Cineverse Signs Highlander Franchise Digital Rights Deal with Davis-Panzer Productions

Rhea-AI Summary

Cineverse (CNVS) has extended its partnership with Davis-Panzer Productions, securing digital rights to multiple titles from the Highlander franchise and other catalog content. The multi-year, multi-territory agreement includes rights to nine movie and television series titles for Cineverse's streaming services and other digital platforms.

The deal encompasses the original Highlander film, all six seasons of Highlander: The Series, Highlander: The Raven, and additional Davis-Panzer productions including Cat Chaser, O'Hara's Wife, The Osterman Weekend, St. Helens, and Steel. This announcement comes as Lionsgate develops a major Highlander reboot starring Henry Cavill and directed by Chad Stahelski.

Positive

• Secured multi-year, multi-territory digital rights to nine titles from the popular Highlander franchise
• Strategic timing with upcoming Lionsgate's Highlander reboot could drive increased viewer interest
• Expands content library with established IP that has global recognition

Negative

• None.

Insights

Media Licensing and Content Strategy Expert

This strategic content acquisition represents a calculated move by Cineverse to capitalize on the anticipated revival of the Highlander franchise. The timing is particularly noteworthy, as it positions Cineverse to benefit from the marketing momentum and renewed interest that will likely accompany Lionsgate's upcoming reboot starring Henry Cavill.

The deal's structure offers multiple revenue opportunities:

• Direct streaming revenue through Cineverse's own platforms
• Additional distribution rights for other digital platforms, creating secondary revenue streams
• Cross-promotional opportunities with the upcoming reboot

For a company with a market cap of $63.7 million, securing rights to an established franchise with a devoted global following could significantly impact subscriber acquisition costs and retention rates. The multi-territory aspect of the agreement is particularly valuable, as it allows for international market expansion without additional licensing negotiations.

The inclusion of complementary Davis-Panzer titles beyond Highlander adds depth to the content library, though the primary value driver remains the Highlander franchise. This positions Cineverse to potentially benefit from both nostalgic viewers and new audiences discovering the content ahead of the reboot, creating a valuable content ecosystem that could drive sustained engagement and revenue growth.

Popular Action- Adventure Fantasy Films and Television Series Available on
 Cineverse Streaming Services and Other Digital Platforms

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS), a next-generation entertainment studio, today announced the extension of its partnership with Davis-Panzer Productions, Inc., securing digital rights to multiple titles from the iconic Highlander film and television franchise, along with additional titles from the Davis-Panzer renowned catalog.

Under the multi-year and multi-territory agreement, Cineverse has the rights to nine movie and television series titles for its streaming services – including Cineverse and Midnight Pulp – and distribution over other digital platforms and streaming services.

Cineverse's catalog features the original Highlander film, all six seasons of Highlander: The Series, and its spin-off, Highlander: The Raven. Additionally, the collection includes a diverse selection of films produced by Davis-Panzer, such as Cat Chaser, O'Hara's Wife, The Osterman Weekend, St. Helens, and Steel.

Highlander, the iconic action-adventure fantasy franchise and pop culture phenomenon launched in 1986 with the original movie starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. The film developed a devoted global following around the immortal hero Connor MacLeod, leading to the production of multiple sequels and a globally successful television series that aired from 1992 to 1998. A major reboot of the feature film and franchise is currently in development at Lionsgate with Chad Stahelski (John Wick) set to helm starring Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, The Witcher).

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Davis-Panzer Productions and re-imagine new ways to deliver such a valuable IP to its fans," said Cineverse Chief Content Officer Yolanda Macias. "On the dawn of the highly anticipated new Highlander feature film currently in the works, the popular franchise will now be able to reach new streaming audiences."

The owners and executive team of Davis Panzer Productions (Priscilla Panzer and Katia Vitale Davis) stated, "As we approach the 40^th Anniversary of Highlander and the production of the Highlander reboot we are excited to continue our partnership with Cineverse. This collaboration allows our beloved stories to reach devoted fans and new generations while honoring the memory of Peter Davis and Bill Panzer, whose visionary work continues to inspire and shape the future of our company."

ABOUT CINEVERSE

Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS) is a next-generation entertainment studio that empowers creators and entertains fans with a wide breadth of content through the power of technology. It has developed a new blueprint for delivering entertainment experiences to passionate audiences and results for its partners with unprecedented efficiency, and distributes more than 71,000 premium films, series, and podcasts. Cineverse connects fans with bold, authentic, independent stories. Properties include the highest-grossing non-rated film in U.S. history; dozens of streaming fandom channels; a premier podcast network; top horror destination Bloody Disgusting; and more. Powering visionary storytelling with cutting-edge innovation, Cineverse's proprietary streaming tools and AI technology drive revenue and reach to redefine the next era of entertainment. For more information, visit home.cineverse.com. 

Press Contacts:

For Media
The Lippin Group for Cineverse, cineverse@lippingroup.com

For Investors
Julie Milstead, investorrelations@cineverse.com

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SOURCE Cineverse Corp.

FAQ

What digital rights did Cineverse (CNVS) acquire in the February 2025 Davis-Panzer deal?

Cineverse acquired digital rights to nine titles, including the original Highlander film, all six seasons of Highlander: The Series, Highlander: The Raven, and additional Davis-Panzer productions.

How will the 2025 Highlander rights acquisition benefit Cineverse (CNVS) streaming platforms?

The acquisition allows Cineverse to stream Highlander content on its platforms including Cineverse and Midnight Pulp, while also enabling distribution across other digital platforms and streaming services.

What territories are covered in the 2025 Cineverse (CNVS) Highlander streaming rights deal?

The deal is described as multi-territory, though specific territories were not detailed in the announcement.

How does the upcoming Lionsgate Highlander reboot relate to Cineverse's (CNVS) streaming rights acquisition?

The timing of Cineverse's streaming rights acquisition aligns with Lionsgate's development of a Highlander reboot starring Henry Cavill, potentially creating increased interest in the franchise content.