In a dramatic move that has shocked the entertainment industry, Apple TV+ has abruptly removed its upcoming French thriller "The Hunt" from its December streaming schedule. The decision comes following serious allegations that the series plagiarised both a 1973 novel and its subsequent film adaptation.
Production Halts Amid Investigation
Production company Gaumont officially confirmed that the show has been shelved while it investigates claims that creator and director Cédric Anger lifted the story from Douglas Fairbairn's novel "Shoot" and the 1976 film of the same name. The allegations were first surfaced by French media expert Clément Garin, according to industry publication Variety.
"The broadcast of our series 'The Hunt' has been temporarily postponed," Gaumont stated in an official release. "We are currently conducting a thorough review to address any questions related to our production. We take intellectual property matters very seriously."
Striking Similarities Between Stories
The parallels between "The Hunt" and "Shoot" appear substantial and difficult to ignore. Both narratives follow a similar trajectory involving hunting expeditions that turn violent.
In "The Hunt," the story follows Franck and his friends as they deal with the aftermath of their weekend hunting trip that goes terribly wrong. Franck becomes convinced that he and his companions are being tracked following the incident.
Similarly, "Shoot" centers on Rex, who becomes equally paranoid that his victim's companions will seek vengeance. The character goes so far as to recruit an arsenal of firepower in anticipation of a confrontation.
The core plot elements shared by both works include:
- A group of hunters encountering rival hunters in wilderness settings
- Violent confrontations resulting in shootings
- Retaliatory actions that lead to fatalities
- Survivors returning to civilization while keeping incidents secret
- Growing paranoia about potential revenge from opposing parties
Immediate Consequences and Historical Precedent
The series, starring Benoît Magimel and Mélanie Laurent, was scheduled to make its global debut on December 3rd with the release of its first two episodes. Apple has since taken decisive action by removing all promotional materials for the show from its official website, leaving the future of the expensive production uncertain.
This incident marks not the first time Apple TV+ has pulled a completed series at the last moment. The streaming service previously postponed Jessica Chastain's "The Savant" just days before its planned September premiere following the shooting of rightwing activist Charlie Kirk. That show remains without a confirmed release date to this day.
The entertainment industry and streaming subscribers now await the results of Gaumont's investigation, which will determine whether "The Hunt" will ever see the light of day or join the growing list of shelved productions in the competitive streaming landscape.
