What would Ryan Reynolds wear under his kilt?
“Highlander” is one of those movies that didn’t win much notice at the time, but with the addition of a few sequels, and a TV series (especially the TV series), has developed a fanatically devoted cult. When word of a remake of the original movie came out a few years ago, the general reaction wasn’t horror, as often happens with remakes(“Don’t you dare touch our beloved!”), but rather happy, like, “Oh good, at last, more ‘Highlander.’”
(The original movie, I should note, starred Christopher Lambert as Connor McLeod, an immortal Scottish swordsman who, after centuries of dueling to survive against others like him, must confront the last of his kind, a murderously brutal barbarian, who lusts for the Prize.
The project has stagnated for a few years, though. They finally booked a director, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, but other than that, nothing. Until now–
Variety reports that Ryan Reynolds has emerged as the frontrunner for the role. It’s not clear whether there’s been an offer, or if there is, whether Reynolds would take it. He’s supposed to be interested, but also looking at a number of other projects.
Judging from the comments on ComingSoon, fan reaction hasn’t been good. I partially agree–while I don’t think Reynolds is a complete tool, the worst actor ever, or a *77% piece of $##F@^, as some colorfully describe him in those comments, I don’t think feel like this is a great part for him. I think he’s a good light comedian, I’m pretty sure he can do both romantic dramas and a very straightforward action thriller, but sci-fi/fantasy doesn’t seem like a good fit. Plus “Highlander” is at least partially a period piece (completely, if you’re just talking about the character), and Reynolds is one of those actors who just seems really modern and hard to envision as something else. If I were his manager, I’d say, “So, what are those other projects we’re debating…?” and move on.
(Good news, with my prediction record, I think I’ve just ensured that Reynolds will get the role and be a huge success.)
