Drew McIntyre’s WWE absence has been confirmed as he prepares to take on a key part in an upcoming film project. The WWE star will be stepping away from wrestling duties starting 2026, when production on the new movie Highlander is expected to resume following a delay.
Drew McIntyre to Star in Chad Stahelski’s Highlander
Drew McIntyre, known in WWE as The Scottish Warrior, is set to portray Angus MacLeod, the brother of Henry Cavill’s character Connor MacLeod, in the film Highlander directed by Chad Stahelski. The production was initially in pre-production earlier this year, but filming halted due to an injury sustained by Cavill during training. As a result, the film’s shooting is now expected to restart in early 2026, indicating the probable period of McIntyre’s WWE absence.
This casting marks McIntyre’s second appearance in a feature film. Previously, he appeared in the 2024 action-thriller The Killer’s Game alongside fellow wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista. Highlander’s cast also includes prominent actors such as Russell Crowe, Marisa Abela, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, and Max Zhang, making it a high-profile production under Amazon MGM Studios.
How Dave Bautista Helped Launch McIntyre’s Acting Career
McIntyre’s first film role came about largely due to a suggestion from Dave Bautista. In The Killer’s Game, McIntyre played Rory Mackenzie, a Scottish assassin assigned to confront Bautista’s character Joe Flood. The idea to include a Scottish character with a thick accent was shared by director J.J. Perry, who envisioned two wild, hard-hitting McKenzie brothers with strong accents and tough demeanors.
“They needed some extra characters. The director, J.J. Perry, had said I’ve got this idea for this Scottish brothers, McKenzie brothers, I have one of them, the other one I just want to the big, imposing guy that can feasibly and realistically beat yo up. And I just want them to have these thick Scottish accents and be just wild, you know, kind of drinking party bada**es that are somewhat unintelligible because of their thick accents. And Dave basically said, I actually know that guy, he exists, and called me.” — Drew McIntyre, WWE Star
This connection opened the door for McIntyre’s transition from wrestling to acting, allowing him to extend his talents beyond the ring while remaining involved in high-profile entertainment projects.
Recent WWE Highlights and Upcoming Break
Before announcing his film commitments, McIntyre remained active in WWE, including a recent high-profile match at Wrestlepalooza where he challenged Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed Championship. Although he was unsuccessful, McIntyre also engaged in prominent storylines, including a feud with veteran Randy Orton. These appearances underscore his importance to WWE storylines prior to stepping away.
Significance of McIntyre’s Career Shift
Drew McIntyre’s confirmed WWE absence due to his involvement in Highlander signals a significant shift as he balances his wrestling career with growth in the film industry. With production set to begin in 2026, fans can expect McIntyre to return to WWE after this interval. His growing presence in acting, alongside stars like Henry Cavill and Dave Bautista, highlights his expanding profile outside wrestling, likely attracting new audiences and raising his versatility as an entertainer.
Drew McIntyre in the trailer for The Killer’s Game.
Now this is cool 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wrYI4KFJGk
— Eleanor (@Its_Eleanor) June 5, 2024
