A few months ago, and despite years of talk, fanboy buzz, and “this one’s gonna work, we swear” energy, Lionsgate passed on funding Chad Stahelski’s long-gestating reboot of the immortal cult classic. The reason? Basically: too much money, too niche an audience, and… Henry Cavill.
That’s what The Wrap is reporting, citing sources close to the project.
Stahelski, the guy who turned “John Wick” into a billion-dollar franchise, wanted $180M to relaunch “Highlander.” Lionsgate balked, capping their interest at a still-eye-opening $165M. Amazon, because they light cigars with money, said sure.
But honestly, who can blame Lionsgate? They’re not exactly on a winning streak, and greenlighting a film for nearly $200M based on a franchise that, in its entire history, has grossed just $141M (adjusted for inflation!) sounds like a gamble made during a company-wide ayahuasca retreat.
The studio also reportedly felt the film was “too niche,” which is code for “only Gen X dudes.” And they weren’t totally sold on Cavill as a leading man either, citing the recent underperformances of “”The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” and “Argylle.”
Why on earth would Stahelski need $180M? Even Lionsgate’s $165M cap seems generous. This isn’t the MCU. This isn’t even “The Witcher”. It’s “Highlander”— a franchise best known for being rebooted badly twice already.
“Highlander” is supposed to start production in September. Stahelski recently mentioned that the film is eyeing theatrical release in “2027 or 2028.”