Netflix has axed the Duchess of Sussex's project, Pearl.
The animated show from Archewell Production was one of two projects announced as part of Prince Harry and Meghan's Netflix deal.
Pearl was set to tell the story of a 12 year old girl inspired by influential women from history but Netflix has now scrapped it as part of a strategic decisions the company is making around animated series.
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Back in 2020, the Sussex's signed a multimillion-pound deal with the streaming service, with Meghan set to serve as an executive producer of the animated series. She would work alongside David Furnish, a filmmaker and husband of Sir Elton John, according to the announcement made of the Archewell website last July.
It is understood Netflix has decided not to move forward with development on several projects after it emerged that Netflix lost 200,000 users over the first three months of 2022, falling well short of predictions it would add 2.5 million subscribers.
Competition between streaming services are heating up as Netflix has stumbled in the face of increased competition from the likes of Disney, Amazon Prime and the reopening of cinemas.
The US firm has seen its share value cut in half over the past six months as investors have grown increasingly concerned by the change in fortunes.
While developments for Pearl is not moving forward, Netflix has said Archewell Productions remains a valued partner and they are continuing to work together on a number of projects, including the documentary series Heart Of Invictus.
The show follows people competing at the Invictus Games, and a camera crew was seen close to Harry and Meghan during their time at the event in The Hague, Netherlands, last month.
When Pearl was announced last July, Meghan said: “Like many girls her age, our heroine Pearl is on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to overcome life’s daily challenges.
"I’m thrilled that Archewell Productions, partnered with the powerhouse platform of Netflix, and these incredible producers, will together bring you this new animated series, which celebrates extraordinary women throughout history. David Furnish and I have been eager to bring this special series to light, and I am delighted we are able to announce it today.”
An announcement on the Archewell website, dated July 14 2021, says: “Archewell Productions is creating its first ever animated series with Netflix. Pearl (working title) focuses on a young girl’s heroic adventure as she learns to step into her power and finds inspiration from influential women throughout history.
“Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex will serve as an executive producer of the series alongside David Furnish, Carolyn Soper, Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan and Amanda Rynda.”
According to the Archewell website, Archewell Productions was created by Harry and Meghan “to produce programming that informs, elevates and inspires”. The website – which says Archewell Productions will “utilise the power of storytelling to embrace our shared humanity and duty to truth through a compassionate lens” – lists Heart Of Invictus and Pearl as the two “exciting projects” it has announced.
