Veep creator Armando Iannucci has a new TV show in the works for HBO. It is to be titled The Franchise, with Sam Mendes (a man not known for his comedy bona fides) directing the pilot. The show is a behind-the-scenes of making a superhero movie franchise:

It 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?

It sounds like a way less artful conversation about cinema than what we just saw on HBO with the really wonderful Irma Vep.

Iannucci just concluded two seasons of Avenue 5, a sci-fi comedy set on a spaceship for HBO. You know that your show wasn't well-received when you are still known as "Veep Creator Armando Iannucci". You also know you're dealing with an American publication when you are not referred to as "The Thick of It Creator Armando Iannucci".

HBO Orders Superhero Movie-Making Comedy Pilot From ‘Veep’ Creator Armando Iannucci, Sam Mendes
HBO has ordered a comedy pilot about the making of a superhero movie, Variety has learned. The half-hour pilot is titled “The Franchise.” It follows a hopeful crew trapped inside the dy…
VarietyJoe Otterson
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