"We now have an economic agreement in principal that is supported by the plaintiffs, the AG's office, the defendants and all of the insurers that, if approved, would provide significant compensation to victims, creditors and the estate, and allow the parties to avoid years of costly, time consuming and uncertain litigation on all sides," Adam Harris, a lawyer for studio co-founder Bob Weinstein, told a Delaware bankruptcy court judge on Thursday.

Harris cautioned there was still "a lot of work here to do."

"But I personally am very optimistic," Harris said.

The size of the deal wasn't revealed in court, but a person familiar with the negotiations told AP it was worth $US44 million ($A64 million).

The New York attorney general's office declined to comment.

More than 15 lawsuits have been filed accusing Harvey Weinstein or the company of misconduct. The settlement would cover many of them, including a class action by alleged victims and a suit by the New York attorney general.

The class-action complaint accuses the company of operating like an organised crime group to conceal widespread sexual harassment and assaults.

The scandal forced the studio into bankruptcy.

Harvey Weinstein also faces criminal charges in New York of rape and performing a forcible sex act. His trial is scheduled to begin in September.

He denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.

Australian Associated Press