Cast This: Highlander

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Strike Back below!
by: Paul Tassi Sep. 23, 2009

This week it was announced that FAST AND FURIOUS director Justin Lin is remaking rebooting re-imagining HIGHLANDER, much to almost everyone's dismay. Even with the IRON MAN screenwriting duo on his back (Art Marcum and Matt Holoway), the project doesn't seem like that great of an idea.

But what can save it? Why, a great cast of course. And no one is more important to the film the the Highlander himself, Connor MacLeod, who in the 1986 original film (and in a few of the shitty sequels) was played by the iconic Christopher Lambert.

But now the man is 52, and we’re looking for a younger Connor to liven things up up. So what exactly is required of the part? We’d love someone who looks actually, you know, Scottish, with the fierce intensity of a 16th century warrior, but also someone who can adapt to other time periods and finally cleans up nicely for the modern era, as MacLeod will surely live through many different centuries in the film.

So what say you? I have a strong feeling about who the majority vote is going to crown this week, but I won’t say anything and I’ll let you guys tell me. And speaking of tell me, what happened with the voting for last week’s Cast This?

Last Week: JUDGE DREDD

A week ago we took a look at who should get the title role in the Danny Boyle/Alex Garland reboot of JUDGE DREDD. There was a wide range of picks, with a clear winner, but a three-way tie beneath him.

1. Jason Statham (16%) 2. (tie) Ray Stevenson (10%) Ron Perlman (10%) Gerard Butler (10%)

The favorite here was Statham, and it was mostly due to his “epic jawline.” But the man knows action and I do believe he’d be a great pick for the role. I could go for Stevenson and Butler as well, but Perlman? I know you guys love him, but I think he’s too old for this, despite how badass his chin is.

Alright, now the challenge is before you, who can take up the sword and kilt of Connor MacLeod and save this remake from mediocrity?

Source: JoBlo

Extra Tidbit: I won't tell you my pick, but it rhymes with "Rhombus Pain."

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Frosty_86
4:09PM on 09/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Kevin McKidd or David Wenham as McCleod
Kevin McKidd or David Wenham as McCleod
 
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DanoTehWolfman
2:01AM on 09/25/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
There can be only one!!!
I posted on the other article, so I'm adding it here too. As for McLeod, Thomas Jane gets my vote. Dunno if he can rock the hair, but...he's a total badass either way. I like that one guy's idea for Antonio Banderas getting in on this. Personally, IF Lambert could take over the role somehow I think that would be best.

I think that this is going to be awesome, but only if two thin...
I posted on the other article, so I'm adding it here too. As for McLeod, Thomas Jane gets my vote. Dunno if he can rock the hair, but...he's a total badass either way. I like that one guy's idea for Antonio Banderas getting in on this. Personally, IF Lambert could take over the role somehow I think that would be best.

I think that this is going to be awesome, but only if two things happen. A box set of all the movies (preferably 2 disc editions each) and Gerard Butler, Clancy Brown, Christopher Lambert, Clive Owen, Aaron Eckhart, and Thomas Jane are all cast as immortals. Oh, and James Remar would be cool too! Let's face it: Having two Raidens in a Highlander movie would make most fanboys' heads explode!
OK, so the box set thing is a bit much but I REALLY can't find the original anywhere. A re-release is NEEDED!
 
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J.A_Hamilton
6:13PM on 09/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I watched Highlander 3 the other night out of sheer drunken boredom and couldn't believe that I actually saw that film in theaters. A remake?

Well, I'm a Chris Lambert fan till the end, and he'd be damn near impossible to replace. I'm not sure it's as much a choice of actor as it is a choice of someone who can properly wield a sword. Find THAT guy, and there may be a chance th...
I watched Highlander 3 the other night out of sheer drunken boredom and couldn't believe that I actually saw that film in theaters. A remake?

Well, I'm a Chris Lambert fan till the end, and he'd be damn near impossible to replace. I'm not sure it's as much a choice of actor as it is a choice of someone who can properly wield a sword. Find THAT guy, and there may be a chance this movie won't be a crapfest.
 
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Scorchio
2:45PM on 09/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Hmmmmmm
James MacAvoy as Conner McLeod of the clan McLeod.
Antonio Bandaras as Ramuirez
The Kurgan theres only one Clancy Brown.......one Clancy Brown.

Scorchio OUT
James MacAvoy as Conner McLeod of the clan McLeod.
Antonio Bandaras as Ramuirez
The Kurgan theres only one Clancy Brown.......one Clancy Brown.

Scorchio OUT
 
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Nutz
1:13PM on 09/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Gerard Butler...
I don't mind the film being remade too much even though I do love the original. Personally I think Butler would be a decent choice. He's got the accent down and has shown how badass he is with swords in 300. To be honest though I has my count with everything no matter how bad the film is after 300.
I don't mind the film being remade too much even though I do love the original. Personally I think Butler would be a decent choice. He's got the accent down and has shown how badass he is with swords in 300. To be honest though I has my count with everything no matter how bad the film is after 300.
 
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Silverload
5:18AM on 09/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I have a question...
Why waste internet space to draw more undeserved attention to this future abortion of cinema?
Why waste internet space to draw more undeserved attention to this future abortion of cinema?
 
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AntoineDoinel
2:25AM on 09/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
There is only one Highlander movie that is worth something, the first one, and its not even that great, good, but not great.

Id pick Thomas Jane, for the same reason the lady before me mentioned.
There is only one Highlander movie that is worth something, the first one, and its not even that great, good, but not great.

Id pick Thomas Jane, for the same reason the lady before me mentioned.
 
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Creasy
2:17AM on 09/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Well, I don't know anyone atm but none of the choices above for sure...
And Statham... should only be used in cheap pathetic action flicks... Nothing serious. He's awful.
Well, I don't know anyone atm but none of the choices above for sure...
And Statham... should only be used in cheap pathetic action flicks... Nothing serious. He's awful.
 
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SuperMarcey
1:58AM on 09/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Thomas Jane because he looks like Christopher Lambert
Thomas Jane because he looks like Christopher Lambert
 
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Balboa6
10:12PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I don't think Highlander: The Source should have been made. Here's my take on it: the first film is brilliant. Absolute classic. The second film, I don't even consider to be a part of the franchise because it defies the entire Highlander universe. Highlander: The Final Dimension was very good (not as good as the first though), the series was absolutely fantastic and Endgame was almost equal to ...
I don't think Highlander: The Source should have been made. Here's my take on it: the first film is brilliant. Absolute classic. The second film, I don't even consider to be a part of the franchise because it defies the entire Highlander universe. Highlander: The Final Dimension was very good (not as good as the first though), the series was absolutely fantastic and Endgame was almost equal to the first film. The Source was pretty much shit, but what I don't get is what would be so hard about simply creating one final, epic film which would bring it all to a close. Since: SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!










Connor died in Endgame, he wouldn't necessarily have to appear in it--maybe a cameo in a flashback or something but that wouldn't really be necessary. So they could just have Adrian Paul back as Duncan and bring back Methos, etc and actually have a legitimate finale to the saga. Then if they wanted to reboot it later or pull a "Star Trek (2009)" or something like that, it would be fine, but as it currently stands, the remake really irritates the hell out of me and I just don't see the point.
 
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Appeared, and was gone.....
9:02PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This is maddening....
I'm tired of this guy playing second fiddle in epic action movies. I say that DAVID WENHAM deserves to be Connor Macleod.
I'm tired of this guy playing second fiddle in epic action movies. I say that DAVID WENHAM deserves to be Connor Macleod.
 
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lalex81
8:32PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Depending on what age they make the character I have 3 suggestions:
Early 20's - James McAvoy
Late 20's - Collin Farrel
Mid 30's - Joseph Fiennes
Depending on what age they make the character I have 3 suggestions:
Early 20's - James McAvoy
Late 20's - Collin Farrel
Mid 30's - Joseph Fiennes
 
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Iseebadmovies
7:45PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Karl"Bones"Urban
I'ld go with Karl Urban. Established action actor. Showed his sword skills in Pathfinder and comedic ones in Star Trek.
I'ld go with Karl Urban. Established action actor. Showed his sword skills in Pathfinder and comedic ones in Star Trek.
 
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porkchopexpress
7:41PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
As a Scotsman, I have my own expectations. For some reason, I'm not as bummed out about this re-whatever as I have been been about others. Personally, I would like to see a Scottish actor in the role. Quite how Mulcahy got away with casting a French actor as a 16th century Scottish warrior is beyond me but somehow he pulled it off. Lambert's accent in flashback sequences was something you got u...
As a Scotsman, I have my own expectations. For some reason, I'm not as bummed out about this re-whatever as I have been been about others. Personally, I would like to see a Scottish actor in the role. Quite how Mulcahy got away with casting a French actor as a 16th century Scottish warrior is beyond me but somehow he pulled it off. Lambert's accent in flashback sequences was something you got used to quickly and looked past it and I loved him in the part but would like to see a homegrown star fill Connor's boots. As for Gerard Butler, no. He's just not right, he has a fantastic presence but he just doesn't seem suited to this. I personally would like to see Dougray Scott take this on, but he's a little old for it now so James McAvoy wouldn't be too bad a choice. I'd love to have a crack at it myself, yeah there's about as much chance of me finding Katy Perry in my bed covered in maple syrup but it's nice to dream. I'll watch with interest.
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IwishIwasBond
8:32PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Agreed, I'm Scottish too and would like to see an actual Scot in the role as well.
Agreed, I'm Scottish too and would like to see an actual Scot in the role as well.
 
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Captain Thorpe
5:55PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Not very helpful, but my pick is 'Young Unknown' for MacLeod. And Antonio Banderas as Ramirez.
Not very helpful, but my pick is 'Young Unknown' for MacLeod. And Antonio Banderas as Ramirez.
 
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Malwraith
5:51PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
like any real movie fan,I feel this remake is just another nail in the coffin for my soul...BUT if it has to be remade, tom jane is a perfect choice.
like any real movie fan,I feel this remake is just another nail in the coffin for my soul...BUT if it has to be remade, tom jane is a perfect choice.
 
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IwishIwasBond
5:24PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'd have to say Butler as he's genuinely Scottish or possibly James McAvoy although he is a wee bit small for the role. Still at least he's from Scotland which is a start. I've yet to see a Non-Scot do a decent accent...
I'd have to say Butler as he's genuinely Scottish or possibly James McAvoy although he is a wee bit small for the role. Still at least he's from Scotland which is a start. I've yet to see a Non-Scot do a decent accent...
 
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ApatowFan
5:12PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I like the idea of Kevin McKidd or Tom Jane but if your willing to go a bit more nordic with the casting how about Alexander Skarsgard, he is intimidating as well as a great actor, he would rock the part.
I like the idea of Kevin McKidd or Tom Jane but if your willing to go a bit more nordic with the casting how about Alexander Skarsgard, he is intimidating as well as a great actor, he would rock the part.
 
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Duke
4:58PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Tom Jane all the way. I'm sure Butler is on the short list in Hollywood, but I'm sick of seeing his face on every billboard in CA, usually for a stupid movie.
Tom Jane all the way. I'm sure Butler is on the short list in Hollywood, but I'm sick of seeing his face on every billboard in CA, usually for a stupid movie.
 
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FireCaptain4
4:00PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Already beat me to it...
... but Thomas Jane all the way. He looks like Christopher Lambert's long lost son.
... but Thomas Jane all the way. He looks like Christopher Lambert's long lost son.
 
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nickdoll
3:58PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Michael C. Hall
I like the idea of Thomas Jane or Gerald Butler, but I'm gonna be honest, I think that Michael C. Hall should do it, not necessarily because he screams Highlander, but because he is a great actor who never gets good parts (except Dexter). And he has that Highlander look in his eyes, like he wants to just kill everyone.
I like the idea of Thomas Jane or Gerald Butler, but I'm gonna be honest, I think that Michael C. Hall should do it, not necessarily because he screams Highlander, but because he is a great actor who never gets good parts (except Dexter). And he has that Highlander look in his eyes, like he wants to just kill everyone.
 
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Big H
3:25PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Lambert replaced by Thomas Jane!!!
Connery replaced by Liam Neeson!!!
Ron Perlman to play the Villain!!!
Lambert replaced by Thomas Jane!!!
Connery replaced by Liam Neeson!!!
Ron Perlman to play the Villain!!!
 
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Snafu
3:22PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Agreed, Clive Owen.
Agreed, Clive Owen.
 
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SnakeEyesOwns
3:08PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Clive Owen
The man seriously needs to revisit his SIN CITY/KING ARTHUR ass-kicking roots!
The man seriously needs to revisit his SIN CITY/KING ARTHUR ass-kicking roots!
 
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NO_FUN
2:45PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
'Ricky Bobby, I watched that movie Highlander, it was shit!'
'Ricky Bobby, I watched that movie Highlander, it was shit!'
 
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Nomad310
2:12PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Kevin McKidd!
Kevin McKidd should be The Highlander (he actually IS a Scot!) and Ray Stevenson should be Juan Sanchez Villa Lobos-Ramirez. We already know they both know how to use a sword and it would be great to re-unite Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo!
Kevin McKidd should be The Highlander (he actually IS a Scot!) and Ray Stevenson should be Juan Sanchez Villa Lobos-Ramirez. We already know they both know how to use a sword and it would be great to re-unite Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo!
 
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jolanar
1:57PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
James Malfoy!!!!!!!!!! MAKE IT SO!
James Malfoy!!!!!!!!!! MAKE IT SO!
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HoyleHaw
3:32PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
It's Purefoy, just so there's no confusion with Harry Potter.
It's Purefoy, just so there's no confusion with Harry Potter.
 
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BojacRedleif
1:53PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The...
To be as cliche as possible.

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!

CHRISTOPHER LAMBERT, he is Connor. When they replaced him with Duncan full time in #4 & #5 guess what, they sucked ass, MORE than usual mind you.

The show was it's own thing, and I liked that.

So yeah bring Christopher Lambert back if not as Connor, then make him Ramirez mother fucker.
To be as cliche as possible.

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!

CHRISTOPHER LAMBERT, he is Connor. When they replaced him with Duncan full time in #4 & #5 guess what, they sucked ass, MORE than usual mind you.

The show was it's own thing, and I liked that.

So yeah bring Christopher Lambert back if not as Connor, then make him Ramirez mother fucker.
 
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sneekyfox
1:42PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
if they must...
if they MUST make this movie, then cast Gerard Butler as hes actually scottish. oh, and the fact that he has the muscle and some sword skills for it. but mostly, because hes scottish, and its about a highlander.
if they MUST make this movie, then cast Gerard Butler as hes actually scottish. oh, and the fact that he has the muscle and some sword skills for it. but mostly, because hes scottish, and its about a highlander.
 
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Mike Sampson
1:30PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Not to sound like
a Tom Jane homer, but I'm 100% down with Thomas Jane. Got the look, the chops, the whole magilla.
a Tom Jane homer, but I'm 100% down with Thomas Jane. Got the look, the chops, the whole magilla.
 
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TBagNUrMom
1:13PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
There can be only one..
There is a reason for that line. DO NOT F**K WITH THE HIGLANDER MOVIE! It is perfect the way it is. No need for a reboot unless you want a boot up your ass. I agree the sequels sucked donkey dick, but the original was kick ass. Loved the 80's New York streets in it.
There is a reason for that line. DO NOT F**K WITH THE HIGLANDER MOVIE! It is perfect the way it is. No need for a reboot unless you want a boot up your ass. I agree the sequels sucked donkey dick, but the original was kick ass. Loved the 80's New York streets in it.
 
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kryptoniangirl
12:58PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Kevin McKidd or Gerard Butler. Anyone who can go from Trainspotting to Rome is a good actor in my book.
"Where's the fookin' video tape Tommy!"
Kevin McKidd or Gerard Butler. Anyone who can go from Trainspotting to Rome is a good actor in my book.
"Where's the fookin' video tape Tommy!"
 
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luke319
12:29PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I like Thomas Jane well enough, but...
...honestly I'm not sure why some people seem so set on seeing him in this. I mean what makes him more perfect for this than any other action star? My vote goes to Kevin McKidd. The guy deserves a big break. Not only is he a talented actor but he's pulled off action in he past. Plus, the guy's actually Scotish. I mean to me that sounds like a pretty perfect combination for the role.

...honestly I'm not sure why some people seem so set on seeing him in this. I mean what makes him more perfect for this than any other action star? My vote goes to Kevin McKidd. The guy deserves a big break. Not only is he a talented actor but he's pulled off action in he past. Plus, the guy's actually Scotish. I mean to me that sounds like a pretty perfect combination for the role.

My backup choice would be Clive Owen, and I'd cast Liam Neeson in the Sean Connery role and Ray Stevenson as the villain. I know his Punisher movie sucked horribly, but he really was great in Rome, and I think deserves another shot in a big action film, even if it's not as the star. That and the guy just looks menacing.
 
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Stratburst
12:23PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Hmm, Scottish actor who does action?
Why didn't anyone think of Gerard Butler?

Although I'll throw in Viggo Mortenson because he rocks.
Why didn't anyone think of Gerard Butler?

Although I'll throw in Viggo Mortenson because he rocks.
 
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DirtyJob
12:23PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Tom Jane looks too much like Christopher Lambert! I say Kevin McKidd. He's already done the bad ass dark ages warrior (the Kingdom of Heaven) and was hunky enough to make it on to "Lacks Male Anatomy".
Tom Jane looks too much like Christopher Lambert! I say Kevin McKidd. He's already done the bad ass dark ages warrior (the Kingdom of Heaven) and was hunky enough to make it on to "Lacks Male Anatomy".
 
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DirtyJob
12:15PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Tom Jane looks too much like Christopher Lambert! I say Kevin McKidd. He's already done the bad ass dark ages warrior (the Kingdom of Heaven) and was hunky enough to make it on to "Lacks Male Anatomy".
Tom Jane looks too much like Christopher Lambert! I say Kevin McKidd. He's already done the bad ass dark ages warrior (the Kingdom of Heaven) and was hunky enough to make it on to "Lacks Male Anatomy".
 
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yeehaw08
12:08PM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Thomas Jane is my pick
Thomas Jane is my pick
 
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Preston_79
11:40AM on 09/23/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
James Purefoy would be my pick,. After seeing the trailer for Solomon Kane I thought, that fool could be Connor Macleod.
James Purefoy would be my pick,. After seeing the trailer for Solomon Kane I thought, that fool could be Connor Macleod.
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