Cast This: Connor MacLeod aka The Highlander

Last Updated on July 31, 2021

It’s only a matter of time until we finally get the long-gestating remake of the 1980s classic HIGHLANDER. We’ve heard reports for years about possible stars being attached and directors at the helm but still, nothing is locked and ready to go. So with that, we can sit back and play with some ideas about who might take on the all-important lead that is Connor MacLeod. 

The fictional character of Connor MacLeod  is a tortured hero; he was chosen by fate and takes on the responsibility of saving mankind from evil in the Highlander film series, as well as the television programs Highlander: The Series, and Highlander: The Animated Series. In the theatrical films, he was portrayed by the iconic Christopher Lambert. The film narrates the climax of an ages-old battle between immortal warriors, depicted through interwoven past and present day storylines. It’s definitely worth checking out if you have never seen the cult classic.

Ryan Reynolds, everyone’s new favorite superhero, was once attached to play the immortal Scotsman, the role made famous by Lambert in the 1986 original. Of course fan reaction at the time was negative, but one has to wonder what the reaction would sound like now with his sudden resurgence.  Personally, I would like to see a younger Connor to kick off a new series of films. I don’t even need the remake or MacLeod character if they want to liven things up with change. It would be nice however to cast someone who looks like they could be a 16th century Scottish warrior and then clean up for a more present time lifestyle.

I’ll begin with everyone’s favorite bastard son, Kit Harington. The young English actor has quickly risen to fame thanks to his role as Jon Snow on HBO’s Game of Thrones series and subsequently is now known the world over, something that would only help his case for the part of The Highlander. He’s got the grit and rough edges to pull it off I think, and accent doesn’t hurt. Another actor I had in mind was Joel Edgerton (WARRIOR, ANIMAL KINGDOM). He’s on the edge of leading man status and is clearly capable of giving strong and emotional performances in any genre it would be safe to say. For him to take on a remake of the Highlander franchise would be great for him and welcomed by fans I’m sure. If Kit was my young option, Edgerton and finally Ewan McGregor are my veteran choices for the part. McGregor’s Scottish heritage is something he holds close to his heart as he often mentions his love for the country and its history. Perhaps this would be a dream role for him, someone should ask! He’s one of my favorite actors (having been born in Scotland, I’m a little biased though) and to see him play a Scottish hero in Connor McLeod would be fantastic.

Now it’s your turn. Who would you like to see give out some beheadings with a giant sword? Another Scottish actor for the part could be Gerard Butler. He’s got the physical aspect of the part down right? What about fan favourite Thomas Jane (THE PUNISHER, THE MIST)? He has that uncanny resemblance to Christopher Lambert working for him, but of course he’s also the oldest of the mentioned actors at 47. Let us know your picks down below and remember…there can be only one.

RESULTS FROM CAST THIS: SOLID SNAKE 1. Tom Hardy  2. Christian Bale  3. Karl Urban 4. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau