Apple TV+ Scraps French Thriller “The Hunt” Amid Plagiarism Investigation

A new French thriller series has been pulled from Apple TV+ just days before its scheduled debut. The show, titled “The Hunt,” was abruptly removed from the streaming platform’s upcoming releases. This action follows serious allegations of plagiarism against its production company.

Gaumont, the studio behind the series, confirmed the delay. The company stated it is conducting a thorough internal investigation. They take intellectual property matters with the utmost seriousness.

Similarities to 1970s Novel Spark Controversy

The series is accused of improperly basing its plot on Douglas Fairbairn’s 1973 novel, “Shoot.” That book was previously adapted into a 1976 film. According to Rolling Stone, the allegations were first reported by a French media journalist.

“The Hunt” was set to follow a group of friends hunted by another group during a forest trip. After a violent shootout, the friends escape and vow to keep the incident secret. They soon become paranoid, feeling they are being tracked and watched.

The novel “Shoot” features an almost identical narrative framework. It also involves two groups of hunters clashing in the woods. A potshot leads to a fatal retaliation, a secret pact, and a looming second confrontation.

Production Company Faces Scrutiny and Reputational Risk

This postponement represents a significant setback for Gaumont. The prestigious French studio has a long history of film and television production. An official plagiarism finding could damage its industry reputation.

For Apple TV+, the situation highlights the challenges of vetting international co-productions. The platform has heavily invested in foreign-language content to attract global subscribers. This incident may lead to more rigorous pre-release checks for original programming.

The show’s lead actors, Benoît Magimel and Mélanie Laurent, are prominent figures in European cinema. Their association with a contested project could have unintended career repercussions. The resolution of this investigation is now eagerly awaited by the industry.

The future of “The Hunt” now rests entirely on the findings of the ongoing plagiarism probe, leaving its global premiere in indefinite limbo.

Thought you’d like to know

What is “The Hunt” series about?

It is a French thriller about friends on a hunting trip. They are suddenly targeted by another group of hunters. After a violent encounter, they try to hide the incident but feel pursued.

Why was “The Hunt” postponed?

Apple TV+ and Gaumont postponed the show due to plagiarism claims. The production company is investigating similarities to the novel “Shoot.” The premiere is delayed until the review is complete.

What is the book “Shoot” about?

Douglas Fairbairn’s 1973 novel involves two groups of hunters clashing. A careless shot escalates into a fatal fight. The main characters hide the killing but fear revenge from the other group.

Who is investigating the plagiarism allegations?

Gaumont, the French production company, is conducting the internal review. They have not announced a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion. External legal experts may be consulted.

Will “The Hunt” ever be released?

Its release is currently “temporarily postponed.” A final decision will be made after the investigation. The series could be canceled, re-edited, or released with credits to the original author.