Netflix Cancels Animated Series By Meghan Markle As It Cuts Back On Operations

Last month, it was revealed that Netflix had lost subscribers for the first time in a decade, and that it was downsizing its animation team as it expected numbers to decline even further in the near future.

Now, the streaming giant has axed the production of upcoming title Pearl, an animated series created by royal Meghan Markle that was announced last year, which centers around the adventures of a 12-year-old girl who’s inspired by influential women throughout history.

According to the BBC, the company’s recent setbacks have cost it over US$50 billion in market value, forcing it to cancel projects in the works, including the show by Archewell Productions, a firm formed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 

At the time of launch, as per The Guardian, Markle had been credited as the series’ executive producer, and was collaborating with well-known producers David Furnish and Carolyn Soper on the show, which was slated to become the royals’ first animated offering since their departure from the British royal family. 

Despite this, Netflix has confirmed that it will continue on other Archewell Productions works, including a documentary series on the Invictus Games—a sports competition for injured veterans founded by Prince Harry. 

[via BBC and The Guardian, cover image via Lorna Roberts | Dreamstime.com]