d++ 12 Seconds Into Sword Training, Henry Cavill Collapsed — Highlander Set Left Speechless
A single moment on the Highlander set left cast and crew stunned: Henry Cavill, just 12 seconds into sword training for Amazon MGM Studios’ reboot of the cult classic, collapsed in visible pain. Crew members later recalled that he “didn’t scream—he growled through it,” a testament to the actor’s resilience.
The incident has prompted delays in production, pushing the Chad Stahelski-directed film’s schedule likely into early next year. The highly anticipated reboot, penned by Michael Finch, boasts a star-studded cast including Russell Crowe, Marisa Abela, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Dave Bautista, and Max Zhang.
Russell Crowe, known for his commanding presence both on and off set, reportedly stepped in immediately, helping recalibrate the training regimen and morale after Cavill’s injury. “Russell’s approach really changed the dynamic,” a crew member shared. “It turned a tense moment into a learning experience for everyone.”
Producers behind the film include UA’s Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt, alongside Neal H. Moritz, Stahelski’s 87Eleven Entertainment, Josh Davis of Davis Panzer Productions, and Louise Rosner. Amazon MGM secured full rights to the 1986 original Highlander, with discussions underway for a potential new series. The original film, starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, depicted immortal warriors battling across centuries and has since become a beloved franchise spanning sequels and a cult-followed television series.
Cavill, represented by WME and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern, is no stranger to intense physical preparation. Over the past year, he’s starred in multiple projects including Disney/Marvel’s Deadpool and Wolverine, Lionsgate’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and Apple Original Films’ Argylle. Upcoming releases include Rawson Marshall Thurber’s Voltron, Guy Ritchie’s In the Grey, and Enola Holmes 3 for Netflix.
Despite the setback, production insiders are confident that Cavill’s dedication and the team’s quick response will ensure the reboot lives up to the legendary status of its predecessor. Fans of the original Highlander franchise will have to wait a little longer, but the combination of Cavill’s physical commitment and Stahelski’s action-driven direction promises a revival worthy of its iconic roots.
