Apple TV Removes ‘The Hunt’ Amid Plagiarism Claims
▼ Summary
– Apple TV removed its series “The Hunt” from its streaming schedule due to plagiarism concerns raised by a French journalist.
– The journalist claimed the show closely follows the plot of Douglas Fairbairn’s 1974 novel “Shoot,” involving hunters being targeted by rivals.
– Production company Gaumont confirmed the postponement and is conducting a review, stating they take intellectual property matters seriously.
– “The Hunt” is a French thriller about friends on a hunting trip who are attacked and then feel pursued by hunters seeking revenge.
– This is not the first recent delay for Apple TV, as they also postponed the series “The Savant” in September.
Apple TV has pulled the French thriller series ‘The Hunt’ from its upcoming release schedule following allegations of plagiarism. The decision, first reported by Apple Insider, came after French media journalist Clément Garin pointed out striking similarities between the show’s plot and Douglas Fairbairn’s 1974 novel Shoot. Originally set to premiere on December 3rd, the series has been temporarily shelved while its production company, Gaumont, conducts a detailed review.
In a statement provided to Variety, Gaumont confirmed the postponement, emphasizing their serious approach to intellectual property concerns. “The broadcast of our series ‘The Hunt’ has been temporarily postponed,” the company stated. “We are currently conducting a thorough review to address any questions related to our production. We take intellectual property matters very seriously.”
The storyline of The Hunt centers on Franck, played by Benoît Magimel, and his close-knit group of friends whose weekend hunting trip takes a terrifying turn. They cross paths with another group of hunters who inexplicably begin targeting them. After one member of Franck’s party is shot, his friends retaliate, striking down an attacker. The group barely escapes and agrees to keep the violent encounter a secret. Franck attempts to resume his normal life with his wife, Krystel, portrayed by Mélanie Laurent, but soon becomes convinced that he and his friends are under surveillance, or worse, being tracked by hunters seeking revenge.
Comparisons have been drawn to Fairbairn’s novel Shoot, which was adapted into a film in 1976. That story revolves around an “uber-macho hunter” named Rex who, during a Canadian hunting excursion, faces an attack from a rival group of hunters. When one of Rex’s companions is shot, a friend fires back, killing an assailant. Rex and his group flee the scene and return home, choosing not to involve law enforcement in the hope that their rivals will do the same. Rex later investigates the identity of the deceased hunter and meets his widow, who tells him the official story is that her husband died from a “stray bullet.” Unsatisfied, Rex grows increasingly paranoid, believing the dead man’s friends are planning to hunt him down.
This is not the first time Apple TV has delayed a high-profile series. Back in September, the platform postponed The Savant, a show starring Jessica Chastain as an investigator working to infiltrate online hate groups and prevent domestic terrorism. Requests for comment sent by The Verge to both Apple and Gaumont regarding The Hunt have not yet received a response.
(Source: The Verge)
