"Werewolves"
Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, announced it has signed a multi-territory format deal with STUDIOCANAL, Europe's leading film and television production and distribution studio, and pioneering unscripted formats studio Dreamspark for "Werewolves", the gripping strategic reality format based on a cult board game. The deal brings the high-concept social experiment into Banijay Entertainment’s portfolio of next-gen formats, with the group now set to lead adaptations across its international production footprint (US, Australia & NZ, UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Nordics, The Netherlands, Israel, Mexico, Brazil, India).
Adapted from the cult board game, Les Loups-garous de Thiercelieux, created by Philippe des Pallières & Hervé Marly and published by Asmodee, "Werewolves" is a psychological thriller unfolding in real-time. Set in a remote forest village, a group of strangers known as the Villagers compete to win a prize, while hidden amongst them are the Werewolves, a secret set plotting to eliminate players one by one and steal the prize. As tension builds and suspicions arise, the question remains: will the Villagers unmask the Werewolves in time? Originally created and produced by Fary and Panayotis Pascot (Presque Prod) & Arnaud Chautard (JAAD Productions), "Werewolves" brings the classic board game to life for television audiences with an immersive production.
The format quickly became a breakout hit in France on CANAL+, which was instrumental in kicking off the show’s success, and the German adaptation for ARD Mediathek has since launched to strong audience interest and critical praise. STUDIOCANAL and Dreamspark handle the distribution of the format.
Filmed at a purpose-built forest village in France, the production hub is now available for international versions through Banijay Entertainment’s global network of labels. The format is produced in collaboration with Moe Bennani (Dreamspark), with production credits shared between Jaad Productions, Presque Productions and CANAL+. A second season has already been produced and is set to premiere soon on CANAL+.
Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment, praised the format: ‘"Werewolves" is one of the hottest formats on the market, and representing this is a major coup for us at Banijay Entertainment. With its cult board game origins, an atmospheric forest-set production, dramatic strategic gameplay, and dark cinematic undertones, this format is built to travel. It perfectly complements our premium offering, and we’re excited to scale it internationally through our global network of labels," noted.
Meanwhile, Anne Chérel, Chief Commercial Officer of STUDIOCANAL, emphasized the importance of their partnership; ‘We are thrilled to partner with Banijay, a global leader in content production and distribution. "Werewolves" is a powerful and distinctive concept with strong international potential, and we truly believe in its ability to resonate with audiences around the world," expressed.
FInally, Moe Bennani, CEO of Dreamspark, estimated that it will be well received by audiences: "‘After the incredible success of "Werewolves" in France and Germany, we at Dreamspark are proud to announce this partnership with Banijay. Together, we’re giving audiences everywhere the thrill of seeing the world’s most cunning players outwit each other in the legendary "Werewolves" universe," added.
"Werewolves" joins Banijay Entertainment’s premium third-party portfolio heading to Cannes, which includes superbrand "Ninja Warrior" from TBS; musical extravaganza "100" from The Masked Singer creator, Park Wonwoo, of Ditum Korea, alongside ABC Japan (Asahi Broadcasting Group Holdings Corporation); and "Empire of Arkadia" (EOA); unique culinary format "Atypical Critics" from Pixcom International, featuring autistic food critics; and competitive knitting series "The Game of Wool" from Hello Halo for Channel 4.
These titles will be highlighted at MIPCOM 2025, alongside Banijay Entertainment’s all-new slate of original and entertaining formats, including "Let’s Play Ball", "Football Island", "Villa of Temptations", "Foodish", and "Lost and Found in the Lakes".