Jacob Van Gundy | Published
There’s no denying that we’re living in an era dominated by big, action-oriented movies based on existing IP, and The Franchise looks to be the perfect parody of that era. The upcoming HBO show just dropped its first trailer and it looks like a fun, comedic parody of modern filmmaking from a unique angle. Following the making of big-budget superhero movies, it seems like a much-needed critique of the industry’s current state.
Franchise It’s a new attempt at satirizing Hollywood superhero movies.
Franchise is a new attempt at satirizing Hollywood superhero blockbusters, forgoing parody to focus on the behind-the-scenes issues of making a modern blockbuster. The trailer places more emphasis on the fictional film’s crew than its cast, with Daniel, the film’s director, appearing to be the show’s protagonist. Technical issues, studio interference, nervous actors, and more are all on full display in the trailer.
Check-out Franchise Your own trailer.
Something like this Franchise It has found the perfect niche in satirizing modern pop culture while simultaneously setting itself apart from other shows doing the same thing. The Boys While it has become a hugely popular parody of superhero movies, especially the MCU, it has rarely touched upon the Hollywood side of the genre, and HBO’s upcoming show looks set to fill that hole in the comedy zeitgeist by making Hollywood itself a comedic target.
By creating a workplace drama on the set of a blockbuster movie Franchise It can also include broader jokes than straightforward parody: While the show is about making a superhero movie, it could also poke fun at blockbusters like: Star Wars and fast and furious Easily as good as the MCU is. Of course, with its workplace comedy premise, there’s plenty of relationship drama and character-driven comedy as well.
By creating a workplace drama on the set of a blockbuster movie Franchise It allows for a much broader range of jokes than direct parody.
Premise Franchise It could also tackle larger issues about Hollywood’s current production system, digging into hot topical issues in the industry like AI, overworked special effects teams, and arbitrary studio regulation. More specific parodies of famous actors and directors would also give the show a unique opportunity for satire.
The upcoming HBO show brings together a cast of British and American actors. Franchise British stars include Himesh Patel, Jessica Hynes and Rory Adefope, all established comedic talents, while the main American cast includes Aya Cash, Billy Magnussen, Darren Goldstein and Isaac Cole Powell.
It’s hard to judge a sitcom based on just one trailer, Franchise The film seems to have a good mix of specific parodies and broader comedic elements — the joke at the beginning of the trailer about there being only 83 days left of filming is a great in-joke that pokes fun at the lengthy production times of modern blockbusters — and the trailer also features jokes about poop and scrotums, suggesting it will also feature some crude, grotesque humor.
There’s a lot of talk about Hollywood’s risk aversion and transition to established brands. Franchise is a comedy that could not be more timely. With audiences becoming increasingly aware of the inner workings of these series, it’s the perfect time for a behind-the-scenes comedy. This exciting new comedy is set to air on HBO on October 6, 2024.
