The Franchise Is the HBO Hollywood Takedown We Need Right Now
There’s no denying we’re in an era of film dominated by big action-oriented movies based on existing IP, and The Franchise looks like it could be the perfect send-up for that era. The upcoming HBO show just dropped its first trailer, and it looks like a fun, comedic send-up of modern filmmaking from a unique angle. Following the production of a high-budget superhero movie, it looks like a much-needed jab at the industry’s current state.
The Franchise is a new spin on satirizing big Hollywood superhero movies
The Franchise is a new spin on satirizing big Hollywood superhero movies, abandoning parody and instead focusing on the behind-the-scenes problems of making a modern blockbuster. The trailer puts the focus mostly on the fictional movie’s crew over its cast, with the film’s director, Daniel, as the show’s apparent protagonist. Technical issues, studio interference, and neurotic actors are all on full display in the trailer.
Check out The Franchise trailer for yourself.
It feels like The Franchise has found the perfect niche to satirize modern pop culture while still setting itself apart from other shows doing the same thing. The Boys has become immensely popular as a parody of superhero movies, particularly the MCU, but it’s only touched lightly on the inner workings of Hollywood within the genre. The upcoming HBO show will fill that hole in the comedy zeitgeist by making Hollywood itself its comedic target.
By making a workplace drama on the set of a blockbuster movie The Franchise can also have a much broader range of jokes than a direct parody. While the show is about making a superhero movie, it could poke fun at big titles like Star Wars and The Fast and the Furious just as easily as the MCU. Of course, its workplace comedy premise allows for plenty of interpersonal drama and character-driven comedy as well.
By making a workplace drama on the set of a blockbuster movie The Franchise can also have a much broader range of jokes than a direct parody.
The premise of The Franchise could also allow it to tackle bigger issues with Hollywood’s current production system. It could mine topical industry issues like AI, special effects teams being overworked, and arbitrary studio mandates. More specific parodies of well-known actors and directors could also give the show unique satirical opportunities.
The upcoming HBO show has assembled a great cast of British and American actors. The Franchise’s UK stars include Himesh Patel, Jessica Hynes, and Lolly Adefope, all of whom are established comedic talents. The American side of the main cast consists of Aya Cash, Billy Magnussen, Darren Goldstein, and Issac Cole Powel.
It’s hard to judge a sitcom based on a single trailer, but The Franchise seems to have a good blend of specific parody and broader comedic beats. The trailer’s opening joke about “only” having 83 days of shooting left is a great beat making fun of the bloated production times of modern blockbusters. The trailer also shows it isn’t above lowbrow gross-out humor with the trailer featuring jokes about poop and scrotums.
With so much discussion of Hollywood’s risk aversion and move towards established brands, The Franchise is a very timely comedy. Audiences have become increasingly aware of the inner workings of these franchises, making it the perfect time for a behind-the-scenes comedy. The exciting new comedy is set to air on October, 6th 2024 on HBO.
