I just watched Highlander a few weeks ago and I think this one qualifies as good idea, poor execution.

Wash yer mouth out! It’s definitely a case of terrible idea, great execution - in fact, it’s such a terrible idea that there was literally nothing with which to build a sequel out of. Every other Highlander movie and the tv show was little more than an awkward retcon milking exercise and little more.

Why didn’t they make the main character a frenchman?!

A French main character? In a USian movie? I guess you forgot about that whole anti-French “Freedom Fries” charade.