The highly anticipated Apple TV series The Hunt was set to debut on December 3, only for all promotional materials to be virtually erased from its service last week. A number of theories emerged about why the project had been pulled, especially this close to its premiere, with reports now emerging that there are enough similarities between the show and the 1973 novel Shoot by author Douglas Fairbairn to draw concern. As Apple TV investigates the matter to determine any copyright infringement, they have delayed all plans to release the series and pulled all materials about the project from its service.
Deadline revealed the reason for the delays, with the outlet also acquiring a statement about the unexpected decisions from French production company Gaumont, which reads:
“The broadcast of our series The Hunt has been temporarily postponed. We are currently conducting a thorough review to address any questions related to our production. We take intellectual property matters very seriously.”
Given that Fairbairn died in 1997, any matters regarding copyright infringement would be handled through his estate.
What Was ‘The Hunt’ About?
Apple TV previously described the series:
Created by Cédric Anger, the show follows Franck (Benoît Megimel) and his longtime friends, who spend weekends hunting together, come across another group who begin targeting them for no apparent reason. Despite one of their group being shot, they strike back and manage to escape. However, as Franck goes back to his normal life with wife Krystel (Mélanie Laurent), he senses he is being watched or tracked by hunters now hell-bent on revenge.
Also starring in the series are Damien Bonnard, Manuel Guillot, Cédric Appietto, Angelyna Danabe-Mignot, Paul Beaurepaire, Yann Goven, Sarah Pachoud, and Patrick De Vallette.
The mysterious nature of the program being pulled understandably sparked speculation among audiences, especially given how Apple TV similarly pulled the plug on the upcoming series The Savant in a similar fashion. Now that the real reason for the delays has been revealed, any connection to The Savant delay has been debunked.
The Jessica Chastain-starring The Savant was delayed back in September, just days before it was set to premiere on the service. The subject matter of that series, though, was a bit more sensitive, as The Savant chronicled a woman (Chastain) who infiltrated online hate groups who were planning to commit acts of violence. Apple TV might not have officially explained why they delayed the series, the decision was made in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which also saw Jimmy Kimmel Live! being temporarily canceled in response to comments host Kimmel made that were deemed insensitive. Many audiences speculated that The Savant would be released at a time in which it wouldn’t be deemed “insensitive,” though Chastain, who also serves as a producer on the project, pointed out that the fictional narrative was more timely than ever, as it highlights those trying to prevent violent attacks.