HBO’s The Franchise continues its satirical skewering of the superhero movie industry in episode 4, “Scene 83: Enter The Gurgler.” This week, the beleaguered crew of the fictional Tecto film faces new challenges as they grapple with a high-profile cameo and inter-franchise rivalry.
The series, created by Sam Mendes, Armando Iannucci, and Jon Brown, takes aim at the absurdities of blockbuster filmmaking, highlighting the often chaotic behind-the-scenes realities that contrast sharply with the polished final product. While some actors, like Daniel Brühl (who plays the director of the Tecto film), have experienced relatively smooth productions within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, others have witnessed firsthand the kind of dysfunction The Franchise satirizes.
In “Scene 83,” the Tecto crew prepares for a cameo appearance by a major star from the Maximum franchise’s most successful superhero film. This introduction of a character from another property within the same cinematic universe sees much corporate maneuvering and creative clashes to the already stressful production. How the Tecto team tackles this delicate situation, while also dealing with the usual production woes, is likely to be a source of much of the episode’s humor.
The show’s focus on the unsung heroes of the film industry – the crew members who toil away behind the cameras – is one of its strengths. While actors often receive the lion’s share of attention, The Franchise also features the often-overlooked individuals who keep the production moving forward, despite the constant challenges and occasional bouts of absurdity.
The Franchise doesn’t limit its satire to the superhero genre alone; its broader target is the increasingly corporate nature of modern filmmaking, where profit often takes precedence over artistic vision. The show’s humor comes from the recognizable struggles of a creative team trying to maintain some semblance of control amidst studio interference and escalating budgets.
“Scene 83: Enter The Gurgler” airs Sunday, October 27 at 10:00 pm on HBO and streams on Max.
