The Kurgan

The Kurgan is a fictional character from the first Highlander film. He is portrayed by Clancy Brown. He is an Immortal, the main antagonist to Connor MacLeod in Highlander, and the latter's ultimate opponent in the Gathering. The Kurgan's life story is fleshed out in several Highlander spin-offs in various media.

Scott Glenn and Roy Scheider were the original choices for the role before the character was changed to a brutal barbarian psychopath. Arnold Schwarzenegger was offered but turned down the role. Rutger Hauer and Nick Nolte were considered for the role until Clancy Brown was cast after he was recommended by Sting whom he had work with in the movie The Bride. Brown was initially reluctant to take the role as while shooting The Bride he had an allergic reaction to the prosthetics.