There's an exciting update for those ready for the Highlander remake. It lands Karen Gillan in a key role, and we're here for it.
Karen Gillan is leaning into her Scottish roots as she takes on the role of the immortal Highlander's wife, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Amazon MGM is remaking the 1986 Highlander film, and while they have previously announced Henry Cavill as the main man, Russell Crowe as his mentor, and Dave Bautista as the enemy, there was no news about MacLeod's love story until today! And Karen Gillan will no doubt give a heartwrenchingly beautiful performance.
What is Highlander about?
The story of the film follows Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander in the 1500s, who doesn't exactly die after being fatally wounded. He is banished from his village and starts a new life with a woman named Heather MacDonald, who becomes his wife. Later, he learns that he is an immortal and cannot be killed except through beheading. Connor must train to become a sword master to defend himself and to kill other immortals since "there can be only one."
One of my favorite parts of the Highlander franchise, including the TV series, was the romance between an immortal man and a mortal woman. The heartbreak at knowing he will have to go on for centuries without her was a unique concept in an era long before vampire romance exploded in popularity. Heather MacDonald was not just Connor's wife, but his true love. And so her role in the movie is critical to who Connor is and who he becomes.
Karen Gillen is perfectly cast
Karen Gillan is a fantastic actress, and she has plenty of experience playing roles where time and age impact love. As Amy Pond in Doctor Who, she and her husband, Rory (Arthur Darvill), each had times when they were separated by decades or centuries. Being the mortal wife of an immortal man, growing old while he never ages, will be somewhat familiar territory for Gillan. Her range as an actress will also add strength to Highlander, as she can handle heavy emotions even while dressed as a blue cyborg (Nebula, Guardians of the Galaxy).
The love story in Highlander is a crucial element to the plot, and to Connor MacLeod's character development. And hopefully, in the remake, Heather's character won't just exist for the plot or character development. With Karen Gillan in the role, there is a great opportunity to see Heather live and grow as her own person, adding the emotional depth needed to tell a romance that exists beyond time.