Plagiarism Controversy Forces Apple TV to Drop 'The Hunt'

Apple's decision to withdraw 'The Hunt' from its lineup has stirred discussions in the streaming industry, driven by allegations of plagiarism. The narrative of the show reportedly mirrors a story from Douglas Fairbairn's 1974 novel 'Shoot'.

Originally slated for a December 3 release on Apple TV, 'The Hunt' has been put on hold by Gaumont, the series' production house. In a statement to Variety, Gaumont acknowledged the postponement as they rigorously re-evaluate the show to resolve any intellectual property discrepancies, underscoring the company’s commitment to such matters.

Plot of 'The Hunt'

'The Hunt' revolves around Franck (portrayed by Magimel) and his friends, who face peril when they are unexpectedly targeted by another group during a hunting expedition. After one member of their circle is injured, they retaliate, bringing down an assailant. The tension heightens as they escape and keep the incident under wraps. However, Franck soon senses that he and his companions are being monitored, or perhaps stalked, by vengeful hunters.

About 'Shoot' by Douglas Fairbairn

Fairbairn’s 'Shoot' tells the story of Rex, an alpha-male hunter, who finds himself and his mates under attack by competing hunters during a trip in Canada. In the chaos, a friend of Rex retaliates by killing one attacker. Rex and his group flee, avoiding legal authorities, in the hope that their rivals would do the same. But Rex is haunted by the notion that the deceased's comrades might seek revenge.

Other Apple TV Adjustments

In a related development, 'The Savant,' another Apple TV series anticipated for release, was also postponed. Starring Jessica Chastain, 'The Savant' delves into the infiltration of online hate groups by an investigator aiming to prevent acts of terrorism. The Verge contacted Apple and Gaumont for further comments but has not yet received a response.