In a dramatic last-minute decision, Apple TV+ has pulled the plug on its upcoming French-language thriller series, The Hunt, following serious allegations of plagiarism. The show was abruptly removed from the streaming platform's December release schedule as its production company, Gaumont, launched a full investigation into the claims.
What Led to the Cancellation?
The controversy centres on accusations that the show's creator and director, Cédric Anger, took the core narrative from Douglas Fairbairn's 1973 novel, Shoot. The French-language series, which boasts a cast including Damien Bonnard and Manuel Guillot, was scheduled to make its debut on Wednesday, 3rd December, with new episodes released weekly.
The plot of The Hunt bore a striking resemblance to the source material it is now accused of copying. Apple's own preview described the story of Franck and his friends on a hunting weekend, where a confrontation with another group turns deadly. "When one of their party is shot, Franck’s friends strike back, sending an attacker to the ground. Barely managing to escape, the four friends keep the event a secret," the teaser read. This mirrors the 1976 film adaptation of Shoot, where a hunting trip in the Canadian wilderness descends into a violent battle between two groups after a shot is fired.
Production Company Reacts
Gaumont, the prestigious production house behind hits like Netflix's Lupin, confirmed the postponement in an official statement. "The broadcast of our series ‘The Hunt’ has been temporarily postponed," the company stated, adding, "We are currently conducting a thorough review to address any questions related to our production. We take intellectual property matters very seriously."
In a swift move following the allegations, Apple TV+ has scrubbed all promotional material for the series from its platform. Trailers and press releases for the show are no longer available to viewers, signalling the seriousness with which the tech giant is treating the claims.
Broader Implications for Streaming
This incident casts a spotlight on the intense pressure and competition within the streaming world, where platforms are racing to secure original content. The shelving of a high-profile series just weeks before its premiere highlights the significant legal and reputational risks involved when intellectual property rights are called into question.
The news of The Hunt's cancellation comes amidst other scheduling shifts on Apple TV+, including changes for the popular show Pluribus from Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad. For now, subscribers will have to wait for the outcome of the investigation to learn if The Hunt will ever see the light of day.
