Highlander reboot heats up with star-studded cast and first footage
Production is underway on the highly anticipated Highlander reboot, and early on-set footage that shows Henry Cavill as Connor MacLeod has amplified fan excitement. The film brings together an ensemble cast that reads like a modern action-drama roll call: Oscar winner Russell Crowe, former WWE star Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Jeremy Irons, Marisa Abela, and Djimon Hounsou. Chad Stahelski — best known for directing the John Wick franchise — is at the helm, working from a screenplay by Ryan Condal. The combination of Stahelski’s action pedigree and Cavill’s star power has set expectations high for a reinvigorated take on the classic franchise.
Night Hunter: a critically panned 2019 thriller finds new life on Paramount+
One of Cavill’s lesser-regarded films, the 2019 Canadian action-thriller Night Hunter, has unexpectedly become one of the ten most-streamed movies on Paramount+ worldwide at the time of writing. Directed and written by David Raymond, Night Hunter features a notable supporting cast including Ben Kingsley, Alexandra Daddario, and Stanley Tucci. Despite that pedigree, the film drew very poor critical reaction on release — its Rotten Tomatoes critics score sits at 14% — and it was widely regarded as a forgettable entry in Cavill’s filmography.
The movie’s basic premise centers on a police lieutenant, his entire force, and a vigilante who become entangled with a troubled man connected to a string of historical abductions of women. Though reviews were overwhelmingly negative, its presence on a major streaming service and renewed attention from Cavill’s growing profile have changed its fortunes in audience reach.
Why older titles resurface on streaming platforms
Several factors commonly drive sudden streaming popularity for older or critically dismissed films, and Night Hunter’s resurgence appears to be a textbook example:
- Star visibility: Cavill’s mounting profile — fueled by high-profile projects like the Highlander reboot and upcoming collaborations — often drives audiences to seek out his back catalog.
- Platform curation and algorithms: Streaming services frequently surface titles through featured sections, algorithmic recommendations, or promotional pushes, which can rapidly amplify viewership.
- Viewer curiosity: Fans who want to see every performance from a rising or resurging star may check out lesser-known titles, even if critics panned them.
- Limited new-release competition: When big new releases are thin on the ground, older catalog titles can climb viewing charts as audiences look for fresh watch options.
Night Hunter isn’t alone on Paramount+’s trending lists; the platform’s top selections also include high-profile action titles such as Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning (2025), World War Z, and the 2025 return of The Naked Gun starring Liam Neeson.
What’s next for Henry Cavill: In the Grey and more
Before taking on Connor MacLeod, Cavill has another major release on the horizon. He reunites with director Guy Ritchie for the action thriller In the Grey, produced by Black Bear Pictures and scheduled for release on April 10, 2026. The film follows two extraction specialists who map an escape route for a female negotiator and features an ensemble cast that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Rosamund Pike, and Eiza González. In the Grey represents Cavill’s next wide theatrical outing after his collaboration with Ritchie on The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare — not counting a brief cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine.
With Highlander in active production and In the Grey on the way, Cavill’s profile is set to remain prominent, which may continue to drive rediscovery of his earlier films on streaming services.
Where to watch and what to expect
Night Hunter is currently available to stream on Paramount+. If you’re tracking Cavill’s career or curious to see a lesser-known entry in his filmography, the movie offers a glimpse into his early action-thriller work despite its critical reception. For updates on the Highlander reboot, In the Grey, and Cavill’s other projects, keep an eye on official studio announcements and major entertainment outlets.