Netflix cancels new $100 million series

Update: T3 can confirm that Netflix has decided to not progress with several animated series at the streaming service, including Pearl from Meghan Markle and Archewell Productions.

Netflix will continue to work with Archewell Productions with Heart of Invictus, a new docu-series from Oscar-award winners Orlando Von Einsiedel And Joanna Natasegara, expected to be the next project from the pair's partnership. It will "tell human stories and the resilient spirit behind the Invictus Games", according to the press release from Netflix. 

Original Story: Netflix has decided to no longer go forward with a new animated series from Archewell Productions, the organisation established by Megan Markle and Prince Harry.

As originally reported by Deadline, the show – tentatively named Pearl – was set to be the first animation project from the duo's new company and was created by the Duchess of Sussex. It was originally announced in July 2021 and was set to be the first project as part of a multi-year deal between Netflix and the royals – a deal that is said to be worth approximately $100 million, according to reports. 

Pearl was said to be a family-friendly series that focused on the adventures of a 12-year-old girl who finds inspiration from a variety of influential women throughout history. Amanda Rynda, best known for The Loud House and DC Super Hero Girls, was set to serve as showrunner, while Markle would have executive produced along with Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan, David Furnish and Carolyn Soper.

"Like many girls her age, our heroine Pearl is on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to overcome life’s daily challenges," Markle said, at the time of the show's announcement.

"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."

T3 has reached out to Netflix for comment. 

Netflix is pulling no punches at the minute, no matter whether you're royalty or not. Most recently, it cancelled the Steve Carell and Greg Daniels workplace comedy Space Force after two seasons. Just prior to that, it also scrapped the Michael B. Jordan-produced superhero show Raising Dion. In fact, Netflix has now cancelled a dozen projects in 2022 with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. 

This all comes in the wake of a major change from the British government that looks set to affect all streaming services, whether it's Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus or otherwise.