Apple TV+’s “The Hunt” Finally Gets a Release Date After Plagiarism Concerns
After a three-month delay stemming from plagiarism allegations, the French thriller series The Hunt (originally titled Traqués) is officially set to premiere on Apple TV+ on March 4th. The six-episode series will roll out with the first two episodes available immediately, followed by weekly releases every Wednesday through April 1st.
The Plagiarism Investigation: What Happened?
The initial December 3, 2025 premiere date was scrapped when Gaumont, the production company, discovered potential similarities between The Hunt and Douglas Fairbairn’s 1973 novel, Shoot, and its subsequent 1976 film adaptation. Gaumont immediately launched an internal investigation to determine the extent of the overlap.
According to a statement released by Gaumont, the series was initially presented as an original work. Once the connection to Fairbairn’s novel was identified, Gaumont took steps to secure the necessary rights, and authorizations. The investigation highlighted the importance of respecting intellectual property and author’s rights.
From Original Creation to Adaptation: A Shift in Billing
The situation prompted a change in how the series is now credited. The Hunt is now billed as “a series by Cédric Anger based on the novel Shoot by Douglas Fairbairn.” This acknowledges the source material and reflects the resolution of the intellectual property concerns.
What is “The Hunt” About?
The Hunt centers around Franck (Benoît Magimel) and his friends whose weekend hunting trip takes a dark turn when they become the targets of another group. After a violent confrontation, they find themselves hunted in return, leading to a desperate fight for survival and a growing sense of paranoia.
The cast also includes Mélanie Laurent, Damien Bonnard, Manuel Guillot, Cédric Appietto, and Frédéric Maranber.
The Broader Implications: Protecting Intellectual Property in Streaming
This incident underscores the increasing scrutiny of original content in the streaming era. As platforms like Apple TV+ compete for viewers, the pressure to create compelling content quickly can sometimes lead to shortcuts. The The Hunt case serves as a cautionary tale for production companies and streamers alike.
The delay and subsequent investigation highlight the importance of thorough due diligence in verifying the originality of scripts and concepts. It also demonstrates the willingness of both production companies and streaming services to address plagiarism concerns, even after a project has been greenlit.
Future Trends: Increased Scrutiny and AI Detection
One can anticipate several trends emerging from this situation:
Enhanced Script Review Processes
Production companies will likely implement more rigorous script review processes, including detailed comparisons to existing works. This may involve employing specialized IP clearance firms.
The Rise of AI-Powered Plagiarism Detection
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated in identifying similarities between texts. These tools could be used to proactively scan scripts for potential plagiarism before production begins.
Greater Transparency in Content Creation
Streamers may demand greater transparency from production companies regarding the origins of their content. This could involve requiring detailed documentation of the creative process.
FAQ
What caused the delay of “The Hunt”?
The delay was due to an investigation into claims that the series plagiarized elements from Douglas Fairbairn’s novel Shoot.
When will “The Hunt” be released?
The Hunt will premiere on Apple TV+ on March 4th, with episodes released weekly.
Is “The Hunt” now considered an original series?
No, This proves now billed as a series based on the novel Shoot by Douglas Fairbairn.
Who stars in “The Hunt”?
Benoît Magimel, Mélanie Laurent, Damien Bonnard, Manuel Guillot, Cédric Appietto, and Frédéric Maranber star in the series.
How many episodes are in “The Hunt”?
Notice six one-hour episodes in the series.
