Apple TV+ Removes French Thriller The Hunt Before Premiere

Apple TV+ has abruptly canceled its upcoming French thriller The Hunt, just days before its scheduled premiere. The series was set to debut on December 3, 2025, but has now been completely removed from Apple’s platforms following allegations of plagiarism.

Apple Pulls the Series From Release

All promotional materials for The Hunt, including trailers and photos, have been scrubbed from Apple TV+. The move signals a decisive response to the controversy, as the streaming giant distances itself from potential intellectual property disputes.

The series starred Benoît Magimel and Mélanie Laurent, and its plot centered on hunters being targeted by another group, leading to a violent confrontation and a revenge-driven narrative. The show had been fully completed and ready for release before the cancellation.

Gaumont Launches Internal Investigation

Production company Gaumont, which developed the series, confirmed the postponement. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, a spokesperson said the studio is conducting a “thorough review” of the allegations. They emphasized that Gaumont takes intellectual property matters very seriously and will investigate the claims before deciding the show’s future.

Allegations of Plagiarism

The plagiarism claims were first reported by French journalist Clément Garin. According to Garin, The Hunt is alleged to be a direct, uncredited adaptation of Douglas Fairbairn’s 1973 novel Shoot. The book was published in France under the same title, The Hunt.

Fairbairn’s novel follows a group of hunters who engage in a fatal firefight with another group—an almost identical premise to the canceled series. The similarities have raised serious concerns about whether the show borrowed its storyline without proper acknowledgment.

Apple’s Cautious Approach

This is not the first time Apple TV+ has pulled a completed series before release. The decision reflects the company’s cautious approach to intellectual property disputes, prioritizing legal clarity and brand reputation over immediate content rollout.

By removing The Hunt entirely from its schedule, Apple avoids potential backlash while Gaumont investigates the allegations. The move also underscores the growing scrutiny streaming platforms face when adapting or producing original content.

Future of The Hunt Uncertain

The fate of The Hunt remains unclear. If Gaumont’s investigation confirms plagiarism, the series may never see release. If cleared, Apple could potentially reinstate the show at a later date. For now, fans of French thrillers will have to wait for updates.

The scandal highlights the importance of transparency in creative adaptations and the risks studios face when intellectual property disputes arise. As the investigation unfolds, The Hunt stands as a cautionary tale in the streaming era.