A major intellectual property controversy has rocked Apple TV+, leading to the abrupt and unceremonious removal of its highly anticipated French thriller series, The Hunt (also known as Traqués), just days before its scheduled global premiere. The move, which saw all promotional materials scrubbed from Apple’s platforms, comes amid serious allegations of plagiarism against the show’s creator and director, Cédric Anger. The incident underscores the complexities and risks involved in high-stakes streaming content production.
The Unfolding Scandal: Why “The Hunt” Disappeared
On November 20, 2025, The Hunt vanished from the Apple TV app without official explanation. This sudden disappearance preceded its planned debut on December 3, 2025, where the first two episodes were slated for release, followed by weekly installments. The swift removal, confirmed by multiple industry reports, indicates a significant issue brewing behind the scenes.
French media expert Clement Garin was among the first to bring the allegations to light, claiming that The Hunt bore striking resemblances to Douglas Fairbairn’s 1973 novel, “Shoot.” This novel was notably translated into French in 1974 under the title “The Hunt” and later adapted into a 1976 film. The production company behind the Apple TV+ series, Gaumont, swiftly acknowledged the situation, stating, “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.” Apple, however, has remained notably silent, declining requests for public comment.
A Tale Too Similar? “The Hunt” vs. Fairbairn’s “Shoot”
The core of the plagiarism accusations lies in the remarkable parallels between the narratives of Apple TV+’s The Hunt and Fairbairn’s original work. The logline for the Apple TV+ series described a scenario where Franck (played by Benoît Magimel) and his friends embark on a hunting trip. Their recreational weekend turns perilous when they become the unexpected targets of another group of hunters. After one of their party is shot, Franck’s friends retaliate, downing an attacker. The group flees, deciding to keep the incident a secret, yet Franck soon feels they are being watched and tracked by vengeful hunters.
This premise strikingly mirrors Fairbairn’s novel “Shoot.” Published in 1973, “Shoot” follows Rex, an “uber-macho” hunter, and his four companions on a Canadian wilderness hunting trip. They encounter a rival group, one of whom takes a shot, grazing one of Rex’s friends. A retaliatory shot from Rex’s group kills the shooter. Deciding not to involve authorities, Rex and his friends escape. However, Rex becomes convinced the deceased man’s companions will seek revenge, leading him to investigate and prepare for a definitive confrontation. The 1976 film adaptation, directed by Harvey Hart and written by Richard Berg, also faithfully captured this plot. The close thematic and narrative similarities between the works are the foundation of the ongoing intellectual property investigation.
Behind the Scenes: Legal Ramifications and Financial Fallout
Reports suggest that both Apple and Gaumont were allegedly unaware of these similarities throughout the development and production phases of The Hunt. The potential overlap only surfaced once the marketing campaign for the show had commenced, indicating a significant breakdown in the intellectual property vetting process. The extraordinary attempt by Apple to hide all references to the show’s existence, including press pages and trailers on multiple YouTube accounts, highlights the severity of the perceived legal exposure. Actors and production crew have also reportedly been prohibited from discussing the series.
With TV productions being expensive affairs, the financial implications for a fully produced, unreleased series are substantial. Apple and Gaumont have absorbed significant sunk production and marketing costs without gaining any viewership or subscriber benefits. It is widely speculated that Apple and Gaumont are considering legal action against Cédric Anger for alleged deceit. Clawing back all the costs, however, remains a formidable challenge.
The Cost of Creative Missteps: A Deeper Look at IP in Streaming
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust intellectual property due diligence in the entertainment industry. For global streaming platforms like Apple TV+, which heavily invest in original content to compete with rivals, ensuring the authenticity and originality of every project is paramount. The lack of proper vetting can lead to not just financial losses but also reputational damage, eroding trust among creators and audiences.
In an era of rapid content creation, the pressure to deliver compelling new shows often clashes with the meticulous research required to prevent such IP disputes. While the precise details of how this alleged plagiarism went unnoticed are unclear, it raises questions about the oversight mechanisms in place, especially when adapting stories or developing original concepts. The incident underscores the need for comprehensive legal checks at every stage, from script development to final production, to safeguard against similar future occurrences.
Broader Context: Apple TV+’s Content Challenges
This isn’t an isolated incident for Apple TV+. Earlier this year, another high-profile series, The Savant, starring Jessica Chastain, was also postponed just days before its scheduled air date, albeit for different reasons related to real-world sensitivities. While The Savant‘s delay was a response to external events, The Hunt‘s situation points to internal creative and legal vetting issues.
Despite these setbacks, Apple TV+ has seen success with some of its international content, notably the multilingual series Drops of God, which won Best Drama at the International Emmys and is slated for a second season. This juxtaposition highlights Apple’s strategic commitment to non-English-speaking markets while also exposing the inherent risks. The ultimate message for all content creators and platforms remains clear: originality and intellectual property integrity are non-negotiable foundations for sustainable success in the competitive streaming landscape.
What Could Happen Next for “The Hunt”?
The future of The Hunt remains uncertain. Several potential paths could be explored by Apple and Gaumont. One possibility involves negotiating a licensing deal with the Douglas Fairbairn estate and the book’s publishers. While this would inevitably make the show even more expensive, it could provide a legitimate pathway for eventual release, allowing the companies to potentially recoup some of their significant investment.
Alternatively, the series could be shelved permanently, representing a complete loss. Reworking the series to significantly alter its plot and differentiate it from Fairbairn’s novel might be another option, though this would be a costly and time-consuming endeavor. The outcome will likely depend on the findings of Gaumont’s investigation, the legal landscape, and the financial viability of each option. For Cédric Anger, the alleged deceit could have severe career ramifications, impacting future opportunities in the highly collaborative and reputation-sensitive entertainment industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are the plagiarism allegations against Apple TV’s ‘The Hunt’?
Apple TV’s The Hunt has been accused of plagiarizing the plot of Douglas Fairbairn’s 1973 novel, “Shoot,” which was also adapted into a 1976 film. French media expert Clement Garin initially raised concerns, pointing out that both the series and Fairbairn’s work feature a group of friends on a hunting trip who become targets of another group, leading to a retaliatory killing and a subsequent feeling of being hunted and watched by vengeful pursuers. This striking narrative similarity led to the series’ abrupt removal from Apple TV+.
What are the potential consequences for Cédric Anger and Gaumont in this IP dispute?
Cédric Anger, the creator, director, and screenwriter of The Hunt, faces potential legal action from both Apple and Gaumont for alleged deceit, given his role in the series’ development. For Gaumont, the production company, the immediate consequence is a significant financial loss from a fully produced, unreleased series. Both companies also face reputational damage, and Gaumont has publicly stated it is conducting a thorough review into the intellectual property matters, indicating a commitment to addressing the allegations seriously.
How does this incident impact Apple TV+’s strategy for original international content?
This incident poses a significant challenge to Apple TV+’s strategy of investing heavily in original international content to compete with other streaming giants. Pulling a high-profile, fully produced French thriller so close to its launch represents a substantial financial hit and potential loss of subscriber trust. It underscores the critical need for enhanced intellectual property due diligence and robust vetting processes for all international projects. While Apple TV+ has successful international shows like Drops of God, this event highlights the inherent risks and complexities in its global content expansion efforts.
Conclusion
The sudden disappearance of Apple TV+’s The Hunt due to plagiarism allegations serves as a powerful cautionary tale for the entire entertainment industry. It highlights the profound importance of intellectual property integrity, meticulous due diligence, and ethical creative practices in the high-stakes world of content production. While the financial repercussions for Apple and Gaumont are significant, the incident also prompts crucial conversations about oversight, accountability, and the future trajectory of international streaming content. The resolution of this dispute will undoubtedly set precedents and provide further insights into navigating the complex intersection of creativity, commerce, and copyright in the digital age.
