‘CINEMA-CON’ SHOWS FIRST REBOOT FOOTAGE…

Scenes from the Highlander reboot were shown to the audience gathered for the industry CinemaCon event (where studios give information to attendees about their forthcoming projects).  This would mark the first time that actual footage has been shown to the ‘public’ (though, unlike, say, the San Diego Comic-Con, this audience is mainly made up of exhibitors and journalists rather than everyday fans).

“We are only halfway through production but already feel we are creating something truly special,” Cavill said in the introduction to scenes that have been described as loud and kinetic and from different time-periods and locations. He confirmed that those locations included the Highlands of Scotland and Hong Kong. Various stars were seen in to-camera conversations

The footage also included Cavill finally confirming what was already presumed – that the name of the central character has not changed: “I am Connor MacLeod, who was born in 1518, and I am immortal…”

We hear Dave Bautista’s Kurgan warning Connor, “When my sword changes history, you will have a front row seat, Highlander…” Connor replies, “All right, if you say so…”

Attendees saw footage of Connor in a sword-fight that takes place in a ‘Neon-drenched’ club /rave  with ‘plenty of sword battles and motorcycle chases…’ There’s also a scene with the Kurgan holding Marisa Abela’s character by the throat. Some commentators have said it’s essentially a very polished ‘John Wick with Swords‘.

The footage finishes with several characters each declaring that… “There can be only one.”..

Director Chad Stahleski has said that he hopes to pattern the longer story after another iconic franchise…

“The vision we’re trying to get across and what we’re trying to develop, I equate very close to Star Wars. The first one is very satisfying ending but it does leave the door open and that’s kind of how I see this. I would really like to expand it over three. I see the ‘Gathering’ happening over three.”

Often the attendee-footage is made available to those outside the event sooner rather than later, but it is important to note that filming is still taking place (currently in Scotland) and so the brief footage would have been limited. That means any trailer which shows the actual narrative is likely to be some time away, though we may get a teaser to keep wider interest in the film going.