It was announced in May that a remake of the 1986 cult sci-fi film Highlander  was in the works with writers of the 2008 box-office smash Iron Man penning the script.

Art Marcum and Matt Holloway are talking not just boring, plain and unremarkable remake, but that new Hollywood catchphrase:  re-imagining in hopes that inevitable sequels of this reboot become critically acclaimed, not widely panned.

Earlier in the week rumors circulated of the potential casting of Kevin McKidd (Rome, Dog Soliders and Journeyman) as  the immortal Scotsman Connor Macleod.

This new has dissapointed fans of the original film as it breaks with the tradition of casting against nationality.  Christopher Lambert and Adrian Paul have expressed dismay that the production will not require dismemberment of the Scottish accent, a tradition they both proudly bear.  Meanwhile Sean Connery has stated, “If the Spanish-Egyptian doesn’t have a Scottish accent, then what’s the bloody point?”

According to Dan O’Bannon, there are more casting rumours, “They’re looking to update and contemporize the pivotal role of  bad guy The Kurgan with the surprise casting of Robbie Williams.  His dulcet, eunuch-like voice and aging British pop-star look will really draw new fans to the series.”  When questioned further Mr. O’Bannon said that he wrote Aliens, and has nothing to do with Highlander.  We approached writer Matt Holloway for his take:

“We are looking at a new, darker beginning to the franchise.  The only thing that needs to stay consistent is that MacLeod, an immortal Scotsman, will die if his head is cut off.   With that in mind we are looking in a new direction for his nemesis, The Kurgan.  The studio feels that we need to get more teenage girls into the cinema and Robbie is all over that like white on rice!”

Mr. Williams also gave a statement, “I think this will do wonders in opening new doors for my career.  I have longed to try the acting trade and hopefully gain respect for those skills, just like Kyle Minogue.  I am also excited that I will be able to contribute, if not do ALL of the soundtrack to the film, just like Queen did on the original.  I know I can bring a musical number into Highlander just for The Kurgan.  The producers would be mad not use my prodigious skills and talents.”

Robbie goes into the studio early in 2009 with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Mormon Tabernacle Choir to record his version of the Highlander theme “Princes of the Universe” as well as the films’ grand musical finale, “New York, New York!“

The sword-wielding immortal Conner MacLeod will be beheading cinema-goers in Highlander:  2010.

Credits

• Written By: Bruce Moyle
• Contributers: David Quinn, Dion Brooks
• Artwork: David Quinn

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