The sudden removal of The Hunt from Apple TV's December lineup has raised questions. Just a few weeks ago, everything seemed to be in place, the release date appeared certain, and marketing was already underway. Then, the series unexpectedly disappeared from the Apple TV app, and almost all references to it were removed. A recent report now offers clues as to what's behind this decision and why a return of The Hunt is unlikely.
The Hunt was announced as a French-language thriller series and was scheduled to premiere on December 3rd. The plot, cast, and trailers suggested an intense drama that draws a group of friends into a dangerous spiral of hunting, pursuit, and revenge. The abrupt cancellation just before the premiere is unusual, especially since Apple has not offered an explanation. The reasons suggest that legal issues may be a factor.
Planned launch of The Hunt
Apple TV unveiled The Hunt on September 25. The series focuses on Franck, played by Benoît Magimel, who goes hunting every weekend with three close friends. One Sunday, they find themselves in a hostile situation when another group of hunters opens fire on them without warning. When one member of the group is hit, the others fight back, bringing one of the attackers down.
The four men manage to escape and decide to keep what happened a secret. Back in his everyday life, Franck tries to focus on his relationship with his wife Krystel, played by Mélanie Laurent. But in the days that follow, he and his friends get the impression that they are being watched or even followed. His fear grows that the attackers are seeking revenge.
On November 6th, Apple released an official trailer for The Hunt, about four weeks before the planned release of the first two episodes. Everything indicated that the series would be released as planned.
The sudden withdrawal of The Hunt
On November 20th, the situation changed abruptly. The series listing disappeared from the Apple TV app. Almost all official references to The Hunt were removed from the Apple website. The trailer, which had been released just two weeks earlier, was also deleted. Apple made no public statement regarding the matter.
This wasn't the first time an Apple TV project had been unexpectedly postponed. Back in September, the drama Savant was canceled just days before its premiere. In that case, however, Apple issued a statement confirming that the release was still planned. With The Hunt, no such clarification was forthcoming.
The possible background: plagiarism allegations
According to French journalist Clément Garin, there is a specific reason for the swift cancellation of The Hunt. He reports that screenwriter Cédric Anger is accused of plagiarizing large portions of a 1973 novel titled La Traqué. The French version of the series originally bore the same name, Traqués, which could further support the accusation.
Garin writes that both Apple and the production company Gaumont are considering legal action against the author. This would explain why Apple reacted so quickly and without comment.
Why The Hunt probably won't return
Combined with the plagiarism allegations, the complete removal of all marketing materials, and Apple's lack of a statement, a clear picture emerges. Releasing the show would pose a significant risk in the event of copyright infringement. Unlike Savant, The Hunt wasn't just postponed; virtually every trace of it has been removed. Under these circumstances, a return of the series to the streaming service is highly unlikely. Everything indicates that The Hunt has been permanently canceled. (Image: Apple)
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