Jeremy Irons to Play Villain in Highlander Remake
Henry Cavill injured himself during pre-production!
The "Highlander" reboot has secured another legend as a villain: According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jeremy Irons will play the leader of a mysterious order called "The Watchers". They observe the immortals and see them as a threat to humanity.
Hollywood favorite Henry Cavill takes on the lead role of Connor MacLeod. Also confirmed are: Russell Crowe as mentor Ramirez, Dave Bautista as the fearsome Kurgan, Karen Gillan as MacLeod's mortal wife, Djimon Hounsou as an African immortal, and Marisa Abela as MacLeod's modern-day love interest. Additional roles will be played by Max Zhang and WWE star Drew McIntyre. The movie is directed by "John Wick" director Chad Stahelski.
Filming was originally scheduled to begin in late September. However, an injury to Henry Cavill during pre-production led to a postponement. The new production start is now set for early 2026.
Jeremy Irons: The greatest film roles of an extraordinary actor
Few British actors combine elegance, charisma and versatility like Jeremy Irons. Since the early 1980s, he has left his mark on international cinema and television productions, ranging from romantic dramas and political biographies to blockbusters and fantasy adventures. His unmistakable voice, his distinctive face and his ability to endow even contradictory characters with depth have made him one of the most respected actors of his generation. The following is an overview of Jeremy Irons' best-known films and roles.
The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981): The international breakthrough
Irons made his international breakthrough alongside Meryl Streep in this literary adaptation based on John Fowles. The romantic costume drama combines a Victorian love story with a modern meta-level – a complex structure that delighted both critics and audiences. In it, Irons embodies a gentleman torn between passion and social convention. With this film, he immediately established himself as a serious actor in world cinema.
Reversal Fortune (1996): scandal and passion
Based on a true story, Irons played the politician Stephen Ward, who was involved in the British Profumo scandal in the 1960s. The film received mixed reviews, but Irons' nuanced portrayal of a man caught between power, desire and social pressure was widely praised.
The Man in the Iron Mask (1998): Dumas for the blockbuster audience
Irons starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, John Malkovich and Gérard Depardieu in this star-studded adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas classic. As Aramis, one of the Musketeers, he showed that he can also cut a strong figure in adventure and blockbuster cinema. The film itself was a commercial success and brought the Dumas myth to a new generation.
Dungeons & Dragons (2000): Cult status despite criticism
Although the fantasy film adaptation based on the famous role-playing game fell flat with critics, Jeremy Irons remained unforgotten as the power-hungry magician Profion. His over-the-top, almost operatic performance made him the secret highlight of the film. Today, the role has a certain cult status, precisely because Irons played it with total dedication, even though the production was weak.
Lolita (1997): Breaking taboos with depth
In Adrian Lyne's remake of Vladimir Nabokov's scandalous novel, Irons took on one of the most controversial roles of his career: Professor Humbert Humbert. His relationship with the young Dolores "Lolita" sparked fierce debate. However, critics appreciated how Irons imbued the character with tragedy, despair and moral ambivalence.
Die Hard: With a Vengerance (1995): Cult villain
For many fans, Jeremy Irons is most memorable as a charismatic villain. In "Die Hard 3", he played the brilliant terrorist Simon Gruber, the brother of Hans Gruber from the first part. With intelligence, elegance and dangerous coldness, Irons became one of the most iconic action adversaries of the 1990s.
The Lion King (1994): Unforgettable voice
You don't always have to be in front of the camera to make an impression: In Disney's The Lion King, Irons lent his unmistakable voice to the scheming lion Scar. With cutting arrogance and a theatrical timbre, he created one of the greatest Disney villains ever. To this day, Scar is considered a prime example of how much a voice can immortalize an animated character.
House of Gucci (2021): Late career highlights
Even in old age, Irons remains in demand: in Ridley Scott's "House of Gucci", he played the elegant but sickly Gucci patriarch Rodolfo. His portrayal brought dignity and tragedy to the family drama and showed once again that Irons can shine in both leading roles and striking supporting roles.
Conclusion
Jeremy Irons has shown an impressive range over the course of his career: from Oscar-winning character actor to unforgettable action villain to incomparable Disney villain. Whether in arthouse films, literary adaptations or blockbusters, Irons always manages to imbue characters with a special aura. His best-known films are not only milestones in a remarkable career, but also testament to how acting can transcend boundaries.
With almost five decades in the film business, Jeremy Irons is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors of his time – and his name will remain synonymous with quality, intensity and elegance for generations to come.
