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How exactly do massive franchise superhero films come together? Well, “The Franchise” is going to show fans — sort of.

The new series, set to premiere on HBO and Max, is entirely fictional, but it is about a film crew working to put together the next installment in a major superhero franchise. It pokes fun at many real assumptions about these films.

Here’s what you need to know in order to watch new episodes.

What is the release date?

“The Franchise” kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 6.

Is it streaming or on regular TV?

Both! The series will premiere on HBO but will also be available to stream on Max.

When do new episodes come out?

New episodes will premiere on Sundays at 10:00 p.m. Et/Pt. The eight-episode season will release one new episode weekly through Nov. 24th. Here’s how that breaks down:

Episode 1: Sunday, Oct. 6 Episode 2: Sunday,...

HBO has released the official trailer for the original comedy series The Franchise, which will debut on Sunday, October 6, at 10 p.m. Et/Pt. The eight-episode series will be available on HBO and Max.

The Franchise follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. One new episode will debut weekly through Sunday, November 24.

The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every mess-up has an origin story.

The cast includes Himesh Patel as Daniel, Aya Cash as Anita, Jessica Hynes as Steph, Billy Magnussen as Adam, Lolly Adefope as Dag, Darren Goldstein as Pat, and Isaac Powell as Bryson. The recurring guest stars include Richard E. Grant as Peter and Daniel Brühl as Eric.

The executive producers are Sam Mendes,...

Armando Iannucci has already skewered the world of politics with prescient series “Veep.” Now, the staple HBO showrunner is turning his satirical eye on Hollywood with workplace comedy series “The Franchise.”

The official synopsis for “The Franchise” reads: “The series follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every fuck-up has an origin story.”

With Method acting mocked and superhero stars juicing up with Hgh, “The Franchise” doesn’t hesitate to point out just how ridiculous working on big studio franchises really is.

The ensemble cast includes Aya Cash, Himesh Patel, Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope, Darren Goldstein, and Isaac Powell; Richard E. Grant and Daniel Brühl are billed as recurring guest stars.

HBO has unveiled that its original Hollywood satire series “The Franchise” debuts on its linear channel and Max Oct. 6 at 10 p.m Et. The premiere episode of “The Franchise” is directed by Oscar-winner Sam Mendes.

According to the official logline, “‘The Franchise’ follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every f*ck-up has an origin story.”

Cast members include Himesh Patel (“Greedy People”), Aya Cash (“The Boys”), Jessica Hynes (“Shaun of the Dead”), Billy Magnussen (“Road House”), Lolly Adefope (“Ghosts”), Darren Goldstein (“Ozark”) and Isaac Powell (“American Horror Story”). Richard E. Grant (“Saltburn”) and Daniel Brühl (“All Quiet on the Western Front”) will serve as recurring guest stars.

Executive producers include Mendes,...

Hollywood big-budget tentpoles get ready, Armando Iaunucci is coming for you.

The Veep and Avenue 5 creator/writer teamed up with Succession and Veep writer Jon Brown and the pair have crash-landed from the worlds of media, politics and outer space onto a superhero movie set for the satirical series, The Franchise, which has now dropped a teaser trailer.

Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty) is director and executive producer along with Iaunucci (The Thick Of It, The Death Of Stalin) and Brown, with Brown as showrunner.

“Everything’s exploding at a million miles an hour, and the movie is a scrotum resting on a razor’s edge,” says Himesh Patel to set the tone in the footage. Patel is playing the director an unloved franchise movie “fighting for its place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe.”

Per the logline, “The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking,...

HBO has released the first trailer for new Max TV series The Franchise ahead of its debut on the streaming platform on Sunday, October 6. While this show isn't based on any comic book you've ever read, it does take place in the world of superheroes...well, superhero movies.

According to the official logline, "The Franchise follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe."

"The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every f*ck-up has an origin story."

This is either going to be a fun take on how superhero movies are made or a lame attempt to poke fun at a genre that still dominates Hollywood (much to the continued chagrin of certain critics and Martin Scorsese). We'll see,...

If the series lives up to its trailer, HBO’s The Franchise is going to be one of the most quotable comedies in years. The first minute-and-a-half teaser shows chaos on the set of a sci-fi action superhero film.

Himesh Patel stars as Daniel, Aya Cash is Anita, Jessica Hynes plays Steph, and Billy Magnussen is Adam. Lolly Adefope is Dag, Darren Goldstein is Pat, and Isaac Powell plays Bryson. Richard E. Grant and Daniel Brühl show up as recurring guest stars.

“The Franchise follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe,” reads HBO’s synopsis. “The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every f*ck-up has an origin story.”

Jon Brown (Succession) wrote the pilot, executive produces,...

HBO’s upcoming comedy The Franchise is taking us behind the messy curtain of a superhero film gone wrong, and it all flies into action Sunday, Oct. 6 at 10/9c.

According to its official description, the eight-episode series “follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every f–k-up has an origin story.”

More from TVLineTVLine Items: HBO Orders Rachel Sennott Comedy,...

HBO has announced that its Original comedy series, The Franchise, will debut on Sunday, October 6, at 10:00 p.m. Et/Pt. The series will be available on HBO and Max.

The Franchise follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe.

The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every mess-up has an origin story.

The cast includes Himesh Patel as Daniel, Aya Cash as Anita, Jessica Hynes as Steph, Billy Magnussen as Adam, Lolly Adefope as Dag, Darren Goldstein as Pat, and Isaac Powell as Bryson. The recurring guest stars include Richard E. Grant as Peter and Daniel Brühl as Eric.

The executive producers are Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Brown, and Julie Pastor for Neal Street Productions...

HBO has set Sunday, October 6 for the premiere of Sam Mendes and Armando Iannuccci’s comedy series The Franchise. The streamer also released the official teaser trailer which can be viewed above.

Created and executive produced by Jon Brown, The Franchise follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every f*ck-up has an origin story.

Cast includes Himesh Patel as Daniel, Aya Cash as Anita, Jessica Hynes as Steph, Billy Magnussen as Adam, Lolly Adefope as Dag, Darren Goldstein as Pat, and Isaac Powell as Bryson. Recurring guest stars include Richard E. Grant as Peter and Daniel Brühl as Eric.

In addition to Brown, The Franchise will be exec produced by Iannucci,...

Aya Cash has now gone from playing a twisted superhero in “The Boys” to taking on the satire of actually making superhero movies in Hollywood.

Cash appears in “Veep” creator Armando Iannucci’s latest HBO series “The Franchise,” which follows a Hollywood crew as they try to revitalize the superhero genre. Sound familiar amid the rumblings of Marvel fatigue? Well, Warner Bros. Discovery (Aka parent company of DC) has never strayed away from making fun of itself…

The official logline for “The Franchise” reads: “The series follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every fuck-up has an origin story.”

Alongside Cash, Himesh Patel, Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope,...

Palisades Park Pictures has secured a distribution deal with Entertainment Film Distributors (Efd) for U.K. rights to “The Magic Faraway Tree,” an adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s novel.

The family adventure feature stars Andrew Garfield (“The Amazing Spider-Man”), Claire Foy (“The Crown”), Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton”), Jessica Gunning (“Baby Reindeer”), Jennifer Saunders (“Absolutely Fabulous”) and Rebecca Ferguson (“Dune”).

Ben Gregor (“Britannia”) directs from a script by Simon Farnaby (“Paddington 2”). Currently in production, the film follows a modern family relocating to the English countryside, where the children discover a magical tree with eccentric inhabitants. At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands and, through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.

Pippa Harris (“1917”) and Nicolas Brown (“Penny Dreadful”) of Neal Street Productions produce alongside Danny Perkins...

‘Dune’ and ‘Mission: Impossible’s’ Rebecca Ferguson has been set to join the cast of the Enid Blyton adaptation ‘The Magic Faraway Tree.’

Ferguson will play the story’s terrifying headmistress, Dame Snap, one of Blyton’s most iconic villains.

Ferguson joins the cast which, as previously announced, includes two-time Academy Award-nominee, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Tony Winner Andrew Garfield and Golden Globe and two-time Emmy Award-winner Claire Foy. Also previously announced cast are Jennifer Saunders as the kids’ ruthless Grandma, Nicola Coughlan who is cast as the beloved woodland fairy Silky, and British icons Sirs Lenny Henry, Michael Palin and Simon Russell Beale.

Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, the story follows Polly and Tim Thompson and their children, Beth, Joe and Fran, who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric occupants.

Rebecca Ferguson, star of the Dune films and The Greatest Showman, has joined the cast of The Magic Faraway Tree, as production moves from the UK to Malta.

The Swedish actor plays Dame Snap, the villainous headmistress in Enid Blyton’s classic children’s story of the same name on which the film is based.

Ferguson completes the cast, which includes Claire Foy, Andrew Garfield, Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, Simon Russell Beale and Jennifer Saunders. Shooting has been taking place this summer in the south of England and at Shinfield Studios.

Ben Gregor directs the UK project,...

Rebecca Ferguson has signed on to star in the upcoming film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree.

Ferguson has joined the cast in the role of Dame Snap, the story’s terrifying headmistress.

The film is currently shooting in England at Shinfield Studios. Adapted by BAFTA Award-winner Simon Farnaby, the movie is directed by Ben Gregor.

The film is produced by Academy Award-nominee Pippa Harris and Nicolas Brown of Neal Street Productions, along with Danny Perkins (Greatest Days) of Elysian Film Group, and Jane Hooks. Executive Producers include Ashland Hill Media Finance’s Simon Williams, Joe Simpson, Jonathan Bross, and Palisades Park Pictures’ Tamara Birkemoe.

Ashland Hill Media Finance is fully financing The Magic Faraway Tree. Palisades Park Pictures is handling worldwide sales, with CAA Media Finance co-repping US rights.

Exclusive: Limonero Films has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Blue Carbon, an innovative environmental-themed documentary produced by Make Waves Media that features the participation of Grammy-nominated music producer and DJ Jayda Guy, Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, and Brazilian musician Seu Jorge. Limonero, based in London and Barcelona, will launch sales of the film at Sunny Side of the Doc, the world’s largest documentary-focused market, which kicks off today in La Rochelle, France.

Blue Carbon, directed by Emmy and BAFTA-winning filmmaker Nicolas Brown (The Serengeti Rules) and executive produced by Oscar-nominated director Fernando Meirelles and Sarah Macdonald, premiered on CNN earlier this year.

‘Blue Carbon’

“Filmed in the USA, Senegal, Vietnam, France, Colombia and Brazil, the documentary explores the relatively newly-discovered potential of oceans to absorb much more carbon from the atmosphere than even tropical rainforests,” notes a description of the documentary. “This ‘Blue Carbon’ as scientists are now calling it,...

Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie and Jessica Gunning have joined the cast of the upcoming film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s classic, ‘The Magic Faraway Tree.’

Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, the story follows Polly and Tim Thompson and their children, Beth, Joe and Fran, who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric occupants.

The inhabitants of the tree, capable of transporting visitors to fantastical far-off lands, will be played by Coughlan who is cast as beloved woodland fairy Silky, Nonso Anozie as self-appointed group leader Moonface, Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot and Dustin Demri-Burns as Saucepan Man. Rounding out the cast of the magical denizens of the woodlands will be Mark Heap as Mr. Oom Boom Boom and Oliver Chris as Mr. Watzisname.

Also in news – Cillian Murphy...

Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie and Jessica Gunning have joined the cast of the upcoming adaptation of Enid Blyton’s “The Magic Faraway Tree.”

Coughlan (“Bridgerton”) will portray the woodland fairy Silky, joined by Anozie (“Ted Lasso”) as Moonface. Gunning (“Baby Reindeer”) takes on the role of Dame Washalot, with Dustin Demri-Burns (“Slow Horses”) as Saucepan Man. Mark Heap (“Friday Night Dinner”) will play Mr. Oom Boom Boom, and Oliver Chris (“Trying”) Mr. Watzisname.

The film, based on Blyton’s beloved “The Faraway Tree” series, follows the Thompson family as they move to the English countryside and discover a magical tree. The fantastical tree’s residents transport visitors to distant lands, setting the stage for a series of whimsical adventures.

Adding to the star-studded cast, British icons Lenny Henry, Michael Palin and Simon Russell Beale will portray mystical wise men from the Land of Know-Alls. Previously announced cast members include Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield.

Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, and Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer) have signed on to star in The Magic Faraway Tree, the upcoming Enid Blyton adaptation from Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group and Ashland Hill Media Finance.

Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, The Magic Faraway Tree follows Polly and Tim Thompson and their children, Beth, Joe, and Fran, who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric occupants. Ben Gregor (Britannia) is directing the feature.

Coughlan has been cast as the woodland fairy Silky, Anozie is the self-appointed group leader Moonface, and Gunning is Dame Washalot. The cast is rounded out by Dustin Demri-Burns as the Saucepan Man, Mark Heap as Mr.

Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy are to reunite to star in the adaptation of Enid Blyton’s ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’.

Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, the project follows Polly and Tim and their children Beth, Joe and Fran – a modern family who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside.

Soon after the family arrives in the countryside, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot and Saucepan Man. At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands and, through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learn to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.

Garfield will play Tim while Foy takes on the role of Polly. The pair have previously starred together in Andy Serkis’ 2017 offering ‘Breath’.

Also...

Enid Blyton adaptation The Magic Faraway Tree has found key cast in the shape of two-time Oscar nominee Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider Man) and two-time Emmy winner Claire Foy (All of Us Strangers).

Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group and Ashland Hill Media Finance are behind the movie which is being adapted by BAFTA-winner Simon Farnaby (Paddington 2) and will be directed by Ben Gregor (Britannia).

Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, the feature will follow Polly and Tim and their children Beth, Joe and Fran – a modern family who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. Garfield will play Tim and Foy will take on the role of Polly.

Soon after the family’s arrival in the countryside, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot and Saucepan Man. At the top of the tree,...

Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy will lead the film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s children’s classic The Magic Faraway Tree.

The story from the author, based on her The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, follows Polly and Tim and their children Beth, Joe and Fran — a modern family who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside.

Two-time Academy Award-nominee Andrew Garfield (Tick, Tick…Boom!, Hacksaw Ridge) will play Tim and two-time Emmy Award-winner Claire Foy (All of Us Strangers, The Crown) will take on the role of Polly.

Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group, and Ashland Hill Media Finance will produce, with principal photography to begin in June 2024 and additional casting currently underway.

Screenwriter Simon Farnaby, British star of Wonka and Paddington 2, said: “To have two actors of the quality of Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy is a dream for any screenwriter.”

“I have long admired their warmth,...

Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy have joined the cast of magical family adventure feature “The Magic Faraway Tree,” based on Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s classic.

The film — from Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group and Ashland Hill Media Finance — has been adapted by BAFTA winner Simon Farnaby (“Wonka” and “Paddington 2”) and will be directed by Ben Gregor. Palisades Park Pictures are handling sales in Cannes. Principal photography will begin in June, with additional casting currently underway.

Based on “The Faraway Tree” series of novels for children, “The Magic Faraway Tree” follows Polly (Foy) and Tim (Garfield) and their children Beth, Joe and Fran — a modern family who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. Soon after the family’s arrival in the countryside, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot and Saucepan Man.

U.S. and U.K.-based global sales outfit Palisades Park Pictures has revealed a star-studded slate for Hong Kong’s film rights market FilMart.

John Travolta, Katherine Heigl and Christopher Walken lead romantic comedy “That’s Amore!,” which is in pre-production. Written and directed by “Green Book” writer Nick Vallelonga, the film follows two emotionally damaged people who attempt to date one another, and when their families get involved, comedy ensues.

The producers are Vallelonga (Vallelonga Prods.), Cassian Elwes (Elevated Films), Brenda Emmett and Vince Emmett (American Troubadours), David Polemeni; Tamara Birkemoe and Mark Damon, for Palisades Park Pictures, serve as executive producers.

Director Phillip Noyce has completed action-thriller “Fast Charlie,” starring Pierce Brosnan, Morena Baccarin and James Caan, and adapted from Victor Gischler’s novel “Gun Monkeys” by Richard Wenk (“The Equalizer”).

Brosnan plays Charlie Swift, a hitman who has been working for his aging mob boss, Stan (Caan), for two decades.

Exclusive: UK Director Ben Gregor says his upcoming adaptation of Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree will tap into children’s post-pandemic anxiety and retreat into screens as it celebrates the joy of being outdoors in nature, in a subtext that will chime with parents worldwide.

Wonka and Paddington 2 actor and writer Simon Farnaby’s screenplay transposes Blyton’s 1943 classic – about the adventures of three children who discover a magic tree in an enchanted wood – to modern Britain.

The new version will revive the tree’s ragbag collection of characters such as Moonface, Saucepan Man, Dame Washalot, Silky, Angry Pixie and Mister Watzisname as well as the lands at the top of the tree including the Land of Goodies and the Land of Birthdays.

For its contemporary reboot, the three protagonists are uprooted from their hi-tech home in an ultra-modern London Nine Elms-Battersea Power Station-style development to a ramshackle...

Exclusive: The long-gestating modern-day movie adaptation of Enid Blyton’s children’s classic The Magic Faraway Tree has got fresh impetus with new financiers and creatives aboard and a start date lined up for June of this year.

Elysian Film Group and Neal Street Productions are behind the project which is scripted by BAFTA winner Simon Farnaby, riding high off the success of box office hit Wonka, which he co-wrote with Paul King.

Ben Gregor (Britannia) is newly aboard to direct the feature, based on the book series by beloved British author Blyton, also known for creating hit kids properties such as Noddy and Famous Five.

Casting is in process on the film, which will be repped for worldwide sales at next month’s EFM by Tamara Birkemoe’s US and UK-based Palisades Park Pictures. CAA Media Finance is co-repping domestic.

Updated for a contemporary audience, The...

Silent protagonists are an interesting part of media. They can be found everywhere — in video games, tv shows, movies, and more. It isn’t often that an anime protagonist takes on this role, but there are a few notable exceptions. From Dororo’s Hyakkimaru to the lovable titular protagonist of Komi Can’t Communicate, silent protagonists in anime come in many forms.

Some are typical dandere characters and remain quiet due to shyness or social anxiety, while others are physically unable to speak for various reasons, and some simply just don’t want to. No matter the reason, the silent heroes of anime make for some of the most unique characters of all time, and many have become iconic over the years.

Related: 10 Manga That Hit Different After Watching The Anime

Nanako Yukishiro (Senryu Girl)

On the outside, Senryu Girl's cute and cheerful protagonist, Nanako Yukishiro, looks like any other ordinary girl.

Micheal Ward, Sam Mendes and Olivia Colman on the set of ‘Empire of Light’

HBO’s greenlit The Franchise, a new comedy that delves into the world of superhero films. Oscar winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty) directed the series’ pilot, and Emmy winner Jon Brown (Succession) writes and guides the half-hour comedy as showrunner.

“With a deft touch only he can bring, Sam has brilliantly captured the romance and the reality of filmmaking today. Jon is superb at sending up worlds we think we already know. Together, with Armando [Iannucci], they have delivered a truly hilarious comedy ensemble. I can’t wait to see more,” stated Amy Gravitt, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO & Max Comedy Series.

The series stars Himesh Patel as Daniel, Aya Cash as Anita, Jessica Hynes as Steph, Billy Magnussen as Adam, Lolly Adefope as Dag, Darren Goldstein as Pat, and Isaac Powell as Bryson.

HBO has greenlit Sam Mendes and Armando Iannucci’s superhero movie-making comedy series The Franchise amid the ongoing industry strikes.

As per Variety, The Franchise is set within the chaotic world of superhero movie-making. Created by Mendes and Armando Iannucci, the series will feature stars such as Himesh Patel, Aya Cash, Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope, Darren Goldstein, Isaac Powell, Richard E. Grant, and Daniel Brühl.

Related: The Righteous Gemstones' Latest Scandal Could Break the Church

In a statement about the series, Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO programming, and head of HBO and Max comedy series, expressed her excitement, saying, “With a deft touch only he can bring, Sam has brilliantly captured the romance and the reality of filmmaking today. Jon is superb at sending up worlds we think we already know. Together, with Armando, they have delivered a truly hilarious comedy ensemble. I can’t wait to see more.

Himesh Patel and Aya Cash will star, with UK writer Jon Brown as showrunner.

HBO has ordered a comedy series about the world of superhero movie-making with Sam Mendes and Armando Iannucci as executive producers.

The Franchise will star Himesh Patel and Aya Cash as regulars, with recurring guest stars including Richard E Grant and Daniel Bruhl.

The series will follow the crew of an unloved franchise movie as they fight for their place in a savage cinematic universe.

Patel, a Screen Star of Tomorrow from 2019, was previously in the HBO Max drama series Station Eleven – for which he was...

The television crossover you’ve been waiting for is finally happening, though not in the way you’d expect. HBO is green-lighting The Franchise, a half-hour comedy series taking us behind the scenes of a fictional struggling superhero movie. Aiming at makers of superhero cinema like DC Studios and Marvel Studios, The Franchise explores the concept of superhero fatigue through comedy and the arduous task of creating in the contentious superhero space.

Here’s the official description of The Franchise: “The crew of an unloved franchise movie fight for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. The Franchise shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every f*ck-up has an origin story.”

Himesh Patel (Yesterday) and Aya Cash (You’re the Worst) star in The Franchise, with Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen,...

“The Franchise,” a half-hour comedy series from Sam Mendes, Armando Iannucci and Jon Brown, has been picked up to series by HBO.

According to its logline, the show follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie as they fight for their place in a “savage and unruly cinematic universe” and shines a light on “the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking.”

The series stars Himesh Patel as Daniel and Aya Cash as Anita, Jessica Hynes as Steph, Billy Magnussen as Adam, Lolly Adefope as Dag, Darren Goldstein as Pat, and Isaac Powell as Bryson. Recurring guest stars include Richard E. Grant as Peter and Daniel Brühl as Eric.

Patel is repped by 42, WME, and attorney Greg Slewett. Cash is repped by UTA, Industry, and attorney Paul Hastings.

In addition to Mendes, Brown and Iannucci, “The Franchise” is executive produced by Pippa Harris, Nicolas Brown, and Julie Pastor for...

HBO has picked up to series The Franchise pilot, a half-hour comedy that takes a wry look at superhero movie-making, from Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, Veep and Avenue 5 creator Armando Iannucci and writer Jon Brown.

Work on the pilot was completed before the SAG-AFTRA strike began, and production on the series will not begin until the strikes have concluded.

Himesh Patel and Aya Cash have joined as series regulars on the comedy, which revolves around on the crew of an unloved franchise movie who fight for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. The Franchise shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking to ask the question: How exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every f*ckup has an origin story.

Patel and Cash are featured in the pilot, but their roles never were announced. Previously announced cast includes series regulars Jessica Hynes,...

HBO has ordered Sam Mendes and Armando Iannucci’s superhero movie-making comedy “The Franchise” to series.

Himesh Patel and Aya Cash star alongside previously announced cast Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope, Darren Goldstein, Isaac Powell, Richard E. Grant and Daniel Brühl.

Jon Brown wrote the pilot and serves as showrunner, while Mendes directs.

In “The Franchise,” “the crew of an unloved franchise movie fight for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe.” Per the logline, the series “shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every fuck-up has an origin story.”

Executive producers include “Veep” creator Iannucci for Dundee Productions; Mendes, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Brown and Julie Pastor for Neal Street Productions; and Brown and Jim Kleverweis.

Work on the pilot was completed before the actors strike began on...

HBO is going to tackle superhero fatigue.

The company has greenlit a half-hour comedy series, The Franchise, going behind-the-scenes of a fictional struggling superhero movie.

The official description: “The crew of an unloved franchise movie fight for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. The Franchise shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every fuck-up has an origin story.”

The series stars Himesh Patel (Yesterday) and Aya Cash (You’re the Worst) along with Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope, Darren Goldstein, Isaac Powell, Richard E. Grant and Daniel Brühl.

The Franchise is from Sam Mendes (Skyfall) along with Armando Iannucci (Veep) and showunner Jon Brown (Succession, Veep).

“With a deft touch only he can bring, Sam has brilliantly captured the romance and the reality of filmmaking today,” said Amy Gravitt,...

BBC drama “Informer,” which originally starred Paddy Considine, Bel Powley and Nabhaan Rizwan, is getting a German adaptation.

Production has begun in Hamburg, Germany, on “Informant,” an adaptation of the All3Media International scripted format, which was BAFTA-nominated. The BBC One show was executive produced by Sam Mendes, who produced via his production outfit Neal Street Productions.

The six-part German thriller is being produced by filmpool fiction (part of All3Media Deutschland) for Ndr, Ard Degeto, Arte and Nrk (Norway). The show is expected to debut in fall 2024.

Starring Jürgen Vogel (“Trust Me”), Elisa Schlott (“Das Boot”) and Ivar Wafaei (“Rheingold”), “Informant” tells the story of how the ‘war on terror’ and indications of an attack on the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg plunges people into a maelstrom of fear, prejudice and hysteria.

The cast also includes Gabriela Maria Schmeide, Bayan Layla, Claudia Michelsen, Sabrina Ceesay, Nico Holonics, Ali Reza Ahmadi and Majid Bakhtiari.

Adaptation

“Tabby McTat,” the lively children’s story by writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, is set to get the BBC treatment with a new adaptation by longtime Donaldson/Scheffler collaborators Magic Light Pictures. “Doctor Who” star Jodie Whittaker will narrate the tale about a cat who gets separated from his owner while Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú (“Gangs of London”) will voice Tabby. Other stars lending their voices to the short include Rob Brydon (“Gavin and Stacey”), Cariad Lloyd (“Peep Show”), Joanna Scanlan (“The Thick of It”) and Susan Wokoma (“Enola Holmes”).

“Superworm” directors Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman will helm the project, which was written by Max Lang and Suzanne Lang. Barney Goodland and Michael Rose of Magic Light Pictures will produce. BBC chief content office Charlotte Moore and BBC drama commissioning editor Nawfal Faizullah acquired the film for the BBC. Red Star Studio will provide animation services.

Disney Season...

Cannes — Two personal stories, one of immigration, another of sheer human decency, won out against some stiff competition at MipTV on Sunday, sharing in a dead heat the Buyers Coup de Coeur at the first MipDoc International Buyer Screenings.

A bold experiment, the Screenings saw MipTV allocate he prime market real estate of mid Sunday afternoon traditionally reserved for a drama showcase to documentaries, taking in features, TV specials and series.

In industrial terms the winners could hardly be more different. “The Caravan” is made by Cabal Films, a small Barcelona independent; the three-episode “Prison Project” is produced by Sweden’s Svt in co-production with other public broadcasters in Finland (Yle), Norway (Nrk) and Denmark (Dr).

Turning on a young mother in a human caravan of 7,000 emigrants from Central America and a prison experiment in Pensylvannia, the two documentaries also underscored how documentaries know no geographic boundaries in focus.

MipDoc...

The cast has been set for Sam Mendes’ upcoming HBO comedy pilot “The Franchise,” which is set in the world of franchise moviemaking.

Billy Magnussen (“No Time to Die”) will star as Adam, Jessica Hynes (“Spaced”) as Steph, Darren Goldstein (“The Affair”) as Pat, Lolly Adefpoe (“Ghosts”) as Dag and Isaac Powell (“Dear Evan Hansen”) as Bryson. Daniel Brühl and Richard E. Grant are also set in recurring roles.

Based on an idea by Mendes, the story follows a hopeful crew trapped inside the dysfunctional, nonsensical, joyous hellscape of franchise superhero movie-making. If and when they finally make the day, questions still loom: Is this Hollywood’s new dawn or cinema’s last stand? Is this a dream factory or a chemical plant?

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‘Los Espookys’ Co-Creator Julio Torres’ New Series ‘Little Films’ Moving Forward at HBO

“Veep” and “Avenue 5” alum Armando Iannucci serves as executive producer, while Jon Brown is showrunner,...

Click here to read the full article.

HBO has found the main cast for the Sam Mendes-directed comedy pilot The Franchise.

The pilot, which will mark Mendes’ first time directing for U.S. television, is set against the backdrop of the production of a superhero movie. Billy Magnussen (Game Night, Made for Love), Jessica Hynes (Spaced), Darren Goldstein (Ozark), Lolly Adefope (Shrill) and Isaac Powell (American Horror Story) star, and Daniel Brühl (Inglourious Basterds) and Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) will have recurring roles should The Franchise go to series.

The Franchise, per the show’s description will follow “a hopeful crew trapped inside the dysfunctional, nonsensical, joyous hellscape of franchise superhero movie-making. If and when they finally make the day, the question they must face — is this Hollywood’s new dawn or cinema’s last stand? Is this a dream factory or a chemical plant?...

HBO’s comedy pilot about the making of a franchise superhero movie has set its main cast, Variety has learned.

Billy Magnussen, Jessica Hynes, Darren Goldstein, Lolly Adefope, and Isaac Powell have been cast as series regulars, while Daniel Brühl and Richard E. Grant have been cast in recurring guest star roles in the pilot, which is titled “The Franchise.”

Per the official logline, the project follows “a hopeful crew trapped inside the dysfunctional, nonsensical, joyous hellscape of franchise superhero movie-making. If and when they finally make the day, the question they must face — is this Hollywood’s new dawn or cinema’s last stand? Is this a dream factory or a chemical plant?”

The pilot was originally commissioned at HBO in August. According to an individual with knowledge of the project, Sam Mendes came up with the original idea for the show and put the project together. Jon Brown...

The Franchise, a comedy pilot for HBO that takes a wry look at superhero moviemaking, has found its cast.

The project from Sam Mendes and Armando Iannucci has cast Billy Magnussen, Jessica Hynes, Darren Goldstein, Lolly Adefope and Isaac Powell as series regulars and Daniel Brühl and Richard E. Grant as recurring guest stars.

Related: 2022 HBO Pilots & Series Orders

The Franchise follows a hopeful crew trapped inside the dysfunctional, nonsensical, joyous hellscape of franchise superhero moviemaking. If and when they finally make the day, there’s a question they must face: Is this Hollywood’s new dawn or cinema’s last stand? Is this a dream factory or a chemical plant?

The series comes from the mind of Mendes and marks the Empire of Light and 1917 helmer’s first U.S. TV directorial project.

Magnussen (Made for Love) plays Adam, Hynes (W1A) plays Steph, Goldstein (Ozark) plays Pat, Adefope (Ghosts) is Dag,...

YouTube Original doc “The Letter: A Message For Our Earth,” a call to action for climate change from Pope Francis, will have its U.K. and Ireland premiere on environmental and sustainability channel EarthxTV.

The film is inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si,’ a 42,000-word letter in which Pope Francis calls for the people of the world to take “swift and unified global action” against global warming. It features personal experiences from the poor, the indigenous, the young and the wildlife, whose everyday lives have been profoundly impacted by global warming. It also tracks the travels of four people from Senegal, the Amazon, India, and Hawaii, who bring new perspectives, findings and solutions to address environmental challenges and the film aims to raise public awareness of the planetary crisis and create a global movement.

The doc is directed by Emmy-winning director Nicolas Brown (“Serengeti Rules”) and produced by Off The Fence,...

CNN unveiled its slate of series and films planned for 2023, as the original projects unit prepares to scale back and take production in house.

The lineup of original series includes Giuliani: What Happened to America’s Mayor?, debuting on Jan. 8, as well as United States of Scandal with Jake Tapper and another devoted to the history of Las Vegas. Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, and Mark Herzog also return with another in their “decades” projects, this one focusing on the 2010s.

But the lineup will look far different in coming years, as the network announced in October that it was pulling back on original series and films, ending collaborations with outside partners. Most of the projects on the slate were in the works before the decision was made.

Amy Entelis, executive vice president for talent and content development for CNN Worldwide, said in a statement, “Our CNN Original Series and CNN...

Exclusive: UK outfit Make Waves (The Great Green Wall) and science-focused U.S. producer Hhmi Tangled Bank Studios (All That Breathes) are teaming on feature-length documentary Blue Carbon (working title), an environmentally-focused musical piece fronted by Grammy-nominated producer and DJ Jayda G with music from Wu-Tang leader RZA and Brazilian artist Seu Jorge.

Nicolas Brown (The Serengeti Rules) is directing and executive producer is City Of God and The Two Popes filmmaker Fernando Meirelles. A North American pre-sale is being finalized.

Pic is being co-produced with Hhmi Tangled Bank Studios and supported by Conservation International alongside a number of European broadcasters, including Ndr which has pre-bought German rights.

Blue Carbon is the term given to three coastal ecosystems – seagrass meadows, mangroves and tidal marshes – that fringe most continents. Some of these ecosystems can sequester from the atmosphere up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical forests.

The feature will be fronted by producer,...

Netflix announced Sunday that it is starting development on seven new shows that will be filmed in the U.K., with Andy Serkis, Rowan Atkinson and “1917” director Sam Mendes among the attached talent.

The shows will be developed by the streamer’s vice president of U.K. Original Series, Anne Mensah and will be produced alongside upcoming seasons of shows like “The Crown” and “Sex Education.”

“Setting up a team entirely based in the U.K. was always about being able to better connect to the fantastic program makers we have here — to provide a space for writers, producers, directors and actors that feels local, friendly and familiar but also provides talent the opportunity to make shows that will impact on a global scale. U.K.-made stories really do speak to the world,” Mensah said in a statement.

Among the upcoming projects are: “Man vs. Bee,” a slapstick...

Netflix has announced that it will produce seven new original scripted series in the UK, ranging from horror to science fiction, love stories to physical comedy.

All of the shows will be written and produced in the UK. The Original Series team is led by VP UK Anne Mensah.

“Setting up a team entirely based in the UK was always about being able to better connect to the fantastic program-makers we have here,” Mensah said. “To provide a space for writers, producers, directors and actors that feels local, friendly and familiar but also provides talent the opportunity to make shows that will impact on a global scale. UK-made stories really do speak to the world.

“I couldn’t be more excited by the mix of people who are now producing for Netflix. Alongside these new commissions, we have projects in development with a range of amazing creators including Andrew “Rapman” Onwubolu,...

“Mulan” director Niki Caro has closed a deal to direct “Beautiful Ruins” for Amblin Partners, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.

In February, Amblin announced that they were re-teaming with Neal Street Productions to make the film, following their collaboration on “1917,” which won three Academy Awards and has so far earned $375 million at the worldwide box office. Neal Street’s Pippa Harris, Sam Mendes and Julie Pastor will produce “Beautiful Ruins.” Nicolas Brown is executive producing.

Based on the New York Times bestseller written by Jess Walter, the story centers on a charming young man in an Italian seaside village in 1962, who runs a hotel with no guests, until one day an American starlet, fresh from the set of “Cleopatra,” appears and captures his heart. Five decades later in Hollywood, a jaded assistant to a once-powerhouse producer gets caught up in the magic of the Italian’s story,...

Amblin Partners has closed a deal with Niki Caro to direct “Beautiful Ruins,” sources tell Variety.

The story is set in an Italian seaside village in 1962, where a charming young man runs a hotel with no guests, until one day an American starlet, fresh from the set of “Cleopatra,” appears and captures his heart. Five decades later in Hollywood, a jaded assistant to a once-powerhouse producer gets caught up in the magic of the Italian’s story, and takes it upon herself to find a happy ending.

Following the success of “1917,” which won three Academy Awards and has so far earned $375 million at the worldwide box office, Amblin announced that it would re-team with Neal Street Productions to make the film. Neal Street’s Pippa Harris, Sam Mendes and Julie Pastor will produce, with Nicolas Brown executive producing.

Based on the New York Times bestseller written by Jess Walter,...

In today’s TV news roundup, Apple TV Plus released the trailer for its sport docuseries “Greatness Code,” and Disney Channel announced a crossover special featuring “Raven’s Home” and “Bunk’d.”

Casting

Freeform has announced Leslie Odom Jr, Nicolette Robinson, Tommy Dorfman, Rainey Qualley, Gil Bellows, Rya Kihlstedt, Ava Bellows and L. Scott Caldwell will be joining the cast of “Love in the Time of Corona.” The four-part limited series follows four interwoven stories about the hopeful search for love and connection during this time of quarantine. The series, from executive producers Joanna Johnson, Christine Sacani and Robyn Meisinger of Anonymous Content, began production this month in Los Angeles. “Love in the Time of Corona” is set to premiere in August.

Fox News Channel (Fnc) has announced Will Cain as co-host of “Fox and Friends Weekend.” Cain is set to make his official debut on Aug. 15 alongside co-hosts Jedediah Bila and Pete Hegseth.