Actor Dave Bautista has told how filming in Scotland was a must for him as he prepares to take on his dream role in the Highlander reboot.

The Marvel actor will play the film's iconic bad guy, The Kurgan, in the remake of the 80s cult classic alongside Superman star Henry Cavill.

Frenchman Christopher Lambert played The Highlander in the 1986 original, with Sir Sean Connery appearing as his mentor Ramirez as well as Clancy Brown in the role of the immortal Kurgan.

Bautista, a former WWE wrestler, is best known for his role of Drax in the Marvel series Guardians of the Galaxy.

The American says it has been a dream to play The Kurgan and was clear that for the movie's battle scenes to look authentic, filming had to take place in the Highlands.

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Mail Bautista, 56, said: "I know we have heard actors say I have wanted to play this role my whole life, but honestly I have wanted to play this role my whole life.

"I know in this era there is all sorts of technology to make it appear you are filming somewhere you aren't, but for me it's all about being authentic and that's why we had to film in Scotland.

"The battle scenes are going to be incredible, some of the best I think audiences will have seen.

"You add that to the backdrops of the Scottish Highlands and we are going to end up with something that is visually stunning."

Bautista will be rejoined by Inverness-born actor Karen Gillan, who played Nebula, in Guardians of the Galaxy.

Gillan will appear in Highlander as Heather, the wife and love interest of Connor MacLeod.

Bautista has nothing but praise for his co-star. He said: "I can not wait to start working with Karen again, she is such a talent."