Sean Penn War Satire Series ‘C*A*U*G*H*T’ Drops Out Of Mipcom Due To Israel-Hamas Conflict; ITV Delaying Launch

Jesse Whittock
·2 min read
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C*A*U*G*H*T, the Sean Penn-starring war satire series, is opting out of next week’s Mipcom Cannes following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.

“In light of the current situation unfolding in Israel, we have taken the decision not to showcase C*A*U*G*H*T at Mipcom this year,” said a spokesman from the show’s distributor, Fremantle. “At this time, our hearts and thoughts are with our colleagues and our partners in Israel, and all those affected.”

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Meanwhile, UK streamer ITVX is delaying its launch of the show, having been due to launch on Thursday (October 12), as we reported last week.

Penn, creator Kick Gurry and Matthew Fox were due to attend the international TV confab next week to promote the show in a Media Mastermind Keynote on October 18 at 12pm local time in France, alongside distributor Fremantle.

However, after Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas launched a significant invasion after breaking through the Gaza-Israeli border. Hundreds of Israelis were killed, including around 260 at a music festival in Re’im promoting peace, with the country’s government declaring a state of emergency and soon responding with a full-scale aerial bombardment of military and strategic targets on the Gaza Strip in retaliation.

Israel has today said the Gaza border is now secure, according to the BBC. Three days after the initial attacks, around 900 Israelis have been killed, while Israeli bombing has hit more than 200 targets in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports 770 have been killed, with more than 4,100 injured by the retaliatory airstrikes. Up to 150 Israelis are being held captive in Gaza, according to the Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations.

C*A*U*G*H*T follows four Australian soldiers on a covert mission in a war-torn country. Mistaken for Americans, they’re captured and produce a hostage video that achieves unexpected viral success, turning them into unlikely celebrities.

Two-time Academy Award winner actor Penn (Milk, Gaslit), who serves as an executive producer (and acts as himself in the series), was due to feature on the panel in at the Palais des Festivales’ Grand Auditorium, alongside Fox (Lost), and Curry (Edge of Tomorrow).

The series was initially ordered by Australian streamer Stan, as we revealed last year. Fremantle has global rights to the series after helping set up the international co-production. John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz’s company, Deeper Water Films, developed with show, working alongside Brendan Donohue and Gurry’s label, Little Bird Films. Cailah Scobie and Amanda Duthie executive produced for Stan.

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