Those wacky aliens from the planet Zeist will soon make a return to theaters with an all new Highlander adventure. Highlander: The Source finally has a release date, and it looks like maybe it has dodged the indignity of being sent direct-to-DVD.
Highlander co-creator Peter Davis has posted the following announcement on the official Highlander: The Source website: “Any version of Highlander: The Source that is currently available is not the final producer’s version of the film. Peter Davis and Bill Panzer of Davis/Panzer Productions, the producers, in conjunction with Lionsgate Entertainment, are presently editing and remixing the film. This final cut will be delivered to Lionsgate on or about March 15, 2007. Lionsgate will be releasing the film in September, 2007.”
Apparently there’s some pirated version of the film floating around. This is the first I’ve heard of it but now, thanks to his announcement, I’ll go out and look for it. So will a lot of other people. Davis may have just shot himself in the foot there. Davis never actually says this is a theatrical release, but he says it's being released by Lionsgate, not Lionsgate Home Entertainment, so it's reasonable to suppose it'll be in theaters. Plus, September is the time of year when studios release their garbage films that don't stand much chance of doing well anyway. That's prime Highlander time baby.
So, if you’re a Highlander fan then seriously give it up. But if you just can’t let go, then here’s another continuity splitting movie for you. I’m a recovering Highlander fan myself. I still love the television series, but have come to grips with the fact that Panzer couldn’t make a decent movie if his career depended on it (which it does). Don’t get me wrong, if this one resurrects the franchise I’ll be happy. Surprise me Highlander, give me something good. But there have been too many missed opportunities in Highlander’s past to approach The Source with anything other than a healthy dose of skepticism. Star Trek take note: Better get Star Trek XI right or this could be you.
