Highlander (2010)

[RocShemp]

So I finally found a script review for this: http://www.cc2k.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1834

The guy bitches and moans about the changes but, despite being a huge Highlander fan, I kinda like them. They remind me of the original Widen draft but with some changes. Heather is given the Ramirez role in the sense that she urges Connor not to take part in the Game. In Widen's original draft, although Ramirez trained Connor so he could defend himself and stay alive, Ramirez urged Connor to not actively participate in the Game and only fight if he's forced to defend himself.

Holy Ground was a matter of tradition in Widen's draft (and in the first movie). The series and Highlander III added the supernatural consequences for breaking that rule. I like that the remake reverts to the old non-supernatural approach to Holy Ground. It's a rule and the Kurgan is a dick so he bends said rule.

The aforementioned plays into an element of Widen's draft where it's revealed the Kurgan was never the strongest Immortal (it was in fact Connor) but rather the craftiest.

I also see elements of the series. Connor living on Holy Ground reminds me of both a flashback during the pilot and shades of Darius from season 1.

And the new ending might be cool if the sequel(s) plays it up accordingly. Ramirez always seemed to be a step ahead except for his untimely end. I like the notion that he could somehow cheat death. Then again, it could simply be an expansion of the "conversation" he and Connor had at the end of the first movie.

In any case, it seems the script was still being worked on: http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readupdates.php?id=11185035907

Statement from Davis-Panzer Productions

In response to the review posted on CC2k, the script that was reviewed was a first draft. Anyone who is familiar with the script process will recognize that it is a long process. And anyone who makes judgments based upon a first draft is being unduly judgmental. The re-imagining of Highlander will be a wonderful film. It will be true to the canons and legend of Highlander while containing exiting new elements. We have great confidence that our creative partnership with Summit Entertainment will result in a film that will be true to the adventurous spirit of the original Highlander film.


Peter S. Davis
CEO and Founder
Davis/Panzer Productions

I'm cautiosly optimistic. And I would love to see Misha Collins as Connor MacLeod. He definitely looks how I'd view a new take on Connor. If not him, James McAvoy would be my second choice.

[stingermck]

If a series ever needed a reboot, its Highlander.

(except they did it with every sequel :lol:)

[anomynous]

Please no.


At least the Warriors remake looks like it's never happening

[RocShemp]

If a series ever needed a reboot, its Highlander.

(except they did it with every sequel :lol:)

Which is exactly why I like the idea of a remake that takes sequels into account from the start.

[Ravenous]

Wouldnt mind seeing a new movie, but the spacey, alien, spiritual crap really takes me out of the films.

[RocShemp]

From what you can see in the script review, there are no aliens or a planet named Zeist anywhere in sight, the supernatural elements have been downplayed to the basics (being about immortals was frankly enough and didn't need all that other supernatural mumbo jumbo), and it's just good old fashioned Highlander. Besides, these guys wrote Iron Man so you know it'll be fun.

[rexinnih]

What are these sequels to the original Highlander you speak of ;) The original is a guilty pleasure of mine and look forward to this. Hopefully we'll get a nice BD version of the original to tie in with the release.

[RocShemp]

Apprarently they're not only porting over the extras from the new UK BD but they also created a new interview with the cast and crew that will be included in the US BD (which is expected to coincide with the theatrical release of the remake).

I view the "sequels" as remakes. ;) None of them can coexist with the other or even the series (not even Endgame or The Source).

[Rizor]

I'd rather they do more of a reimagining than a remake. Take the concept and basic premise and run with it. The original was fun but flawed. I don't see the point of doing a beat by beat remake.

[RocShemp]

I agree. That's why I like all those elements the script reviewer hated. You got Immortals, the Prize, the Gathering, Connor MacLeod, Juan Sánchez Villalobos Ramírez, Heather, Brenda, and the Kurgan. Everything else is free game.

I actually hope the next few drafts took even more liberties with the source material.

[RocShemp]

I poster at Blu-Ray.com was kind enough to send me the script for the remake. After finally reading the script, I'm happy to say they are going with a very different approach with the remake. Rather than trying to recreate the first movie, they tell their own story with a familiar concept and five familiar characters (MacLeod, Heather, Ramirez, the Kurgan, and Brenda).

I really enjoyed it and don't get all the hate you feel towards it. If the script is any indication, it'll be a more polished film than the original while still retaining a lot of the charm from both the movies and the series. In fact, many character motivations and interactions were references to the series while the rules played out like Widen's first draft (but much more polished).

Although I caught the explanation for the final twist early (we never see an actual Quickening which clued me in that the body belonged to some unfortunate fire victim), I really like how the ending played out. Ramirez was always a smartass and I like how he actually played everyone.

As for the use of firearms, they found a very organic reasoning behind them and it never got in the way of hand to hand combat and the use of bladed (and other types of medieval) weapons. There were still plenty of swordfights and it never turned into some shootout.

If anyone wants to read it, PM me and I'll gladly e-mail it to you. It's a brisk 119 pages.