Mubi Secures North American Rights to Lukas Dhont’s Cannes Sensation ‘Coward’

Variety · 2026-05-23
Mubi Secures North American Rights to Lukas Dhont’s Cannes Sensation ‘Coward’

In a major deal finalized at the Cannes Film Festival, Mubi has successfully acquired the North American rights to Lukas Dhont’s latest film, 'Coward.' The queer romantic drama, which received a monumental standing ovation during its festival premiere, has solidified its status as one of the most significant titles in this year’s competition. Mubi, which had already secured the international distribution rights, now holds the global mandate for the film, marking a bold strategic move by the streaming platform to assert itself as a major player in contemporary prestige cinema. By capturing the rights to Dhont’s latest work, Mubi aims to leverage the film’s critical momentum to fuel its expansion into the North American market. This acquisition not only highlights the growing demand for authentic, emotionally complex queer narratives but also places Mubi in a strong position as the industry looks toward the upcoming awards season.