Hello and welcome to my fancast of Highlander, a 1986 British – American Action Fantasy Adventure, Starring Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Clancy Brown and Roxanne Hart.
The awesome first film in the well known series of films, spawned a good Tv Series, Cartoon Series and even had a comic spinoff.
Director
Russell Mulcahy:
Australian director of the cult original film. Made his name initially as a Music Director and went on to make Highlander, which he directed with fast pace and flair. Unfortunately when it came to making the sequel Highlander 2, he had a lot of studio interference and the film did not do to well.
Currently directing episodes of Teen Wolf.
Guillermo Del Toro:
Mexican Born Director has already Directed some great comic book movies in the form of Hellboy and Hellboy 2 and Blade 2. Also made the fantastic Pans Labyrinth, which mixed Dark Fantasy and the reality of living under a Dictatorship. First came to my notice with Mimic. Able to blend many genres into his films and will hopefully get to make another sequel to Hellboy.
Connor Macleod:
Connor MacLeod was born in 1518 in Scotland. During a battle in 1536, he faced an evil Immortal referred to as The Kurgan, and was dealt what should have been a fatal blow. When he did not die, the townspeople believed his recovery was the work of witchcraft, and threatened to burn him at the stake. Instead he was only banished. Connor wandered around the land until he met Heather MacDonald. The two fell in love, and married he then met an Immortal named Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez, who became Connor's mentor, Ramírez taught Connor the overriding rule of the Immortals: There can be only one
. Connor, Ramírez, and others like them were destined to fight each other until only one was left. By beheading another Immortal he would gain all their knowledge, power and strength. One night, the Kurgan, while Connor was absent, found his home, killed Ramírez, and raped Heather. Decades passed, and Heather finally died of old age. Connor left and started exploring the world. In 1985, MacLeod found himself living in New York in the guise of Russell Nash. This was the time of the Gathering, when the few Immortals that remained were to fight until the last. While fighting in the Gathering, Connor had to deal with being a suspect of several beheadings, while falling in love with NYPD Crime Scene Investigator Brenda Wyatt. In the end, it came down to MacLeod against his ancient enemy, the Kurgan. After the Kurgan kidnapped Brenda, MacLeod faced and defeated him, thus winning "The Prize”, the collective knowledge, power, and strength of all immortals, as well as a form of telepathy that let him know what everyone all over the world is thinking. Famously played by Christopher Lambert, with wit and charm and likeability, carried out the action with flair and heroism.
Gerard Butler:
Great actor, who has stared in a variety of genres. Has plenty of experience in action films, playing King Leonidas in 300, where he portrayed the tough King with conviction and leadership. Always comes across as likeable, and is very charming in his roles, and quite funny. I watched RockNRolla again recently and was reminded of how cool he is. Is Scottish himself so would fit well in the role of playing a Scotsman. Has the physicality for the role. Would also be able to portray Macleods conflict with being immortal and the pain that it brings in seeing all your loved ones dies while he stays young.
Heather Macdonald:
Wife of Connor and his true love. Spends a long time with her, until she dies of old age, showing Connor one of the horrors of life as an immortal. Played by Beatie Edney.
Rosamund Pike:
Great actress who has also starred in a variety of genres. Played the part of conniving Amy Dunne in Gone Girl with great skill. Is beautiful and comes across a likeable. Would use her experience to portray the likeability of Heather, as well as the horror of being raped.
Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez:
Born as Tak Ne in Egypt in 896BC. This immortal travelled the world fighting other Immortals. Came across the villainous Kurgan throughout various historic battles. Gained his Dragon Katana sword from legendary sword maker Masamune. Ramirez also married Masamune’s daughter Shakiko. Became Connor Macleods mentor teaching him the way of the immortals. He was decapitated by the Kurgan as he tried to protect Heather. Was played with great humour and flamboyance by Sean Connery.
Antonio Banderas
Great actor and with a good screen presence. Has the accent to portray someone has travelled all over the world. Has had some great action roles in films such as Desparado, Assassins, Zoro and Expendables 3. Has great charm and humor in many of his characters. Also is in good shape and has previously had experience using a sword in the two Zoro films.
The Kurgan:
Portrayed by Clancy Brown with true ferocity and evilness. The Kurgan, an Immortal, was found on the shores of the Kurgan tribe and taken in. The Kurgans were known for their cruelty. In 1536 he kills Macleod for the first time, and when he returns to kill the now Immortal Macleod, he is not present. Instead he decapitates Ramirez and rapes Heather.
The battle continues in 1985, where the Kurgan is ultimately defeated by Macleod in a battle at the Silvercup Studios. This allows Macleod to claim “The Prize”.
Jason Mamoa:
Has the height and physicality to play the tall brooding and fearsome Kurgan. Another actor who is quite well known for his physicality having played Conan in the less than successful remake, although it did give him experience with a sword. Also has played the fierce and tough Kal Drogo which I think will also serve him in this role. Will soon be seen playing Aquaman in the DC universe. Would be a great antagonist to Gerard Butlers hero.
Brenda Wyatt:
A NYPD Crime Scene Investigator, is fascinated by the case for which Macleod is being investigated for in 1985 , particularly when forensic dating on fragments of MacLeod's katana found at the scene date it as being over 2000 years old, far older than other katanas. Intrigued she begins investigating the mysterious Macleod eventually falling in love with him. Portrayed by Roxanne Hart
Priyanka Chopra:
Bollywood actress and singer. Very talented and beautiful. Is bilingual and speaks English fluently. Has come a long way since first debuting in movies and I believe that she has the talent to portray a Crime Scene Investigator having previously played Police Officers. Would hopefully have an interesting dynamic with Gerard Butler, having been linked romantically in the past. She was Joss Whedon's choice for Wonder Woman.
Thanks you for taking the time to read my Fancast. Feedback is always appreciated.
Simply Az