Russell Crowe Takes On a Role in "Highlander" Reboot
The reboot is to draw on selected elements from earlier films and series
There can be only one – but in the upcoming "Highlander" reboot, it seems there's room for a second movie star. Collider magazine has exclusively revealed that none other than Oscar-winner Russell Crowe will be starring alongside Henry Cavill.
According to consistent reports from Deadline and other industry portals, Crowe will take on the role of the mentor – the character originally played by Sean Connery in the first "Highlander" movie.
The "Highlander" reboot was long considered a project that never really got off the ground. However, with "John Wick" director Chad Stahelski directing and production set to start in the fall, the film finally seems to be picking up speed. As Stahelski disclosed in an interview, the new movie won't be just a remake, but a broader evolution of the saga.
"We're bringing it forward from the early 1500s in the Highlands to the beyond present-day New York and Hong Kong. There's big opportunity for action... and it's a bit of a love story – but not how you think."
The upcoming "Highlander" reboot will draw on selected elements from previous films and series, but will take an independent direction. Instead of simply retelling the original, the new movie is designed as a kind of prequel – with the aim of breathing new life into the brand. The action will take place in the Scottish Highlands in the early 16th century, but will repeatedly shift to the present day – with locations such as New York and Hong Kong. The main character, played by Henry Cavill, has not only survived for over five centuries, but has also acquired extensive knowledge of various martial arts. It is still unknown when the film will be released in cinemas.
Russell Crowe: A Look at the Oscar Winner's Best-Known Films
Russell Crowe has been one of the most striking faces in international cinema since the 1990s. With his intense screen presence, his nuanced acting and an impressive range of roles, he has earned himself a permanent place in the film world. Whether as a gladiator in ancient Rome, a brilliant mathematician or a tough investigator in dark thriller worlds – Crowe's filmography reads like a best-of of modern cinema history. So let's take a look at his best-known movies!
Gladiator (2000)
If there's one movie that brought Russell Crowe worldwide fame, it's "Gladiator". Directed by Ridley Scott, he played the Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius, who returns as a gladiator after a betrayal to take revenge on a corrupt emperor. The film became an international box office hit, won five Oscars – including Best Picture – and earned Crowe his first and so far only Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. His haunting performance between unbridled rage, pain and stoic strength made Maximus one of the most iconic film characters of the 2000s. To this day, "Gladiator" marks the high point of his career and established his long-standing collaboration with Ridley Scott.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Just one year after "Gladiator", Crowe showed a completely different side to his talent: In "A Beautiful Mind" by Ron Howard, he embodied the brilliant mathematician John Nash, who suffers from schizophrenia. The role required not only emotional depth, but also a subtle portrayal of mental illness. Crowe convinced with a mixture of fragility and intelligence – a performance that earned him another Oscar nomination. The movie went on to win four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, and cemented Crowe's reputation as a serious character actor.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
Even before his breakthrough as Gladiator, Russell Crowe was part of the acclaimed neo-noir thriller "L.A. Confidential" by Curtis Hanson. In the role of the brutal but morally driven police officer Bud White, Crowe proved for the first time to an international audience that he can portray complex characters with power and depth. The film – with a top-class cast including Kevin Spacey, Guy Pearce and Kim Basinger – was a surprise hit and paved Crowe's way to Hollywood.
The Insider (1999)
With "The Insider", Crowe gave one of the strongest performances of his career. He played the real-life whistleblower Jeffrey Wigand, who uncovered the machinations of the tobacco industry. Under the direction of Michael Mann, Crowe gave a sensitive, restrained portrayal of a man torn between conscience, fear and public pressure. The performance earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The film itself was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Robin Hood (2010)
Ten years after "Gladiator", Crowe reunited with Ridley Scott to take on the role of the legendary Robin Hood. Although the movie provoked mixed reactions from critics, Crowe once again proved his physical presence and ability to embody historical figures with believable seriousness. Although "Robin Hood" did not achieve the same cult status as "Gladiator", it underlines Crowe's penchant for historical epics and his ongoing collaboration with directorial greats.
Les Misérables (2012)
In the musical adaptation "Les Misérables", Crowe appeared as the uncompromising Inspector Javert – opposite Hugh Jackman's Jean Valjean. The role was a gamble, as it required vocal skills that Crowe had previously only shown publicly in his rock band "30 Odd Foot of Grunts". Critics were divided on his vocal performance, but his acting delivered a convincing, tragic interpretation of a character torn between loyalty to the law and inner doubt.
The Nice Guys (2016)
Russell Crowe showed a surprisingly humorous side in the action comedy "The Nice Guys", alongside Ryan Gosling. As a washed-up private eye, he demonstrates dry timing, self-irony, and a refreshing lightness rarely seen from him. The movie was widely praised for its script, the chemistry between the leads, and its blend of humor and 1970s flair.
Conclusion: A Chameleon with Character
Russell Crowe is an actor who cannot be pinned down to one genre. From epic historical films to psychological dramas and comedies – he masters every role with impressive dedication. His strongest performances are usually in characters that oscillate between inner conflict, physical presence and emotional depth. Even if his most recent projects no longer reach the Oscar-worthy heights of his earlier days, Crowe remains a reliable force for powerful and intense performances. With his recently confirmed involvement in the upcoming "Highlander" reboot, he shows that he is still a sought-after name in the film industry – and likely will be for years to come
