Acclaimed satirist Armando Iannucci, known for biting comedies like The Thick of It, Veep, and I’m Alan Partridge, is turning his sharp wit to the world of blockbuster superhero movies in the new Sky Comedy series The Franchise. Co-created with Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes and Succession writer Jon Brown, the show promises a hilarious peek behind the scenes of a fictional superhero sequel packed with A-list talent and clashing egos.
Star-Studded Cast Takes on Superhero Tropes
The Franchise centers on harried first assistant director Daniel, played by Yesterday star Himesh Patel, as he tries to wrangle the movie’s cast and crew. Lolly Adefope (Ghosts) and Jessica Hynes (W1A) play Daniel’s beleaguered colleagues, while Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) and Billy Magnussen (No Time to Die) portray feuding stars playing the film’s heroes.
According to sources close to the production, The Franchise gleefully skewers the excesses and absurdities of big-budget superhero filmmaking, from demanding stars to studio meddling. “Armando has a real knack for finding the humor in big egos and bureaucratic nightmares,” a member of the crew told us. “He’s taking aim at one of the biggest targets in show business and he isn’t pulling any punches.”
Iannucci Brings Trademark Wit to Superhero Satire
Iannucci is no stranger to deflating egos and power dynamics with razor-sharp dialogue and cringe-inducing situations. His previous works have lampooned everything from British politics to American presidential hopefuls. Applying his satirical lens to the superhero industrial complex feels like a natural progression.
With the superhero genre dominating global box office, it was only a matter of time before someone like Iannucci came along to poke fun at the whole enterprise. The possibilities for comedy are endless.
An entertainment industry analyst
British Comedy Talent Shines
In addition to the formidable creative trio of Iannucci, Mendes, and Brown, The Franchise brings together a who’s who of British comedy stars:
- Himesh Patel (Don’t Look Up) as the beleaguered first AD Daniel
- Lolly Adefope (Shrill) as line producer Dag
- Jessica Hynes (Spaced) as production manager Steph
- Richard E. Grant (Loki) as aging action star Peter
- Billy Magnussen (Made for Love) as Peter’s superhero rivalry Adam
It’s an embarrassment of riches in terms of comedic talent. I can’t wait to see how they all bounce off each other and sink their teeth into Iannucci’s barbed dialogue.
A British television critic
Sky Comedy Scores Another Exclusive
As the streaming wars heat up, platforms are competing fiercely for high-profile exclusive comedies to draw in subscribers. Sky Comedy, still a relatively new player, looks to have scored a coup with The Franchise. The show’s pedigree and prestige should help boost the channel’s profile with comedy fans.
The first three episodes of The Franchise are now available to stream on Sky Comedy, with subsequent episodes dropping weekly. Grab some popcorn, don your cape, and get ready for a riotous ride through the absurdities of blockbuster superhero filmmaking, as only Armando Iannucci and friends could imagine it.
