Netflix ends animated series with Megan Markle

The axe continues to swing at Netflix following its recent subscriber losses and share downturn.

Deadline reports Netflix has quietly dropped Pearl, the working title of an animated series that was created by Meghan Markle through Archewell Productions.

Pearl, which Markle exec produced with David Furnish, was announced with fanfare, described as a family series that centres on the adventures of a 12-year-old girl who finds inspiration in a variety of influential women throughout history.

The project was still at the development stage, and Netflix retains its deal with Archewell for a number of projects, including the upcoming documentary series Heart of Invictus.

Netflix also dumped two other kids animated series last week that were in production — Dino Daycare from Ada Twist, Scientist executive producer Chris Nee, and the South Asian-inspired adventure Boons and Curses. Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that creative impasses on each show led to the decision to scrap them.

The company also laid off about 25 people across its marketing operation, and just canceled its comedy Space Force after two seasons.