between MacLeod and the Kurgan, necessitating the use of umbrellas and hair dryers to shield camera lenses.

The parking garage sequence combined exterior shots near Madison Square Garden in Manhattan with interior scenes captured in London. The opening wrestling match showcased The Fabulous Freebirds competing against Greg Gagne, Jim Brunzell, and The Tonga Kid.

Though set in Glenfinnan, the battle scene was actually filmed at Eilean Donan Castle near Kyle of Lochalsh.

The final showdown's location evolved from the Statue of Liberty to an amusement park before ultimately being shot on the rooftop of Silvercup Studios. The initial plan to film the opening sequence during an NHL game was abandoned due to concerns about depicting violent content.

An alleyway meant to represent New York was filmed in England. Sean Connery’s introductory voice-over was recorded with an echo effect inside his bathroom at his Spanish villa; producers approved this unconventional recording setting.

In a Reddit AMA held in 2014, Clancy Brown described the production as difficult because of tight budgets and producer demands to reduce expenses.

To cut costs, producers initially denied extras breakfast until crew members intervened with Connery’s support to overturn this policy. This friction led Scottish extras to burn an effigy of then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Soundtrack

The original orchestral music for Highlander was created by Michael Kamen. British rock group Marillion passed on the chance to produce the soundtrack because of their touring schedule, a choice that guitarist Steve Rothery later wished had been different. Their vocalist, Fish, initially agreed to take on a role in the film but ultimately withdrew due to conflicts with his schedule. Other musicians considered for contributing to the soundtrack included David Bowie, Sting, and Duran Duran.

The completed soundtrack prominently showcases tracks by Queen, including "A Kind of Magic" and "Princes of the Universe"—the latter also featured in the opening sequence of the Highlander television series. "Who Wants to Live Forever", penned by Brian May inspired by the film’s romantic scenes, was incorporated into the soundtrack as well.

Despite being credited, no comprehensive official soundtrack album dedicated solely to Highlander has been issued. Queen's 1986 album A Kind of Magic contains several songs from the movie—occasionally presented in alternate versions—such as "Princes of the Universe," "Gimme the Prize (Kurgan's Theme)" (including snippets of film dialogue), "One Year of Love," "Don't Lose Your Head," "Who Wants to Live Forever," and "A Kind of Magic." The album and single versions of "A Kind of Magic" differ from what appears in the film; a 2011 reissue restored the original movie mix. The album does not include Queen’s "Theme from New York, New York," which briefly appears in the film. Additionally, "Hammer to Fall" is heard playing from a car radio scene and originates from Queen's earlier release, The Works.

The 1995 CD titled Highlander: The Original Scores features five selections from Kamen’s compositions alongside pieces from Stewart Copeland’s score for Highlander II and J. Peter Robinson’s work on Highlander III. A rearranged segment from Kamen's "The Quickening" served as the musical theme for New Line Cinema's production logo between 1994 and 2011.

In 2025, an unofficial soundtrack inspired by the movie was released by Hi Giraffe Hi Giraffe.

Release and reception

Highlander made its debut at the Avoriaz Fantasy Film Festival in January 1986 as the closing film outside competition. It premiered in Los Angeles on March 7, 1986. The UK version ran for 116 minutes, while the US cut was shorter at 111 minutes after approximately eight minutes were removed to eliminate European humor considered less relatable for American viewers. Director Mulcahy opposed deleting the scene depicting Connor’s first encounter with Rachel, regarding it as crucial to their relationship development.

During its opening weekend in the US, the film earned $2.4 million and went on to accumulate $5.9 million across the US and Canada. In its UK opening weekend, it garnered £147,753, contributing to an international total gross of $12.9 million. Initially met with a lukewarm response in America, Highlander found greater success across Europe and other markets, particularly through home video distribution. Over time, it has achieved cult status, leading to four sequels, a TV series, and various related spin-offs.

Critical reception

Variety acknowledged the film's "entertaining moments" but ultimately labeled it "a mess." People characterized it as "a moody blend of Blade Runner, The Terminator, and your last genuinely intense nightmare." Alex Stewart from White Dwarf commended the film’s stylish direction, swift pacing, and cinematography, particularly highlighting the flamboyant performances of Brown and Connery. He also praised the British theatrical print for its impressive visual presentation and dynamic sword fight sequences.

John Nubbin of Different Worlds magazine recognized the film’s technical achievements in special effects and cinematography but criticized the overly forceful editing, which diluted certain scenes without disrupting the overall narrative flow.

Home media

The movie found success on home video in the United States, initially released on VHS by HBO/Cannon Video in 1986 and later reissued by Republic Home Entertainment in 1993. Following the 1991 theatrical debut of Highlander II: The Quickening, rental interest in the original film increased despite the sequel’s poor box office results. The first U.S. DVD release appeared in 1997 as a "10th Anniversary Edition" Director’s Cut that included the international uncut version. Australia received a "15th Anniversary" edition in 2001, also featuring the international cut.

In 2002, two versions were launched: a special "Immortal Edition," which contained additional content such as three Queen music videos and a bonus CD with tracks from the film’s soundtrack, alongside a standard edition. Both editions offered remastered video and DTS ES audio of the international uncut version. On June 17, 2009, French distributor StudioCanal released the film on Blu-ray, followed by launches in Germany, the UK, Holland, Australia, and Japan. The U.S. director’s cut is accessible on DVD and Blu-ray through Lionsgate Studios under license from StudioCanal, whereas television broadcast rights are held by The Walt Disney Company, parent company of theatrical distributor 20th Century Studios.

An Ultimate edition was reissued across France and Europe on April 10, 2012.

In 2022, StudioCanal introduced a dual 4K & Blu-ray set in the UK (October 31), Australia & New Zealand (November 2), and France (November 22), available in both standard and limited collector’s editions. The 4K disc features new bonus material including a soundtrack-focused featurette, interviews with photographer David James and actor Clancy Brown, retrospective segments on Highlander, plus fresh audio commentary by author Jon Melville alongside original commentary from director Mulcahy and producers Panzer and Davis. The Blu-ray disc retains all extras from its initial release.

Reevaluation by critics

On Rotten Tomatoes, Highlander holds a 69% approval rating based on 42 reviews with an average score of 6.20/10. The site summarizes that while the film is "cheesy, bombastic, and absurd," it remains beloved for these very traits. On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 24 out of 100 from seven critics, reflecting "generally unfavorable" reviews. Audiences polled by CinemaScore assigned it a "C+" grade.

In 1998, Halliwell's Film Guide described the movie as a "muddled, violent and noisy fantasy," commenting that its complex explanation arrives too late to engage most viewers effectively. By 2000, Matt Ford of the BBC awarded it three out of five stars, noting its "fiery bravado, pace, and larger-than-life action," despite weaknesses in plot and acting. That same year, IGN gave an eight out of ten rating, applauding its pioneering MTV-style visuals and strong performances from Connery and Clancy Brown. Christopher Null at FilmCritic.com rated it four-and-a-half stars, calling it unparalleled among sword-and-sorcery films and later hailed it as "the greatest action movie ever made" for its swordplay sequences, musical score, and time-twisting storyline.

In 2002, Adam Tyner from DVD Talk awarded three stars out of five, recognizing inventive concepts and the novel setting of sword-and-sorcery within contemporary New York City but criticizing inconsistent tone and uneven acting. Leonard Maltin’s 2009 guide gave one-and-a-half stars out of four, describing it as an "interesting idea rendered silly and dull," though he acknowledged Connery's charismatic presence and Mulcahy's flashy direction. Tom Hutchinson of Radio Times granted three stars out of five, calling it "so confused it becomes hilariously watchable," praising its sword fights while finding the story less compelling.

Novelization

A novel adaptation penned by Garry Kilworth under the pseudonym "Garry Douglas" broadened the film's storyline, unveiling elements such as Heather discovering Connor's immortality, the Kurgan's initial demise, and his tutelage under an Arabian immortal known as "The Bedouin." Additionally, it portrays the Kurgan overcoming a Mongol warrior prior to his encounter with MacLeod in 1536, during which he obtains MacLeod’s personalized longsword.

The book presents a more serious and straightforward depiction of the relationship between Connor and Kastagir. An alternative scene depicts their meeting in a subway before proceeding to the Bridge.

The conclusion is extended, showing Connor returning to his antique store to say goodbye to Rachel before relocating to Scotland with Brenda. They travel for two months before establishing an antique shop in Camden Alley. Later, Connor visits the Scottish Uplands alone, discovering remnants of his former home and the burial place of Ramírez and Heather, where he crafts a simple cross and contemplates Brenda’s resemblance to Heather.

Sequels and reboot

The original film led to two direct sequels: Highlander II: The Quickening (1991), which was critically derided and often cited among the worst films ever produced, and Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994), which ignored the continuity of Highlander II to serve as an alternate follow-up. Subsequent entries Highlander: Endgame (2000) and Highlander: The Source (2007) aligned with the television series' continuity but were met with unfavorable critiques. The anime feature Highlander: The Search for Vengeance (2007), focusing on protagonist Colin MacLeod, received positive acclaim.

Reboot

In March 2008, Summit Entertainment secured the rights to develop a new Highlander remake. Initial speculation connected Kevin McKidd with the lead role, while Melissa Rosenberg was attached as screenwriter. Later, director Chad Stahelski, recognized for his work on John Wick, was announced, describing the project as "John Wick with swords," with plans for a potential trilogy. As of May 2020, production had not yet begun.

Several actors including Kit Harington, James McAvoy, Robert Pattinson, Stephen Amell, Sam Heughan, and Charlie Hunnam were considered for the role of Connor MacLeod. Ryan Reynolds was cast in 2012 but departed from the project in 2013. By May 2021, Henry Cavill was confirmed as the lead actor, though details about his character remain undisclosed.

By October 2023, Lionsgate advanced development on the reboot with Cavill starring as MacLeod and Stahelski directing from a screenplay by Mike Finch. Reports suggest Michael Fassbender may portray the antagonist. Filming is planned for May 2025, aiming for a release in 2026. Stahelski has confirmed that Queen’s music will be featured in the soundtrack. On June 20, 2025, it was announced that Russell Crowe will join the cast as Ramirez.

TV series

Christopher Lambert chose not to reprise his role as Connor MacLeod for a television adaptation, which resulted in a spin-off focusing on a new protagonist, Duncan MacLeod, portrayed by Adrian Paul. The series Highlander: The Series debuted in 1992, with Lambert appearing solely in its opening episode. The narrative introduces Duncan as a younger immortal adopted by Clan MacLeod and trained by Connor before they part ways. The season two premiere titled "The Watchers" confirms that the 1985 confrontation with the Kurgan took place but that the Prize remained unclaimed due to surviving immortals like Duncan. Lambert returned alongside Duncan in the film Highlander: Endgame.

The animated series Highlander: The Animated Series (1994–1996) offers a science fiction continuation set in the 27th century following a devastating meteor strike. In this storyline, Connor MacLeod and fellow immortals strive to safeguard humanity’s knowledge; however, Connor is slain by Kortan, an evil immortal adversary. The plot centers on Quentin MacLeod, the last descendant of Clan MacLeod, who is mentored by Don Vincente Marino Ramirez, a close friend of Connor’s.