The Franchise: A Hilarious Superhero Satire by Armando Iannucci
In a world where superhero movies dominate the box office, HBO's latest series, The Franchise, offers a satirical take on the industry. Created by Armando Iannucci, known for his work on The Thick of It , Veep , and Avenue 5 , this new series delves into the behind-the-scenes chaos of making a mid-range superhero film. The show premiered on October 6, 2024, and has already garnered attention for its biting humor and realistic portrayal of the film industry's absurdities.
The concept for The Franchise originated from a conversation between Sam Mendes, the director known for his work on two James Bond films, and Armando Iannucci. This partnership was sparked by Mendes's experiences working within commercial franchises, which Iannucci saw as comedic material. The seeds were planted in the early 1990s, but it wasn't until nearly a decade later that they began developing the show in earnest. The project was eventually picked up by HBO, which started its development in the United States but faced slow progress. The duo requested a return of the project during the pandemic, especially since many superhero films are filmed in the UK due to attractive tax incentives.
The series follows the tumultuous making of a mid-range superhero film called Tecto: Eye of the Storm . The story revolves around Eric (played by Daniel Brhl), a passionate German filmmaker who has transitioned from indie accolades to studio productions. He is deep into the filming of Tecto when he receives an unexpected visitor, Pat (Darren Goldstein), a robust executive from Maximum Studios. This executive is managing the concurrent development of Centurios 2 , the studio's flagship project featuring its most popular superheroes. However, the film is facing issues with its final act, described as a 'drought of engaging plot points' that isn't being addressed.
One of the standout aspects of The Franchise is its cast of characters. Each character is deeply flawed and struggling with their own personal demons. Eric perceives himself as an unconventional artist, distancing himself from the typical 'hipster chinos guy who shops at Muji.' Meanwhile, his leading man, Adam (Billy Magnussen), is convinced that this role will finally catapult him to stardom rather than solidifying his position as a forgettable B-list actor. Additionally, the first director, Himesh Patel, clings to the hope of directing his own film one day, despite having a more realistic understanding of how bleak that outcome might be.
The show's creator, Jon Brown, has assembled a team of writers who are mostly devoid of experience in the superhero genre. This lack of direct experience is actually a strength for the show, as it allows them to approach the genre with fresh eyes and a critical perspective. The writers have conducted thorough research, even incorporating real-life anecdotes and serious accounts into the narrative. For example, one subplot involves Adam struggling with the pressure to inject human growth hormone to achieve an action-hero physique. Other narratives, like a new lighting fixture damaging the stars' eyesight, were lifted directly from reality.
The Franchise is not just a satirical take on superhero movies; it also critiques the broader film industry. The show highlights how work can lose its meaning and how the pursuit of quick profits often takes precedence over artistic integrity. This theme is encapsulated in Eric's line: 'Every hill I find, I on it. I'm dead on hill.' The best approach seems to be to relinquish one's dignity and dive in, as Grant's working actor does, with an enthusiastic 'Let's eat shit!' If creating something meaningful is beyond reach, one might as well aim for quick profits.
The show's self-referential nature is another notable aspect. Armando Iannucci has mentioned that he often found himself accidentally becoming part of the narrative. To differentiate between the actual crew and the fictional one, the team used colored lanyardsyellow for the real production and black for the fabricated film. This meta approach adds another layer of humor and realism to the show.
Despite its satirical nature, The Franchise has received praise for its execution. The humor is biting and often spot-on, capturing the absurdities inherent in producing such films. Early in the series, Dag is cautioned against letting a visiting executive see the sixty live Yoshino cherry trees imported from Japan at great expense and subsequently cut from the script. This absurdity was made believable by extensive consultation with actors, directors, and crew members from similar projects.
The Franchise is set to premiere on Sky Comedy and Now on October 21, 2024. The show's influence can already be seen in its impact on the broader cultural conversation about superhero movies. It has sparked discussions about the industry's inner workings and the absurdities that come with it. Whether you are a fan of superhero films or not, The Franchise offers a unique perspective that is both hilarious and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, The Franchise is a must-watch for anyone interested in satire and the film industry. With its talented cast, realistic portrayal, and biting humor, it offers a fresh take on the superhero genre. If you're looking for a show that will make you laugh while also making you think about the absurdities of modern filmmaking, then The Franchise is the perfect choice.
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