Hulu Secures U.S. Rights for StudioCanal Series ‘Paris Has Fallen’ – Deadline
Hulu has secured the U.S. rights to "Paris Has Fallen," a series based on Gerard Butler’s Has Fallen film franchise. The drama, featuring Spiral actor Tewfik Jallab, is set to premiere on Hulu later this year following its successful debut in France, where it has become one of the top original series on Canal+.
In addition to Hulu, StudioCanal has inked deals for "Paris Has Fallen" with other platforms such as Amazon Prime Video in the UK and Ireland, and SBS in Australia. This eight-part series, a co-production with ZDF, will also be available in Germany. The show is a collaborative effort between StudioCanal, Urban Myth Films, Millennium Media, Butler’s G-BASE, and Eclectic Pictures.
The storyline of "Paris Has Fallen" revolves around Vincent Taleb, played by Tewfik Jallab, a protection officer to a French Minister who becomes the target of a terror group led by the villain Jacob. Vincent teams up with MI6 operative Zara, portrayed by Ritu Arya, to ensure the politician’s safety. However, they soon uncover a larger conspiracy, suspecting a security service colleague of aiding Jacob in his mission to destabilize Paris.
Anne Chérel, StudioCanal’s chief commercial officer, emphasized the significance of the Has Fallen franchise for Hulu, highlighting the familiarity and appeal it holds for audiences. Chloe Marquet, StudioCanal’s head of international sales for films and TV series, described the series as a modern take on the classic action genre, drawing in viewers with a penchant for such films.
Looking ahead, Chérel expressed hopes for the continuation of the "Has Fallen" series, contingent on its success in France and other regions. The plan includes exploring different cities for future installments, leveraging the diverse urban landscapes to enrich the narrative.
Apart from "Paris Has Fallen," StudioCanal is showcasing other titles at Cannes, including "Playing Nice," an adaptation of JP Delaney’s novel starring James Norton and Niamh Algar, and "A Better Place," a German series that explores the concept of a world without prisons.
The production team behind "Paris Has Fallen" includes Johnny Capps, Julian Murphy, and Overman for Urban Myth, with oversight from G-Base, Millenium, and Eclectic Pictures. The series has also secured distribution deals across various territories, ensuring its availability to audiences worldwide.