TV Series ‘The Franchise’ Satirizes Superhero Film Industry

‘The Franchise’, a new television series created by Armando Iannucci and Jon Brown, offers a sharp satirical take on the complexities involved in making modern superhero movies. The show, which presents a parody of a fictional superhero film production, delves into the chaotic nature of the film industry, particularly the pressures and absurdities of maintaining a successful franchise.

The series is particularly noteworthy for its notable cast, including Himesh Patel, who portrays Daniel, a stressed first assistant director. Lolly Adefope stars as Dag, the third assistant director, and Richard E. Grant plays an obnoxious actor named Peter. Daniel Brühl, an alumnus of Marvel’s cinematic universe, takes on the role of director Eric. The cast also includes Jessica Hynes as Steph, Eric’s assistant.

The roots of ‘The Franchise’ can be traced back to conversations between Iannucci and renowned theatre director Sam Mendes. Mendes, known for directing James Bond films, discussed the peculiar nature of working on large franchises, prompting Iannucci to realize the potential for comedy. The concept was subsequently pitched to HBO and developed into the current show, partly filmed in England, a frequent location for superhero films due to tax incentives.

Brown, known for his work on the acclaimed series ‘Succession’, served as the showrunner for ‘The Franchise’. He formed a writers’ room that included Guardian columnist Marina Hyde and Keith Akushie, formerly associated with ‘Siblings’, to explore the overblown characteristics of superhero films. The development process involved creating a fictional superhero, Tecto, a construction worker turned hero, which allowed the show to mock the often ridiculous nature of superhero films.

The series addresses several real-life issues within the film industry, including the treatment of VFX teams. The second episode, “Scene 36: The Invisible Jackhammer,” highlights the strain on VFX teams, drawing attention to their often-overlooked contributions and the undue pressure they face. This storyline reflects ongoing critiques of large film studios, specifically referencing controversies associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

While ‘The Franchise’ pokes fun at the superhero genre, it also acknowledges the creators’ genuine admiration for comic-book films. Patel and Brown openly express their enjoyment of such movies, with Iannucci being a lifelong comic-book enthusiast who has contributed stories to Marvel. Despite its comedic tones, ‘The Franchise’ depicts the complexities and challenges faced by those working in big-budget franchise productions.