Apple removed “The Hunt” from its Apple TV lineup just before its planned premiere, and the move raised serious questions. Reports now point to alleged plagiarism tied to an older story. As the situation unfolded, Apple offered no formal explanation, yet the sudden disappearance made the issue hard to ignore.
Soon after, details started to surface. The show appeared to follow the same core story as the 1973 novel Shoot by Douglas Fairbairn. That book later gained attention through its French translation titled The Hunt. The timing and similarities pushed the controversy into sharper focus.
As the silence continued, Apple also wiped traces of the show from its platform and related promotional channels. Press pages vanished. Trailers disappeared. Even the cast and crew stayed quiet, adding weight to growing concerns.
Allegations and Creative Responsibility
French media expert Clement Garin linked the problem to director and writer Cedric Anger. According to these claims, Anger based the series on Fairbairn’s novel without proper credit or rights clearance. This connection placed both Apple and Gaumont in a difficult position.
The similarities did not stop at the title. The plot of the series reportedly mirrors the novel’s structure. A group of friends goes on a hunting trip, then faces a violent attack from other hunters. After one person suffers injuries, the group keeps silent yet feels watched and followed.
As more people connected these dots, the issue turned serious. The original story had already reached the screen in 1976 through a film directed by Harvey Hart and written by Richard Berg. That history strengthened the argument that the series borrowed heavily from existing work.
Apple’s Response and Legal Risk
Apple and Gaumont moved fast to reduce backlash. They removed all visible references to the show, including promotional material on YouTube and official pages. This effort suggested a desire to limit legal exposure before any lawsuit gained momentum.
At the same time, reports hinted that both companies are considering legal action against Cedric Anger for alleged deceit. The financial stakes remain high. TV productions cost millions, and recovering those funds will not be easy.
Still, the future of the completed series remains uncertain. Apple might reach an agreement with the Fairbairn estate and the book’s publishers. That path would legalize the release, although it would raise costs even further.
What Happens to the Finished Show
You now face a strange outcome. The series exists, filming is complete, and yet viewers cannot see it. Apple holds a finished product that sits in limbo.
A licensing deal offers one possible solution. By securing proper rights, Apple could release the show and recover part of its investment. This step would cost more, but keep the project alive.
Until then, the show stays hidden. The decision reflects a careful balance between legal caution and financial reality, while the story of “The Hunt” continues to unfold behind closed doors.
